Hasan Ali was not the first choice pacer for Pakistan ahead of ODI World Cup 2023. He only got a chance to represent Pakistan as a last-minute addition to the lineup. An injury to Naseem Shah forced the hand of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors to give Ali a chance in the ODI World Cup 2023.
Many commentators are divided over the PCB’s decision to include Ali in their final lineup. Others think the selection is a masterstroke and what Pakistan may need to excel in India ODI WC 2023.
Let’s analyze both points and see why Ali could be a perfect fit or horrible addition to Team Pakistan for the 50-over tournament.
Is Hasan Ali’s Return a Bad Decision?
Several points raised after the announcement of Pakistan’s final lineup for ODI World Cup 2023 have targeted Hasan Ali’s addition to their squad. These commentators mostly outline three factors why it could be a bad move for the team:
Scanty game time
Hasan Ali last featured in an ODI series almost nine months ago on January 2023. The series against New Zealand was his last encounter and it could take a toll on his match fitness ahead of this world cup.
Low match practice minutes
Naseem Shah and Zaman Khan have held down a place in the starting lineup for some time. Hasan’s absence from the squad has seen him miss out on pre-tournament training sessions on at least two occasions this year. His addition with poor match practice
Recent shabby wicketkeeping ability
Hasan’s performances in death overs and wicketkeeping has not been stellar for some time. Commentators worry his poor form could be Pakistan’s undoing at this tournament.
Is Hasan Ali’s Return a Masterstroke?
Hasan Ali’s return could be a smart move seeing that he has several elements the squad may need to achieve more in India:
Hasan Ali has been at an ODI World Cup before and is one of Pakistan’s most-experienced players at the moment. His knowledge of proceedings at the tournament could help Pakistan attain more across all games.
Pakistan Full Squad Lineup at ODI World Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Hasan Ali
Hasan Ali Career Stats
Hasan Ali Bowling
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 22 | 42 | 3900 | 2003 | 78 | 27-5 | 10/114 | 25.6 | 3.08 | 50 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
| ODIs | 60 | 58 | 2882 | 2763 | 91 | 5-34 | 5-34 | 30.3 | 5.75 | 31.6 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| T20Is | 50 | 49 | 1015 | 1414 | 60 | 18-4 | 18-4 | 23.5 | 8.35 | 16.9 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 78 | 135 | 14033 | 7700 | 313 | 8/107 | 11-94 | 24.6 | 3.29 | 44.8 | 13 | 18 | 4 |
| List A | 91 | 89 | 4368 | 4036 | 143 | 5-34 | 5-34 | 28.2 | 5.54 | 30.5 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| T20s | 173 | 171 | 3773 | 4984 | 227 | 20-5 | 20-5 | 21.9 | 7.92 | 16.6 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
(Stats are accurate as of September 25, 2023)
Hasan Ali has had an impressive career as a wicket-taker throughout his career. His performances could provide the boost Pakistan needs to excel at the ODI World Cup 2023. His prolific hail across formats for the team could prove pivotal when proceedings officially begin in October.
Ali currently has 60+ wickets in every cricket format he has ever featured in, making him a valuable addition to Pakistan’s final squad. The experienced pacer also has 91 wickets in ODIs ahead of the Falcons’ first game in India 2023.
Such a massive haul could help the Men in Green spring up great performances against top teams like Australia, England, India, and other sides at this world cup.
Hasan Ali Batting and Fielding
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| Tests | 22 | 34 | 5 | 375 | 30 | 12.93 | 500 | 75 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 20 |
| ODIs | 60 | 35 | 11 | 363 | 59 | 15.12 | 299 | 121.4 | 0 | 2 | 24 | 24 |
| T20Is | 50 | 19 | 10 | 129 | 23 | 14.33 | 69 | 186.95 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 11 |
| FC | 78 | 113 | 23 | 1505 | 106* | 16.72 | 1913 | 78.67 | 1 | 7 | 144 | 76 |
| List A | 91 | 58 | 16 | 713 | 59 | 16.97 | 570 | 125.08 | 0 | 3 | 49 | 49 |
| T20s | 173 | 79 | 31 | 556 | 45 | 11.58 | 379 | 146.7 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 35 |
(Stats are accurate as of September 25, 2023)
Ali’s batting record is not the best as he’s never been in a constant opening batting role for Pakistan across formats. However, he has continued to amass decent stats as an alternate batter with 55 sixes in ODI, Test, and T20I cricket.
