Saeed Ajmal Makes Horrible Return to International Cricket
Saeed Ajmal, who was banned for an illegal bowling action, returned his career-worst figures of 0/72 in 10 overs in the first ODI against Bangladesh on Friday.
Saeed Ajmal's return to international cricket with an International Cricket Council-cleared bowling action turned out to be a nightmare of sorts. In the first ODI versus Bangladesh in Mirpur, Ajmal was the focus of attention, but the Pakistan spinner failed to live up to the expectations. (Scorecard)
Once the world's leading bowler, Ajmal conceded 74 runs in his 10 overs without taking a wicket as Bangladesh trounced Pakistan by 79 runs, thanks to centuries from Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim. This was Bangladesh's first win over Pakistan in 16 years.
Ajmal had been banned in September and he spent the better part of the last nine months trying desperately to get back into the Pakistan team. The 37-year-old did not even want to be considered for World Cup selection, fearing another scrutiny and perhaps a premature end to his career.
Ajmal took every step to correct his action and finally got his clearance from ICC. At a time when Pakistan had just lost Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi to retirements, Ajmal's return to the side must have been a relief for the new captain Azhar Ali.
But it wasn't.
Ajmal bowled his first five overs with precision - he gave away just 11 runs. After that, everything started to go wrong. The sixth over went for 14 and by the time he bowled his 10th, Ajmal had recorded his worst figures in ODIs.
There was no respite as the well-settled Tamim and Mushfiqur cleared the fence with alarming regularity. Ajmal tried several variations - he bowled flat, darted in the quick ones, gave them flight but the batsmen were up to everything he had to offer.
Before Friday's match, Ajmal had last played for Pakistan on August 30, 2014 in an ODI against Sri Lanka. He had taken 1/10 in his four overs and looked lethal. But not on Friday.
Ajmal had said it was torture living without cricket but the comeback has been terrible. "I have endured eight months of pain and it was the most difficult time of my life," Ajmal had said after being named in the Pakistan squad two weeks back.
What will he say now?