Central Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa declared joint winners of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy after final tied

[Shams123]

I have seen some batting talent in this tournament. But bowling has been very ordinary. No new or young pacer looks an internstional prospect. As a Pak fan, I am more worried about our bowling then batting going forward.

 

[ElRaja]

I have seen some batting talent in this tournament. But bowling has been very ordinary. No new or young pacer looks an internstional prospect. As a Pak fan, I am more worried about our bowling then batting going forward.

true, but id rather have no young bowling talent stand out, it means that if a bowler does stand out you can attach more significance to domestic performances.

 

[Xoib]

Arshad iqbal looks a guy with a quite a bit of potential.
He has had the most smooth induction from the u 19 set up in comparison to his compatriots Shaheen, Naseem, Hasnoan and Musa all four yes Shaheen as well has been thrown at he deep end before they were half ready. Arshad is playing regular PSL and now FC as well hopefully he will stay at this level for 2 seasons minimum and then make the gradual step up and I suspect he might end as the most successful among his U 19 counterparts.

 

[Omer2002]

Must sayn Qasim.Akram.looked a parchi early on i am sure he an awfull t20 tournament was awful first in first 5 domestic first class.matches but punjab stuck by him.i guess injuries and pakistan international commitments. Now he has a 5ifer and played few good innings last few matches

 

[shah_1]

Irfanullah bowling beautifully

 

[Markhor]

Time for some slogs by Hasan Ali tomorrow morning. These two need to take CP to at least 250.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Must sayn Qasim.Akram.looked a parchi early on i am sure he an awfull t20 tournament was awful first in first 5 domestic first class.matches but punjab stuck by him.i guess injuries and pakistan international commitments. Now he has a 5ifer and played few good innings last few matches

Playing a good innings right now but 5fer wasn’t very good if you watch it. Also seems to be at least a one year age fudge, he’ll be playing in the 2022 U19 World Cup which I don’t like at all.

Definitely not a parchi since he does perform, but I just don’t see anything particularly notable about him so far.

 

[ElRaja]

Irfanullah bowling beautifully

seems to be getting very nice away shape even with an old kookaburra, which is surprising.

 

[Markhor]

Damn that's soft from the skipper Hasan Ali. Playing well away from his body close to stumps.

Irfanullah getting the ball to move in the air.

 

[BigShak]

How’s Irfanullah looking? Potential Test match bowler?

 

[BigShak]

seems to be getting very nice away shape even with an old kookaburra, which is surprising.

Must have a pretty solid wrist behind the ball. Good signs.

 

[Shams123]

Qasim is the real deal. Just like Mubashir, he is a much better batsman than a spinner. His technique is very solid for the long format. And most importantly he has time to play his shots against the pace bowling. Hopefully in two three seasons he can become a batsman who can bowl a bit

 

[MenInG]

Close of Play on Day 2:

CP are 212/8, Trail by 88 runs in the first innings

 

[Shams123]

How’s Irfanullah looking? Potential Test match bowler?

I saw him a bit today. He seems to only have the outswing. He bowls a bit wide and can be put away easily by anyone who has a decent cut shot. He knows how to move the new ball. But atm doesnt have the required control.

 

[ElRaja]

Must have a pretty solid wrist behind the ball. Good signs.

yes, hes the kinda bowler who would benefit so much from having some interaction with mohammad asif, very similar height and speeds.

he has the natural shape away, if he could add an off cutter to his arsenal he could potentially be a good replacement for abbas.

 

[Gasman]

Exciting new talent identifiedl

Good spot Shah

I am very impressed by Irfanullah Shah, who has bowled a magnigicent and potentially match changing spell on the evening of day2 in the final. He looks very similar in his action to Shabbir Ahmed, and possesses good control, with prodigious swing and seam movement. Qasim Akram has also impressed me with his mature batting, and he also looks an excellent prospect for the future.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

View attachment 105776View attachment 105777View attachment 105778

I am very impressed by Irfanullah Shah, who has bowled a magnigicent and potentially match changing spell on the evening of day2 in the final. He looks very similar in his action to Shabbir Ahmed, and possesses good control, with prodigious swing and seam movement. Qasim Akram has also impressed me with his mature batting, and he also looks an excellent prospect for the future.

Right, so if you were picking domestic red ball quicks to have a 'workshop' with Mohammad Asif, I imagine Irfanullah, Dhani would be the best candidates...

 

[Bewal Express]

Irfan looks skilful but for higher honours, his pace is too slow. He doesn't look anymore than 77mph, he needs to be at least 80.

 

[Bewal Express]

Qasim is the real deal. Just like Mubashir, he is a much better batsman than a spinner. His technique is very solid for the long format. And most importantly he has time to play his shots against the pace bowling. Hopefully in two three seasons he can become a batsman who can bowl a bit

Certainly improved. He was awful at the start

 

[Xoib]

Irfan looks a solid fc journeyman a little short in class to be test good. Arshad is the bowler with the highest ceiling hopefully no fast tracking for next couple of seasons let him develop organically

 

[MenInG]

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bowlers, led by pacer Irfanullah Shah, bowled their side to a position of strength on the second day of the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final against defending champions Central Punjab who were reduced to 212 for eight in reply to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first innings score of 300 at stumps on Saturday.

Central Punjab’s innings started poorly as openers Muhammad Akhlaq (4) and Ali Zaryab (8) were dismissed by Irfanullah and they took lunch at 29 for two.

Usman Salahuddin and Mohammad Saad added 64 runs off 157 balls for the third-wicket before the latter was caught behind by wicketkeeper Rehan Afridi for 26 (79 balls, three fours).

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Khalid Usman made the crucial breakthrough when he dismissed Central Punjab batting mainstay Usman for 60 off 130 balls (nine fours). Usman’s crucial wicket fell with the score at 124 in the 47th over. Usman added 48 runs for the fourth-wicket with Saad Nasim.

Saad Nasim reached his fifth half-century of the tournament before he was sent packing by Arshad Iqbal for 55 off 109 balls (four fours, three sixes) with Central Punjab’s total at 185.

Irfanullah took his third wicket of the day when he bowled wicketkeeper Ali Shan (9) at 205 on the board while Khalid sent back Bilawal Iqbal (1) a run later. Irfanullah took his fourth-wicket of the day when he dismissed Central Punjab captain Hasan Ali for one.

When stumps were drawn Qasim Akram was batting on 35 off 73 balls (four fours) with Ahmed Safi Abdullah unbeaten on zero. Irfanullah has taken his four wickets conceding 45 runs in 16.1 overs while Khalid’s two wickets have come in 13 overs for 29 runs.

Earlier, resuming at the overnight score of 285 for seven, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could only add 15 more runs as they were bowled out for 300 in 97.5 overs handing Central Punjab four first innings bowling points. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gathered three batting points.

Zohaib Khan (30), Sameen Gul (9) and Arshad Iqbal (2) were the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa batsmen dismissed today. Hasan was the most successful Central Punjab bowler; he took four wickets for 62 runs. Waqas Maqsood finished with three for 59 runs in 21 overs.

Scores in brief (end of day two):

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 300 all out in 97.5 overs (Kamran Ghulam 76, Adil Amin 75, Israrullah 61; Hasan Ali 4-62, Waqas Maqsood 3-59)

Central Punjab 212-8, 75.1 overs (Usman Salahuddin 60, Saad Nasim 55; Irfanullah Shah 4- 45, Khalid Usman 2-29)

Points to date: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 6 (three batting, three bowling), Central Punjab 5 (one batting, four bowling)

 

[Firebat]

Most Sixes in QEA Trophy 2020:

Saad Nasim - 19
Sharjeel Khan - 19
Hammad Azam - 18
Akbar-ur-Rehman - 14
Hussain Talat - 13
Khalid Usman - 13

 

[angrypathan]

Salahuddin the top scorer for CP, good on him. Not sure how seriously to take it though when even Saad Nasim is getting runs

 

[shaaik]

Time for some slogs by Hasan Ali tomorrow morning. These two need to take CP to at least 250.

Hasan Ali was dismissed on 1 by Irfanullah on a beautiful outswinger.

 

[shaaik]

Salahuddin the top scorer for CP, good on him. Not sure how seriously to take it though when even Saad Nasim is getting runs

Hv you seen Saad Nasim batting recently?? I know he’s been a total failure at international level but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve.

 

[shaaik]

Can’t believe CP declared their innings with still 43 runs a drift ..

 

[MenInG]

 

[shamaan]

Can’t believe CP declared their innings with still 43 runs a drift ..

Why would they do that.thats strange

 

[Madplayer]

Irfanullah Shah needs a few sessions with Mohammad Asif. This guy has potentially something good to offer.

 

[MenInG]

 

[JibranAnsari]

Neil nitin mukesh in such good form

 

[JibranAnsari]

any reason why CP declared their innings?

 

[ARK Rafay]

any reason why CP declared their innings?

Why would they do that.thats strange

Tariq Saeed (Commentator) mentioned early after the declaration that CP maybe wanted to keep KPK away from getting the bowling point/s for getting all 10 wickets. Idk how the points system work in QeATrophy. But points shouldn't matter in the Final

 

[ARK Rafay]

As it stands so far in this Match. (Points)

KPK
- 3 points for scoring 300 runs inside 100 overs in their 1st innings
- 3 points for getting 8 wickets inside 100 overs in their 1st innings
Total- 6 Points


CP
- 3 points for taking 8 wickets inside 100 overs and 1 additional point for getting the opponent all-out between 251-300 runs.
- 2 points for scoring more than 250 runs inside 100 overs in their 1st innings
Total- 6 Points

 

[Thunderbolt14]

[MENTION=139314]ARK Rafay[/MENTION]

If the final ends as a draw, the winner will be decided as per the following criteria:

• The team that racked up the most first innings points as per 16.9 of PCB Playing Conditions 2020

• If the first innings points are tied, then both the teams will be declared as joint winners (first Innings lead shall not be considered)

• If the first innings of both the teams is not completed within the scheduled duration, the match shall be considered as drawn and both the teams will be declared as joint winners

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Very smart move by Central Punjab. If they didn’t declare, even a draw of this match would have ended up resulting in a loss.

Now, they’ve backed themselves to bowl KPK out quickly, and go for a win, otherwise they can always have the option of grinding in for a draw. Those last 2 wickets were unlikely to really add that many runs to CP’s innings so they sacrificed maybe 10-15 runs.

 

[Fahdi]

The pitch is looking pretty dead at the moment honestly. A real lack of bounce even for our wickets.

 

[Xoib]

Kamran Ghulam batting style looks like how Umer Akmal may have turned out had he worked hard on his game and batted with patience. Really good on the back foot and quick to rock back to cut and pull.

The one issue I see is hanging back to even pitched up balls right now he is in form playing on familiar batting friendly tracks against mediocre bowling attacks not sure with this significant flaw in his game work vs better bowlers

 

[b.lesner]

Just 19 runs away from world record of highest runs in a QAT season ever

 

[guldozer]

[MENTION=139314]ARK Rafay[/MENTION]

If the final ends as a draw, the winner will be decided as per the following criteria:

• The team that racked up the most first innings points as per 16.9 of PCB Playing Conditions 2020

• If the first innings points are tied, then both the teams will be declared as joint winners (first Innings lead shall not be considered)

• If the first innings of both the teams is not completed within the scheduled duration, the match shall be considered as drawn and both the teams will be declared as joint winners

The declaration makes sense now.

 

[b.lesner]

Congratulations Kamran Ghulam he becomes the highest run scorer in QAT ever.


Kamran Ghulam and Adil amin combined have scored 2000+ runs in a single seasons thats why they are best team in the tournament

 

[KoyoAli]

Teams: Central Punjab Vs Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa*

Venue: National Stadium Karachi

Toss K.P.K

*
2nd Inning of: KPK
Day. 03 (03-01-2021)

Break Water 02

Total: 201
Wickets: 03
Overs: 60


Batsmen Not Out
1. Adil Amin. 33
2. Kamran Ghulam. 80 (148)

Batsmen Out
1. Fakhar Zaman. 04
2. Zohaib Khan. 05
3. Israrullah. 63 (97)

Bowling
1. Waqas Maqsood. 1/48
2. Bilawal Iqbal. 1/29
3. Qasim Akram. 1/29



1st Inning of KPK: 300/10 (97.5)
1st Inning of Central Punjab: 257/9 Dec

 

[KoyoAli]

1218 runs!
Most runs in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
Congratulations Kamran Ghulam. Mammoth effort this.

 

[Madplayer]

Hasan Ali's decision to declare makes no sense. What was he thinking lol

 

[BigShak]

Hasan Ali's decision to declare makes no sense. What was he thinking lol

It was to prevent KPK from getting more bonus points which would’ve meant if the game was drawn KPK would win.

 

[Xoib]

Undecided who should get a first go Saud or Ghulam.
Suad probably probably deserves more due to consistent scoring past 3-4 seasons but then Ghulam has had the best ever season for any batsman and has actually played match winnings knocks unlike Saud.

Tough to decide really.

 

[MenInG]

 

[Thunderbolt14]

View attachment 105845

Speaks volumes about the brand of cricket played by Sindh to end up a distant last place.

 

[Mirpur express]

Another ton for Kamran Ghulam, 5th of the season wow , he has booked his place in the national team for SA series

 

[Mirpur express]

KG has scored 5 of the 9 tons scored by KPK , clutch

 

[MenInG]

 

[JibranAnsari]

Undecided who should get a first go Saud or Ghulam.
Suad probably probably deserves more due to consistent scoring past 3-4 seasons but then Ghulam has had the best ever season for any batsman and has actually played match winnings knocks unlike Saud.

Tough to decide really.

definitely should be ghulam , has looked more secure on the pitch as well. He can bowl left arm spin too. But i m not quite sure who will he replace.

2 openers
azhar
babar
fawad rizwan

top 6 is almost confirmed

 

[Markhor]

definitely should be ghulam , has looked more secure on the pitch as well. He can bowl left arm spin too. But i m not quite sure who will he replace.

2 openers
azhar
babar
fawad rizwan

top 6 is almost confirmed

With a lineup like that he won't replace anyone to be honest unless Misbah reverts to 6+4 combination.

 

[Xoib]

Fawad is always couple of tests away to lose his spot.
Azhar though is batting OK in past couple of series but at 36 he is on his last run and a replacment should be ready for him.
I guess there is a place for both Ghulam and Saud in the squad and both should be ready to be inducted if we some one like Fawad or Azhar lose form or we are looking to ply an extra bat.

In reality it's the two openers that need immediate replacement. Time to give Imam and Butt 3 series together and see if they sink or swim.

 

[shamaan]

Fawad is always couple of tests away to lose his spot.
Azhar though is batting OK in past couple of series but at 36 he is on his last run and a replacment should be ready for him.
I guess there is a place for both Ghulam and Saud in the squad and both should be ready to be inducted if we some one like Fawad or Azhar lose form or we are looking to ply an extra bat.

In reality it's the two openers that need immediate replacement. Time to give Imam and Butt 3 series together and see if they sink or swim.

fawad got out to an unplayable delivery

 

[Firebat]

The PCB Domestic Cricketer of the Year, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kamran Ghulam created history by becoming the highest run-scorer in a single season of the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy on day three of the tournament’s 2020-21 five-day first-class final against Central Punjab on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Kamran Ghulam went past Saadat Ali’s more than 36-year-old record of 1217 runs (nine matches, 18 innings, at 71.59) set in the 1983-84 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy season when he reached 77 during his unbeaten innings of 104 (15 fours, one six).

This was Kamran’s 20th innings of the season, after setting the highest run’s record, the right-hander went on to post his fifth century of the tournament, reaching the landmark off 196 balls.

When stumps were drawn for the day, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had attained a position of considerable strength by reaching 243 for five, an overall lead of 286.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa started their second innings with a 43-run lead, they were rocked back at the start with the loss of opener Fakhar Zaman (4) and Zohaib Khan (5) with the score at 33 in the 14th over.

Israrullah who contributed 61 in the first innings posted his second half-century of the match scoring 63 off 97 balls (nine fours, one six) before he was dismissed stumped off Qasim Akram. Rehan Afridi was run out for one with the score at 204 and KP 247 runs ahead.

Kamran joined hands with Adil Amin in an 83-run fourth-wicket partnership which was broken by Waqas Maqsood who had Adil caught for 34 (88 balls, four fours).

Earlier in the day, resuming at the overnight score of 212 for eight, Central Punjab declared their innings after reaching 257 for nine in 83 overs. After crossing the 250-run mark, Central Punjab gathered a crucial second batting point which equalled their first innings points tally with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to six points which prompted a declaration.

Qasim posted the third half-century of his maiden first-class season, the right-hander scored 60 off 102 balls with the help of nine fours. He added 37 vital runs for the 10th wicket with Waqas Maqsood who hit a four and two sixes in his unbeaten 20 off 14 balls.

Fast bowler Irfanullah Shah finished with four wickets for 73 while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Khalid Usman finished with three for 32 with his left-arm-spin.

Scores in brief (end of day three):

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 300 all out, 97.5 overs (Kamran Ghulam 76, Adil Amin 75, Israrullah 61; Hasan Ali 4-62, Waqas Maqsood 3-59) and 243-5, 76 overs (Kamran Ghulam 104 not out, Israrullah 63; Waqas Maqsood 2-52)

Central Punjab 257-9 declared, 83 overs (Qasim Akram 60 not out, Usman Salahuddin 60, Saad Nasim 55; Irfanullah Shah 4- 73, Khalid Usman 3-32)

First innings points: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 6 (three batting points, three bowling points), Central Punjab 6 (bowling four, batting two)

 

[Titan24]

With a lineup like that he won't replace anyone to be honest unless Misbah reverts to 6+4 combination.

Maybe Azhar can be moved to the top. He is doing fine currently and we dont have much options for opening slots.

Abid/ Sharjeel/ Shan
Azhar
Kamran Ghulam
Babar Azam (C)
Fawad Alam/ Saud Shakeel
Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
Faheem Ashraf/ Hammad Azam/ Shadab/ Agha Salman etc (Depending on combination)
Zafar Gohar/ Shadab Khan
Hasan All/ Amad Butt
Yasir Shah/ Sajid Khan/ Nauman Ali/ Mohammad Abbas/ Naseem Shah (Depending upon the conditions)
Shaheen Shah

 

[guldozer]

6 more no balls from Hasan Ali. I make that 17 in the match already. Something to work on before 50 over competition as the no balls could hurt his team much more in that format.

 

[shaaik]

Felt so bad for Kamran Ghulam, he threw his wicket away to a nothing delivery. The century was there for a taking .. would hv done his chances of making it to the squad against South Africa a world of good. I hope he does it in the 2nd innings since it’s a 5 day game and in the process become the highest run scorer ever in QEA TrOphy.

Wow .. he just did it , a hundred in 2nd innings of QAE final to go with 76 in the first innings is not a mean feat by any stretch of imagination. The guy deserves a place in the 11 against South Africa.

 

[shaaik]

Kamran Ghulam now has the most runs in 1 QAE trophy ever..

 

[MenInG]

CP are 5/0 at Lunch, chasing 356 to win

 

[hur rizvi]

Arshad iqbal looks a guy with a quite a bit of potential.
He has had the most smooth induction from the u 19 set up in comparison to his compatriots Shaheen, Naseem, Hasnoan and Musa all four yes Shaheen as well has been thrown at he deep end before they were half ready. Arshad is playing regular PSL and now FC as well hopefully he will stay at this level for 2 seasons minimum and then make the gradual step up and I suspect he might end as the most successful among his U 19 counterparts.

I understand what you are saying but Arshad seems a pretty average talent TBH

 

[Markhor]

CP could pull this chase off if they hold their nerve. They could've been better off without the tactical declaration in 1st inns.

 

[Junaids]

This match has turned into a Bat-off between Kamran Ghulam and Usman Salahuddin for Haris Sohail’s Test place.

We are going to see whether Salahuddin, at the age of 30, has the mental strength to bat four sessions to win the match.

 

[Junaids]

Kamran Ghulam 76 and 108
Usman Salahuddin 60 and 49 not out so far.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

This match has turned into a Bat-off between Kamran Ghulam and Usman Salahuddin for Haris Sohail’s Test place.

We are going to see whether Salahuddin, at the age of 30, has the mental strength to bat four sessions to win the match.

You’re mistaken. Assuming we drop another one of the geriatrics for Babar, Saud Shakeel already has first dibs on Haris’s spot (phasing 2 batsmen out at once is reasonable, though 3 is not).

The bat off between Kamran and Usman is for the 6th batsman’s role in a 6-1-4 combination, and for the bench spot currently occupied by Imran Butt in a 5-1-5 combination.

 

[Junaids]

You’re mistaken. Assuming we drop another one of the geriatrics for Babar, Saud Shakeel already has first dibs on Haris’s spot (phasing 2 batsmen out at once is reasonable, though 3 is not).

The bat off between Kamran and Usman is for the 6th batsman’s role in a 6-1-4 combination, and for the bench spot currently occupied by Imran Butt in a 5-1-5 combination.

I’m fine with that.

Mohammad Wasim has to do something about Haris and Abid and Shan.

 

[MenInG]

 

[Thunderbolt14]

I’m fine with that.

Mohammad Wasim has to do something about Haris and Abid and Shan.

I agree. I think Haris is first chop, followed by Shan, then Abid, then Azhar, then Fawad.

Rather than discriminating between the above 5 names on basis of age the way you do (i.e one is 31 but another is 34, so you’ll drop the 34 year old), my personal worldview is to classify 31-36 as one single age group and then discriminate on basis of performances.

Given the lack of openers on our domestic scene, we are obligated to choose between Shan, Abid, and Azhar for the opening spot - despite Azhar’s age, he still inspires much more confidence than Shan does, and though you may sometimes have a point about diminishing reflexes, you have only to see Shan’s dismissal to an inswinging 127kph yorker, or his dropped catches, to know who has the better reflexes of the two right now.

Abid knows how to score heavily in Asia and at least has a technique to speak of, so he takes the other opener’s spot.

With Babar and Fawad in the middle order, you now have two spots remaining. One will be a confirmed starter, to play at 3, and the other will be a middle order bat who plays depending on the combination (i.e if Rizwan is at 7, opening up a middle order spot).

For those two, Saud and Kamran are the obvious picks and Usman Salahuddin’s selection would go against your own principles of selecting a 30 year old who will take a year to acclimatize to the team, when he hasn’t even been a better performer domestically than Saud and Kamran who are 26 years old. I wouldn’t mind Salahuddin’s selection too much considering I am comfortable with 40 year olds playing in the vein of Misbah ul Haq as long as they are fit and field well. But Saud and Kamran are superior in almost every respect.

1. Azhar Ali
2. Abid Ali
3. Saud Shakeel
4. Babar Azam
5. Kamran Ghulam
6. Fawad Alam
7. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
8. Zafar Gohar
9. Hassan Ali
10. Sajid Khan / Yasir Shah
11. Shaheen Afridi

This would be my XI, plus minus, with a spinning track prepared, for the SA series.

 

[ARK Rafay]

Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day. I back CP to chase this down

 

[UzmanBeast]

You’re mistaken. Assuming we drop another one of the geriatrics for Babar, Saud Shakeel already has first dibs on Haris’s spot (phasing 2 batsmen out at once is reasonable, though 3 is not).

The bat off between Kamran and Usman is for the 6th batsman’s role in a 6-1-4 combination, and for the bench spot currently occupied by Imran Butt in a 5-1-5 combination.

Pakistan has a few options to consider for test matches.

We can go with the standard 6-1-4 combination, which would be good for making big targets.

We also have the depth in all-rounders to go for a 6-2-3.

Either way, there aren't many batting slots for new batsmen.

Take Babar, Rizwan, Azhar, Fawad, and Shaheen as the confirmed starters. You then have:

-Opening slot-
-Opening slot-
Azhar Ali
Babar Azam (c)
Fawad Alam
Mohammad Rizwan
-All-rounder-
-All-rounder/Spinner-
Shaheen Shah Afridi
-Second Pacer-
-Third Pacer-

At the moment, it is our bowling that is looking a bit toothless, and our top order is pathetic. Abbas is no longer an automatic selection because of his poor form, and neither is Naseem with his changed runup.

So the second and third pacers are the real questions. We need to look at Hasan Ali for one slot, but the other has to be someone with the X-Factor. He has to be someone who can really rough up batsmen, and looking into domestic cricket, I don't see those types of players. The last thing we need is another line/length trundler like Abbas, we need someone like a Wagner. He has to be tall as well and fairly quick too.

As for the all-rounders, we have Shadab Khan, Zafar Gohar, and Faheem Ashraf available to use. Overseas, Faheem steps in without a doubt. In Asia, I think we'd have to go with Shadab Khan or Zafar Gohar, potentially both if Zafar plays as the main spinner and Shadab as the AR.

The top order is where we have some questions as well. There isn't one good opener in domestic cricket, so we can either hope that these two pull it together, or we can try to make some changes by having Azhar open and have a new batsman at 3 where they'd feel more comfortable, someone like Salahuddin, Ghulam, or Shakeel.

Only one of Kamran, Usman, or Saud can make the team even if we try to fit all of them in. So it is really going to be a personal decision to include whoever, because all have performed well. I'd go with Kamran Ghulam personally because he's in great form, and he's younger too. Saud has lapses in judgement and Usman didn't really have a stand-out season, though he is very consistent. Like I said, the selection will be on who Mohammad Wasim backs.

In my opinion, I think that we need to revamp the bowling attack. We need an attack that will take 20 wickets consistently, and I know there are a lot of fans of Ehsan Adil and whatnot, but we need the X-factor. Shaheen is the left arm angle and Hasan is the skiddy right armer. We need a very aggressive bowler to finish the attack. I haven't seen too much of Ehsan Adil, but I know that he isn't the type of player we're looking for.

 

[Firebat]

Karachi, 4 January 2021:

The first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2020-21 final is set for an enthralling finish with both Central Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in with a real chance of winning the tournament and PKR10million at the end of an absorbing fourth-day of the five-day final being played at the National Stadium Karachi.

Set a 356-run target, defending champions Central Punjab were 140 for two at stumps needing another 216 on the final day. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s bowlers, who have been so far restricted to two second innings wickets, will be in search of the remaining eight wickets when the proceedings begin on Tuesday.

Central Punjab began their chase cautiously as openers Muhammad Akhlaq and Ali Zaryab batted for 21.3 overs to accumulate 35 runs. Tournament’s leading wicket-taker Sajid Khan made the first breakthrough when he had Zaryab lbw for 10.

Akhlaq added 54 runs for the second wicket with Usman Salahuddin before he was caught by Israrullah after a juggling effort in the slips off Arshad Iqbal for 48 off 145 balls (six fours).

Usman, who has been the backbone of Central Punjab’s batting efforts throughout the tournament, posted his eighth half-century of the season and was batting on 51 (147 balls, three fours) at close of play.

Mohammad Saad is not out on 27 (63 balls, two fours). The two have so far added 51 runs for the unbroken third-wicket partnership.

Earlier, resuming at the overnight score of 243 for five, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were bowled out for 312 in 93.5 overs. Kamran Ghulam, who on day-two set a record for the most runs in a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy season, was dismissed for 108 off 208 balls (16 fours, one six) finishing the season with 1249 runs.

Sajid Khan was dismissed for eight, while captain Khalid Usman made a vital 53-run contribution lower in the order to ensure his side set Central Punjab a 350-plus target. Khalid’s 73-ball innings included seven fours.

Fast bowlers Sameen Gul (5) and Arshad Iqbal (2) were dismissed in quick succession as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were bowled out for 312 (lead of 355) in 93.5 overs.

Left-armer Waqas Maqsood took four for 77, to finish the tournament with 41 wickets, Hasan Ali who took one wicket for 67, finished the season as the highest wicket-taking fast bowler with a tally of 43 wickets.

Scores in brief (end of day four):

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 300 all out in 97.5 overs (Kamran Ghulam 76, Adil Amin 75, Israrullah 61; Hasan Ali 4-62, Waqas Maqsood 3-59) and 312 all out in 93.5 overs (Kamran Ghulam 108, Israrullah 63, Khalid Usman 53; Waqas Maqsood 4-77, Bilawal Iqbal 2-57)

Central Punjab 257-9 declared, 83 overs (Qasim Akram 60 not out, Usman Salahuddin 60, Saad Nasim 55; Irfanullah Shah 4- 73, Khalid Usman 3-32) and 140 for 2, 70 overs (Usman Salahuddin 51 not out, Muhammad Akhlaq 48; Arshad Iqbal 1-33)

First innings points: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 6 (three batting points, three bowling points), Central Punjab 6 (bowling four, batting two)

 

[moghul]

Pakistan has a few options to consider for test matches.

We can go with the standard 6-1-4 combination, which would be good for making big targets.

We also have the depth in all-rounders to go for a 6-2-3.

Either way, there aren't many batting slots for new batsmen.

Take Babar, Rizwan, Azhar, Fawad, and Shaheen as the confirmed starters. You then have:

-Opening slot-
-Opening slot-
Azhar Ali
Babar Azam (c)
Fawad Alam
Mohammad Rizwan
-All-rounder-
-All-rounder/Spinner-
Shaheen Shah Afridi
-Second Pacer-
-Third Pacer-

At the moment, it is our bowling that is looking a bit toothless, and our top order is pathetic. Abbas is no longer an automatic selection because of his poor form, and neither is Naseem with his changed runup.

So the second and third pacers are the real questions. We need to look at Hasan Ali for one slot, but the other has to be someone with the X-Factor. He has to be someone who can really rough up batsmen, and looking into domestic cricket, I don't see those types of players. The last thing we need is another line/length trundler like Abbas, we need someone like a Wagner. He has to be tall as well and fairly quick too.

As for the all-rounders, we have Shadab Khan, Zafar Gohar, and Faheem Ashraf available to use. Overseas, Faheem steps in without a doubt. In Asia, I think we'd have to go with Shadab Khan or Zafar Gohar, potentially both if Zafar plays as the main spinner and Shadab as the AR.

The top order is where we have some questions as well. There isn't one good opener in domestic cricket, so we can either hope that these two pull it together, or we can try to make some changes by having Azhar open and have a new batsman at 3 where they'd feel more comfortable, someone like Salahuddin, Ghulam, or Shakeel.

Only one of Kamran, Usman, or Saud can make the team even if we try to fit all of them in. So it is really going to be a personal decision to include whoever, because all have performed well. I'd go with Kamran Ghulam personally because he's in great form, and he's younger too. Saud has lapses in judgement and Usman didn't really have a stand-out season, though he is very consistent. Like I said, the selection will be on who Mohammad Wasim backs.

In my opinion, I think that we need to revamp the bowling attack. We need an attack that will take 20 wickets consistently, and I know there are a lot of fans of Ehsan Adil and whatnot, but we need the X-factor. Shaheen is the left arm angle and Hasan is the skiddy right armer. We need a very aggressive bowler to finish the attack. I haven't seen too much of Ehsan Adil, but I know that he isn't the type of player we're looking for.

Usman should have not been dropped after he made his debut, particularly for this useless guy named Haris Sohail. Usman has been very consistent performer since than and should be given first opportunity to get back into test side, followed by Ghulam and then Saud.

 

[Zeshan547]

I agree. I think Haris is first chop, followed by Shan, then Abid, then Azhar, then Fawad.

Rather than discriminating between the above 5 names on basis of age the way you do (i.e one is 31 but another is 34, so you’ll drop the 34 year old), my personal worldview is to classify 31-36 as one single age group and then discriminate on basis of performances.

Given the lack of openers on our domestic scene, we are obligated to choose between Shan, Abid, and Azhar for the opening spot - despite Azhar’s age, he still inspires much more confidence than Shan does, and though you may sometimes have a point about diminishing reflexes, you have only to see Shan’s dismissal to an inswinging 127kph yorker, or his dropped catches, to know who has the better reflexes of the two right now.

Abid knows how to score heavily in Asia and at least has a technique to speak of, so he takes the other opener’s spot.

With Babar and Fawad in the middle order, you now have two spots remaining. One will be a confirmed starter, to play at 3, and the other will be a middle order bat who plays depending on the combination (i.e if Rizwan is at 7, opening up a middle order spot).

For those two, Saud and Kamran are the obvious picks and Usman Salahuddin’s selection would go against your own principles of selecting a 30 year old who will take a year to acclimatize to the team, when he hasn’t even been a better performer domestically than Saud and Kamran who are 26 years old. I wouldn’t mind Salahuddin’s selection too much considering I am comfortable with 40 year olds playing in the vein of Misbah ul Haq as long as they are fit and field well. But Saud and Kamran are superior in almost every respect.

1. Azhar Ali
2. Abid Ali
3. Saud Shakeel
4. Babar Azam
5. Kamran Ghulam
6. Fawad Alam
7. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
8. Zafar Gohar
9. Hassan Ali
10. Sajid Khan / Yasir Shah
11. Shaheen Afridi

This would be my XI, plus minus, with a spinning track prepared, for the SA series.

The best possible XI for South Africa on current form, And if pitch has more juice specially in rawalpindi we can have Faheem for Zafar. And Abid will be ok in Asia but if we wanna ease in Imam for away tours then he should play these asian tests to solidify his spot.

 

[samiakh]

There have been a lot of doubters about the now FC season format, but having watched quite a bit of this season, I have to say Im a believer. The batting and bowling has been of solid FC quality and a good preparation for Test cricket, the fielding less so. Saud, Kamran, Usman Salahuddin, Qasim Akram, Mubasir, Irfan Shah, Arshad Iqbal, Sajid Khan, all seem capable of taking a step up. Its good to see Hasan bowling with zip, I thought Hammad looked in decent nick and could be an option as a batsmen who can give you a few overs. Never rated Waqas Maqsood but he is a handful with the new ball. All in all I have more confidence in Saud Shakeels runs in this tournament than I did a couple of years ago when he scored for PTV. So to me that means this is a step in the right direction. Once we are beyond COVID players will also have to deal with different conditions.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Usman should have not been dropped after he made his debut, particularly for this useless guy named Haris Sohail. Usman has been very consistent performer since than and should be given first opportunity to get back into test side, followed by Ghulam and then Saud.

Exactly.

Usman Salahuddin should play, but I think he should play at 3 and Azhar opens. That way we have less dead weight in the team.

 

[JibranAnsari]

beauty by irfanullah to get rid of salahuddin

 

[Ellipsism]

Sameen Gul looks average.

Shahnawaz is the only upcoming pacer that has impressed me this tournament. His ability to get the ball to rise off a length is something our current crop lack, and vitally needs. The boy needs some mass on him though so he can handle the rigours of FC cricket- struggled in the latter stages of the tournament for this very reason.

 

[JibranAnsari]

pakistans biggest defeat in by an innings and 225 runs Lets see if we can avoid that.

 

[Belawal2014]

Sameen Gul looks average.

Shahnawaz is the only upcoming pacer that has impressed me this tournament. His ability to get the ball to rise off a length is something our current crop lack, and vitally needs. The boy needs some mass on him though so he can handle the rigours of FC cricket- struggled in the latter stages of the tournament for this very reason.

Irfanullah Shah?