Selectors may opt for Malik, Sami, Umar

KARACHI: The trio of former captain Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Sami and Umar Akmal are likely to be included in Pakistan’s One-day International squad for next week’s three-match series against Zimbabwe.
Reliable sources told ‘The News’ on Saturday that the national selectors are more or less convinced that the three players, who were fielded in the two-match Twenty20 International series against Zimbabwe, are also good enough to play in the 50-over format.
While Malik struggled in his 14-ball seven in Pakistan’s five-wicket win in the opening T20 game, Sami sizzled with a three-wicket haul in what was his first international appearance in almost three years.
Umar Akmal, who was axed from the squad after the World Cup because of indifferent form and poor conduct, was unable to impress much in Friday night’s game as he was dismissed cheaply by the Zimbabweans.
But selectors believe that together with Malik, Umar can strengthen Pakistan’s middle-order for the ODI series.