Yasir Shah has been Pakistan’s main Test spinner ever since his debut in 2014. He has led Pakistan’s bowling attack for quite a while and has performed exceptionally well, propelling the team to the number one spot in Test rankings just a few years ago.
His form of late has been a bit worrisome though, and with the announcement of the new chief selector imminent, Yasir’s place in the starting eleven will be under scrutiny. The incoming chief selector will face a huge dilemma considering the recent form of Yasir and performances of other spinners in the domestic circuit. The likes of Zahid Mehmood, Nauman Ali, and Sajid Khan have been in fine form in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and will be looking to break into the national side.
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Yasir’s form has suffered a sudden decline. His statistics in the past 2 years have gone down considerably. In his first three years in international cricket, he picked up 165 wickets at an average of 29.44 in 28 matches. While he has only managed to pick up 59 wickets at an average of 34.08 in 14 matches he has played in the last two years.
| Term | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5-for | 10-for |
| Overall | 42 | 224 | 30.66 | 16 | 3 |
| First 3 Years | 28 | 165 | 29.44 | 13 | 2 |
| Last 2 Years | 14 | 59 | 34.08 | 3 | 1 |
One of Zahid Mehmood, Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan look certain to make the Pakistan squad for the highly anticipated series against South Africa next month. But the question is who deserves the coveted spot the most. Let’s have a look at who the contenders are and how they are piling up wickets in the domestic circuit.
Nauman Ali
The 34-year-old slow left-arm spinner has made quite a mark in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He led Northern to the finals last year, while Northern also look set to make it to the final this time around as well.
Nauman has been terrific in domestic cricket of late. He finished as the leading wicket-taker in last season’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and is also among the top wicket-takers this season.
| Term | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5-for | 10-for |
| 20/2021QeA Trophy | 7* | 54 | 20.66 | 5 | 3 |
| 19/2020 QeA Trophy | 10 | 54 | 25.38 | 5 | 1 |
Zahid Mehmood
Zahid Mehmood has been a part of the domestic circuit for quite a while now. His performances in the National T20 Cup garnered praise from all across the country and it looked certain that he will be a part of the 35 member squad for the tour against New Zealand, but yet again Zahid was overlooked.
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Zahid Mehmood has been stellar so far in this season’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy as well. He is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament and has been amongst the wickets throughout this domestic season.
| Term | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5-for | 10-for |
| 20/2021QeA Trophy | 7* | 39 | 22.69 | 2 | 1 |
| 19/2020 QeA Trophy | 8 | 11 | 101.81 | 0 | 0 |
Sajid Khan
The 27-year-old off-spinner has been one of the leading performers in this season’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He has been influential in KPK’s bid to achieving the top spot and has been taking crucial scalps at crucial stages of the game.
Sajid is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament and his variations have bamboozled the batsmen throughout the tournament.
| Term | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5-for | 10-for |
| 20/2021QeA Trophy | 7* | 46 | 22.56 | 4 | 1 |
| 19/2020 QeA Trophy | 6 | 25 | 24.96 | 1 | 0 |
An in-form Yasir Shah is crucial to Pakistan’s chances of winning the series against New Zealand and Yasir himself will be looking to give his hundred percent for two reasons. One for a historic series win for Pakistan and the other to keep his place in the Pakistan Test line-up.
