Rookie Pak batsman Umar Amin likely to make debut against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup

Karachi, Jun. 13 (ANI): Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has been impressed with young batting talent Umar Amin, who is likely to make his debut against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Asia Cup in Dambulla on June 15.

Amin is one of the two rookies included in the 15-man Pakistan squad along with Asad Shafiq, and Afridi believes that he would fit well on the number three spot in the batting order in the absence of experienced Younis Khan.

"I think Umar Amin is a talented lad and hopefully he would make his debut against Sri Lanka. We have to invest in youngsters for the sake of the team's future which is why it's important to give them maximum possible opportunities," Afridi told reporters before boarding a flight to Sri Lanka.

Afridi, however, said that the final decision on the team line for the match against the hosts would be taken by the team management after judging the playing conditions at Dambulla.

"We will meet after taking a look at the venue in Dambulla to decide our line-up for the opening game. It's a crucial match because a good result against Sri Lanka will give us an ideal start," The News quoted Afridi, as saying.

While the flamboyant all rounder is hoping to include come back man Shoaib Akhtar in the final eleven for the clash with Sri Lanka, the team management is yet to decide whether to play all three pacers -Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer- or not.

"It would be great for us if Shoaib Akhtar bowls well in our opening match. We have three very good fast bowlers but we would take a look at the wicket before deciding to field all three of them. We also have two quality spinners (Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman) which gives us a lot of variety," said Afridi. (ANI)