Mohammad Asif, a Pakistani swing specialist, was a tough challenge for former Indian batsman Robin Uthappa. Asif’s exceptional line and length, combined with his ability to move the ball both ways, made him a tormentor of batsmen worldwide. Asif received high praise from numerous international cricketers, including iconic England batsman Kevin Pietersen and legendary South Africa batsman Hashim Amla.
CAN’T COMPARE HIM WITH SHAHEEN AFRIDI: ROBIN
According to Uthappa, Mohammad Asif was a tougher bowler than Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose popularity he downplayed. Asif played for Pakistan from 2005 to 2010. However, Asif’s career is full of controversies. Controversies, including a ban for spot-fixing in 2010, along with Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir. Despite this, he made a comeback in the 2016-17 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy when he represented the Water and Power Development Authority.
Asif’s bowling skills is regarded highly rated by many international cricketers. One of them, Shoaib Akhtar, described Asif’s art of bowling as the epitome of the sport. Akhtar also recalled Asif’s destruction of VVS Laxman, who struggled to figure out Asif’s deliveries during a Karachi Test match in 2006. Asif took seven wickets in that match. India got bowled out for 265 in the second innings, chasing a target of 607.
In conclusion, Uthappa’s comparison of Asif and Afridi highlights the former’s exceptional skill level and talent, despite his controversies. Asif’s bowling skills have been lauded by many international cricketers. His ability to swing the ball made him a formidable opponent on the field. Despite his ban, Asif made a comeback in domestic cricket, proving that his talent and skills cannot be easily forgotten.
During his international cricket career, Mohammad Asif played 23 Tests, taking 106 wickets with an average of 24.36. He also claimed 46 wickets in 38 ODIs. He averages 33.13, and picked up 13 wickets in 11 T20I matches, averaging 26.38. These statistics showcase Asif’s impressive bowling abilities across various formats of the game.
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