Asif Ali can be to Pakistan what Jos Buttler is to England

[Theo_14]

I pity for those who are posting things like “haters have been silenced.”

Firstly, this is PSL. Equivalent to League 2 in Football in terms of quality.

Secondly, likes of Asif Ali and Faheem have failed to deliver on a consistent basis at International level away from home.

 

[Ab Fan]

I really believe Jos will go down as England's greatest ever limited overs batsmen of all-time. So, the benchmark set for Asif Ali was just too high and improbable by OP.

Butter has started performing in tests as well and it's to be seen how far he goes in longer format of the game.

 

[jnaveen1980]

I really believe Jos will go down as England's greatest ever limited overs batsmen of all-time. So, the benchmark set for Asif Ali was just too high and improbable by OP.

Butter has started performing in tests as well and it's to be seen how far he goes in longer format of the game.

Ball striking ability cannot be measured just by six hitting. Balance, head position, sound base many things to have be in sync to be a consistently good hitter. Those who struggle with getting into good positions will eventually fade away.

Perfect example of having a sound base, nice swing



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEv-CgA51A0

 

[MMHS]

Ball striking ability cannot be measured just by six hitting. Balance, head position, sound base many things to have be in sync to be a consistently good hitter. Those who struggle with getting into good positions will eventually fade away.

Perfect example of having a sound base, nice swing



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEv-CgA51A0

So, now you want him to play Gilchrist role?

Few days back, there was a thread - "PSL is starting and everything will be forgotten ........ " , this just the start, so have patience.

 

[mak36]

I really believe Jos will go down as England's greatest ever limited overs batsmen of all-time. So, the benchmark set for Asif Ali was just too high and improbable by OP.

Butter has started performing in tests as well and it's to be seen how far he goes in longer format of the game.

I never compared him to Buttler. I explicitly said as much in the OP: N.B: "To be clear, I am not comparing the ability of Asif Ali with Jos Buttler. Rather I am saying they can play a similar role for their respective national teams."

Not my fault if people can't read. Yet to see one poster who is critical of my view in this thread actually engage with my analysis. Instead they just want to strawman...

 

[Rayyman]

Ball striking ability cannot be measured just by six hitting. Balance, head position, sound base many things to have be in sync to be a consistently good hitter. Those who struggle with getting into good positions will eventually fade away.

Perfect example of having a sound base, nice swing



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEv-CgA51A0

Check out this six from Ben McDermott. Perfect strike.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/s/xliid/lnitne" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

 

[jnaveen1980]

So, now you want him to play Gilchrist role?

Few days back, there was a thread - "PSL is starting and everything will be forgotten ........ " , this just the start, so have patience.

Using him as an example. You could use Razzaq as an example as well. Your big hitting style also determines your consistency.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Check out this six from Ben McDermott. Perfect strike.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/s/xliid/lnitne" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

yes . hardly any follow through.

 

[Syed1]

Don't be swayed by today's innings. Asif is and will remain a proper hack without a future in international cricket. Any half decent spinner will have him for breakfast.

 

[rhony]

The best Asif could hope for is a Robin Singh. Robin had big hitting along with temperment although he had limited talent. Asif needs to understand that he needs to take ownership of the last 10 overs in Pak innings. He needs to stay on the wicket. That's the difference between T20 and ODI. By 40th over, Pak typically is 4 to 5 wickets down. A 40 (30) is more valuable than 25(15) in Pak setup at the death. Once he has the skills like consistent strike rotation, he can unleash his strokes in the last 2 to 3 overs. He can then don the role of a finisher. That's the only role hes suitable for as his technique is not good enough to be a top order bat. He's not an all-rounder like Imad or Robin either. He has a long way to go.

 

[AAli98]

Just the other week these 2 joke of batsman(shadab Asif) couldn’t chase 40 runs with 8 wckts in hand, against SA z team.. This overated league will only produce hacks like talat asif sohail akhtars who will get found out at intnl level.

 

[saeedhk]

Minnow bashers firing now. Faheem, Asif and Talat will play the world cup after bashing PSL bowlers. These guys are club level players who will perform against Zimbabwe but go missing against top teams.

 

[DRsohail]

He is perfect definition of a hack. Keep him away from ineternational team.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Decent against pace , very poor against spinners , nothing temperament.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

He is perfect definition of a hack. Keep him away from ineternational team.

Definitely not a hack because some of his shots oozes with swag and definitely on his day he can absolutely murder some of the big fast bowlers , but he is so limited in talent(against spinners) and temperament that he will fail 4/5 times in International arena.

 

[DRsohail]

Definitely not a hack because some of his shots oozes with swag and definitely on his day he can absolutely murder some of the big fast bowlers , but he is so limited in talent(against spinners) and temperament that he will fail 4/5 times in International arena.

You defined hack perfectly.

 

[Hasan123]

Can never play the Jos Buttler role but he can be a decent T20 player for Pakistan.

 

[Abdullah719]

Asif seems to be inspired by Buttler today

 

[babajee]

Was lucky with the drop but batted quite well, although he cashed in with the pies of Shinwari and Munro.

Deserves a few more chances in international cricket before we write him off, maybe at 4/5.

 

[badsha001]

Was lucky with the drop but batted quite well, although he cashed in with the pies of Shinwari and Munro.

Deserves a few more chances in international cricket before we write him off, maybe at 4/5.

if the guy scores and wins you 1 in 10 matches while contributing in other wins then he is worth having in our team. each individual should be able to win games for their teams.

we need asif ali in our trundling batting line up

 

[topspin]

As mentioned before the start of this tournament, there was no point dropping him during the ODI series against SA because he was always going to shine again in the PSL and thus return to the Pakistan side.

I'll say it again he needs to be persisted.

 

[Chokli]

The moment I saw the scorecard I knew people will be calling for his selection.

He's a hack, he's good for T20s.

He adds no value to an already weak ODI line up.

It be different if he was a wicketkeeper or an all rounder.

 

[Chokli]

if the guy scores and wins you 1 in 10 matches while contributing in other wins then he is worth having in our team. each individual should be able to win games for their teams.

we need asif ali in our trundling batting line up

So you basically want a poor man's Afridi that doesn't even bowl?

 

[Sadozai]

As mentioned before the start of this tournament, there was no point dropping him during the ODI series against SA because he was always going to shine again in the PSL and thus return to the Pakistan side.

I'll say it again he needs to be persisted.

and will disappoint in the national team till next season of PSL arrives

 

[barah_admi]

Ali is a clean striker of the ball and if he is given enough opportunity, consistency will come through.

 

[topspin]

The moment I saw the scorecard I knew people will be calling for his selection.

He's a hack, he's good for T20s.

He adds no value to an already weak ODI line up.

It be different if he was a wicketkeeper or an all rounder.

The problem is bro no one comes close when it comes to hitters lower down the order. May not be an automatic starter but deserves to be in the WC squad as a backup lower middle order bat.

I believe he will come good whether it will be in time for WC is the question...

 

[Chokli]

The problem is bro no one comes close when it comes to hitters lower down the order. May not be an automatic starter but deserves to be in the WC squad as a backup lower middle order bat.

I believe he will come good whether it will be in time for WC is the question...

I agree man but take a look at the big hitters in world cricket, every single one of them bowl or are keepers Maxwell, Munro, Afridi, Yousuf Pathan, Thisera Perera, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Corey Anderson, Brendon McCullum, Jos Butler, etc and I could name more.

No team has a player solely as a batsman because of his hitting ability.

It shouldn't even be an option to consider for Pakistan because of how weak our line up is. I'd rather give that spot to Umar Akmal and have Umar bat at 4.

 

[Badsha]

The problem is bro no one comes close when it comes to hitters lower down the order. May not be an automatic starter but deserves to be in the WC squad as a backup lower middle order bat.

I believe he will come good whether it will be in time for WC is the question...

Misbah coming out of retirment to slog sweep every shot over cow corner is a better option.

The guy is a nothing hitter at the international stage. Hitting shots in the terrible quality of PSL means little.

The idea that someone like him can take an ODI spot is shameful

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

He's a very clean hitter, we know this already. But he was exposed against SA, you can't slog that level of bowler, you need proper batsmen against the best quicks.

I know he's not popular, but it takes someone like Umar Akmal to smash the best pace bowlers.

 

[unemployedgm]

Asif Ali is not as good as Jos Buttler. He is able to only demonstrate short bursts of dominant power hitting. Glancing at his First Class Numbers an Average of 21 is Brutal. A more skilled batsman just by accident would be better. Asif is a Lower Order Slogger who is Fearless in his Approach. But to expect Jos Buttler level performance is foolhardy.

 

[Sirris]

Unfortunately hasnt been able to reproduce 5% of his PSL performance in the international stage.

 

[mak36]

Asif Ali is not as good as Jos Buttler. He is able to only demonstrate short bursts of dominant power hitting. Glancing at his First Class Numbers an Average of 21 is Brutal. A more skilled batsman just by accident would be better. Asif is a Lower Order Slogger who is Fearless in his Approach. But to expect Jos Buttler level performance is foolhardy.

Reading the OP usually helps...

 

[Mamoon]

Reading the OP usually helps...

As I said earlier, you created unnecessary controversy by using Buttler’s name. You could have easily explained what Asif can offer to Pakistan without using Buttler as a template.

As a result, no matter how much you explain that you are not comparing their abilities, it is only natural that people will end up comparing the two.

Perhaps the mods should edit the title and remove the Buttler bit from the post to stop people from making the comparisons. It will also make your life easier because you wouldn’t have to explain yourself again and again.

 

[mak36]

As I said earlier, you created unnecessary controversy by using Buttler’s name. You could have easily explained what Asif can offer to Pakistan without using Buttler as a template.

As a result, no matter how much you explain that you are not comparing their abilities, it is only natural that people will end up comparing the two.

Perhaps the mods should edit the title and remove the Buttler bit from the post to stop people from making the comparisons. It will also make your life easier because you wouldn’t have to explain yourself again and again.

My starting assumption is that people actually read what is written before commenting/criticising. This thread has proved to be a good way of filtering out those who don't.

On topic, one thing I have noticed re Asif this PSL is he is not going back into his crease every delivery now. He still does it but is not signposting it like he used to.

 

[Rahul1]

Buttler will retire from cricket if he reads this thread.

 

[mak36]

One thing I have noticed re Asif this PSL is he is not going back into his crease every delivery now. He still does it but is not signposting it like he used to.

Forget everything else about yesterday's innings.

That checked shot against SSA was wondrous.

Also, in the game vs PZ I noticed Asif was actually taking a few steps towards the fast bowler, which is something new from him.

Both of these things combined show he is growing increasingly confident/developing with each game.

 

[Hasan123]

OP using yesterday innings to prove a point . He has to do at intentional level. I think in T20s he can do a good job. But in ODIs when there is more thinking required, I am not sure he is the answer.

 

[mak36]

OP using yesterday innings to prove a point . He has to do at intentional level. I think in T20s he can do a good job. But in ODIs when there is more thinking required, I am not sure he is the answer.

Read again. ) All I have talked about is his development.

I agree he has to do it at international level. But he's not going to do that if he is not selected...

 

[Hasan123]

Read again. ) All I have talked about is his development.

I agree he has to do it at international level. But he's not going to do that if he is not selected...

Why bump this thread to talk about his development? He will never play the Jos Buttler role because be can't play 360 degree versus pace and spin and can't rebuild an innings.

 

[TeymurBlake]

Played exceptionally well against Lahore yesterday.

 

[Rayyman]

Why bump this thread to talk about his development? He will never play the Jos Buttler role because be can't play 360 degree versus pace and spin and can't rebuild an innings.

Asif can play 360* and his defense okay but he needs to rotate strike better.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Asif can play 360* and his defense okay but he needs to rotate strike better.

I think he has the Afridi syndrome and feels that almost every ball is hittable.

Iftikhar is more calculating and has a better chance of succeeding in that role. Ideally it should be someone like U. Akmal building up an innings and then finishing it.

 

[Chokli]

Asif is a hack and not ODI material.

 

[mak36]

Say what you want, he is a born matchwinner.

 

[Chokli]

Say what you want, he is a born matchwinner.

you can't have a hard hitting batsman taking up a batsmen's spot.

all the big hitters around the world can either bowl a few overs or are keepers.

and i shouldn't have to explain the reasoning behind that.

he is fine for t20s not for ODIs

 

[Rayyman]

you can't have a hard hitting batsman taking up a batsmen's spot.

all the big hitters around the world can either bowl a few overs or are keepers.

and i shouldn't have to explain the reasoning behind that.

he is fine for t20s not for ODIs

I think Asif will be big for the WT20 next year. Not an ODI player as of now but he is the best hitter in Pakistan by far.

 

[Chokli]

I think Asif will be big for the WT20 next year. Not an ODI player as of now but he is the best hitter in Pakistan by far.

yes for t20s he is a great addition

 

[fluke]

certainly miles ahead of any other batter in current Pakistani circuit I hope they will use him in T20s regularly

 

[asadee]

Just read his daughter had been seriously sick for a year...rhat must be really tough for the guy feel for him

 

[Syed1]

He is bit of a hack but gotta admit that he hits MASSIVE sixes, I haven't seen a Pakistani batsmen hit such huge sixes since Afridi back in his better days. Asif also has good hitting technique, just stays still and hits straight or on the long-on.


I think ODIs are not his format since at number 6 he often has to build an innings, he is better in T20s where he just has to slog.

 

[Runner Up]

Asif Ali can only perform in PSL. He is a failure in international cricket. He is very poor against short pitch deliveries.

 

[Square Drive]

Lol @ people who have been on this forum for years unable to understand what the OP actually meant. Nowhere did he call Asif the next Buttler; he is levels below, but OP compared the ROLES they both play.

Thread is valid.

Asif should stick to T20s for now, though.

 

[Plumb]

Asif Ali can only perform in PSL. He is a failure in international cricket. He is very poor against short pitch deliveries.

People can't see that, I don't blame them for their lack of understanding. Asif is a Hack of highest level and should never be in Pak International Team

 

[pakistani pride]

Say what you want but he hits them BIG. needs to tighten up but I hope hes on the plane to the UK. There is a long build up for PAK in the UK and Asif can use that time to adjust.

 

[Abdullah]

Say what you want but he hits them BIG. needs to tighten up but I hope hes on the plane to the UK. There is a long build up for PAK in the UK and Asif can use that time to adjust.

Yeah I think that sometimes, let's just risk it

 

[Ahson8]

He is bit of a hack but gotta admit that he hits MASSIVE sixes, I haven't seen a Pakistani batsmen hit such huge sixes since Afridi back in his better days. Asif also has good hitting technique, just stays still and hits straight or on the long-on.


I think ODIs are not his format since at number 6 he often has to build an innings, he is better in T20s where he just has to slog.

He is not a hack. He is a clean hitter. His temperament and, as you pointed out ability to build the innings is the problem.

 

[aloo paratha]

He's fine for T20s. He cannot build an innings so he cannot play ODIs.

 

[Chokli]

where do we even slot him?

 

[Rana]

Needs to be backed and given a try in the power play overs where the field is in.

 

[Farhan93]

He should be forced to play cricket 5 days of the week by PCB and should be asked to play spinners especially mystery spinners in order to develop his batting against spin otherwise there's no way he can improve and come anywhere close to Jos Buttler. He looks all at sea against wrist spinners and can't rotate the strike freely against pace as well as spin.

PCB must take extreme steps for him to develop if they consider him as their asset, or should not bother at all and drop him for good

 

[topspin]

I always thought it was a big blunder by Inzy and co to exclude him from the squad. He deserved more chances to prove his worth.

Settling for accumulators and pesudo-all rounders like Faheem isn't going to help us reach par scores let alone match winning totals. Asif Ali on his day however will and I'm convinced with opportunities he will improve against spin and with strike rotation.

 

[waleed88]

D day for Asif Ali.

His team needs him.

This is the day this thread was made for...

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Watch Buttler's innings carefully then consider whether footwork might be a factor. Buttler stays relatively calm, maybe moves back in his crease to beat the bowler's length. Asif and Fakhar count the balls which they fail to score, then when they reach no 3, they will back away to the leg side and swing hard. If they are in form they might keep their eyes open.

 

[saeedhk]

What a thread!!!

Asif is the worst batman to play for Pakistan. A horrible batsman.

 

[Majid Khan]

Comparing someone who scores rapid centuries Vs someone who scores rapid quarter-centuries (25s)

 

[saeedhk]

Comparing someone who scores rapid centuries Vs someone who scores rapid quarter-centuries (25s)

Even a quarter century from Asif is an overachievement.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

??? There's only 1 Buttler. Asif Ali is just another slogger.

 

[waleed88]

Asif Ali doesnt look good against spin. He cant be a regular bat if he doesnt play spin well. Still have hopes from him today

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Every chance for him to show what he can do today. We have a great start and a flat pitch. Even if he doesn't win, a quickfire 40 would show his worth against a rated team in England.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

A 43 ball 76 runs can make him a superstar. It doesn't matter if Pakistan wins or loses this match.

 

[Hawkeye]

Umar Akmal
Asif Ali
Faheem Ashraf

These are the ONLY late order hitters we have, and need to be backed as much as possible!

Kick out the accumulators.

 

[moghul]

Umar Akmal
Asif Ali
Faheem Ashraf

These are the ONLY late order hitters we have, and need to be backed as much as possible!

Kick out the accumulators.

Faheem Ashraf ??, when did he do anything of worth talking about, fake allrounder.

 

[mak36]

I am not saying there isn’t work to be done but he has shown greater maturity and game awareness on the domestic level. Now he just needs to show that on the international stage. As long as he continues working on constructing an innings and strike rotation, everything else will fall into place and he will only get better.

 

[topspin]

Faheem Ashraf ??, when did he do anything of worth talking about, fake allrounder.

The reason why he's citing Faheem is because he's driving this agenda of his - to do with his hatred of Imad.

He knows Faheem is a bum.

 

[Markhor]

Umar Akmal
Asif Ali
Faheem Ashraf

These are the ONLY late order hitters we have, and need to be backed as much as possible!

Kick out the accumulators.

When has Faheem done anything of note with the bat in international cricket against a decent side ? All I remember is a fifty vs Bangladesh with a 30m boundary on one side in an inconsequential warmup and a few runs in a Test at Lord's vs England.

His batting contributions have been so lacking I'd rather we forget playing a fourth seamer and play our three best seamers, and three spinners in the WC in Imad, Shadab and Hafeez.

 

[Kroll]

Ali's a one trick pony, Buttler's a 360° player.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Asif has just shown ability.

Not sure if he can do it consistently at this level.

Can we afford someone who scores one fifty in 5 or 6 innings? No.

 

[mak36]

Ali's a one trick pony, Buttler's a 360° player.

This isn't a comparison thread.

Fact is, Pakistan needs the likes of Asif.

 

[saeedhk]

Umar Akmal
Asif Ali
Faheem Ashraf

These are the ONLY late order hitters we have, and need to be backed as much as possible!

Kick out the accumulators.

Faheem? He isn’t even better than Shaheen Afridi. Faheem is the most mediocre player to ever play international cricket most probably.

 

[Syed1]

He has ability, we all knew that. You cannot hit monster sixes if you do not have ability. The issue was consistency and lack of giving himself time. Too often he would come in and hit the ball out of the park and be dismissed next ball.


Today he took his time and it paid off. Had he lasted 10 more balls Pak would have won.