Struggling Rashid will show class against Pakistan, says Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib

Gulbadin Naib gave a reminder of the threat posed by Rashid Khan, whose tally of 129 ODI wickets since the end of the 2015 World Cup is bettered only by England’s Adil Rashid.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Rashid Khan of Afghanistan bowls during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm Up match between England and Afghanistan at The Kia Oval on May 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib reminded Pakistan of the threat posed by leg-spinner Rashid Khan ahead of its World Cup meeting on Saturday.

Rashid, third in the one-day international bowling rankings, has taken just four wickets at the tournament so far.

He returned humiliating figures of 0-110 in his nine overs against England -- the worst in the competition’s history.

But Naib gave a reminder of the threat posed by the 20-year-old, whose tally of 129 ODI wickets since the end of the 2015 World Cup is bettered only by England’s Adil Rashid.

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“Pakistan are a strong team and played spin very well in their last two games,” Naib said.

“But Rashid is a different spinner, he’s very different to other leg-spinners. It’s very difficult to pick him.

“In this World Cup I don’t think he’s been at his best but he’s given everything in terms of effort. On his day, it’s very difficult for any team to deal with him.”

“If it is a Rashid day, it’s very difficult for anyone,” added the skipper, who will be desperate for a win against Pakistan after seven defeats in seven matches.

Pakistan has shown its prowess against the turning ball in successive victories over South Africa and New Zealand that has revitalised its chances of reaching the semifinal.

Rashid’s spin twin Mujeeb Ur Rahman impressed against India and Bangladesh.

Naib revealed the 18-year-old was left out of the team to face South Africa and New Zealand due to concerns over the fluency of his bowling action but is delighted by his recent displays.

“We were worried about Mujeeb’s action in the first couple of games,” he explained.

“He was missing something. He went away with our coach and video analyst to work on it and he has his form and rhythm back now.”