Suryakumar Yadav is utilizing pace very well, England have to keep him away from his strengths: Misbah ul Haq

Former Pakistan captain Misbah ul Haq explained how England bowlers can neutralize the threat of Suryakumar Yadav in the second T20 World Cup semi-final.

England have to keep Suryakumar Yadav away from his strengths: Misbah ul Haq (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Former Pakistan captain Misbah ul Haq reckons Suryakumar Yadav is utilizing the pace very well and if England bowlers have to counter the India star, they must keep him away from his strengths. Suryakumar Yadav has been in excellent form in this T20 World Cup, scoring freely against every opponent he has faced. The India star has scored 225 runs and is currently the third-highest run-getter in the tournament.

“I think he is utilizing the pace very well. So early on, especially if Wood is bowling, ensure that he does not have much width to play the delivery. That is one area early on where he can be caught behind,” Misbah ul Haq said.

Misbah also said that fielding positions against Suryakumar Yadav would also be very important.

“I think the most important part will be the fielding plans. The fielders in the fine leg and square leg are very important. You have to keep the fine leg fielder finer. Even the square-leg fielder should be kept inside. So that he can’t utilize the pace and play shots behind the wicket. You have to keep him away from his strengths,” Misbah added.

Suryakumar scored half-centuries against the Netherlands, South Africa, and Zimbabwe after a rare quiet outing of 15 against Pakistan. However, his knock of 68 off 40 balls against South Africa is widely regarded as one of the best T20I innings ever played by an Indian batter.

“Since he is a middle-order batsman, after 6 overs when especially a pacer or medium pacer, is bowling, you should bring the mid-on player closer and make the mid-off fielder move further. Because I have hardly seen him play over mid-on. He plays over extra cover and over mid off or square leg or fine leg. You can then bowl length balls and force him to play shots over mid on and then you’ll have a chance to get him out,” Shoaib Malik said .