Current Young T20 FC Openers in Pakistan who have no business opening for Pakistan

[Rana]

I think it is necessary for me to make this thread now before its too late. Modern white ball batting and particularly opening in T20 cricket really fascinates me. I have vehemently expressed my views on RizBab and how players of this kind have no business opening the innings, that too at international level.

-Strike rates below 130 simply wont cut it.
-The lack of intent, the will to attack the opposition for every ball in the powerplay will simply not cut it as an opener!
-T20i Cricket isnt a game of personal milestones. Openers need to play hard, or get out! Flamboyancy is a must. Anger in your shots is a must! Authority, the will to dominate is a must!

That being said, the management will look to at some point replace this combination of RizBab with a younger and more dynamic duo. The Misbah doom and gloom fans will argue that Pakistan actually has no options and RizBab are the best. Well thats a big joke and a lie as proven by Muhammad Harris who announced himself today with that phenomenal 16 off 3 balls against Rabada! wow, just wow!

However, I have understood how the PCB and their 90s mindset fans think! Also, i have been keeping a close eye on the development of potential players that are on PCB's radar to open, keep wickets or bat in T20 at some point for Pakistan. The following players have absolutely no business whatsoever to dream of opening for Pakistan cricket unless they...

-Significantly improve their intent to hit boundaries
-Give up their selfish approach and consuming dots in the powerplay
-Improve their aerial hitting approach. They must not be afraid to loft the fielders in the inner circle.

They are,

1. Abdullah Shafique

Highly talented Test class player who is too scared to go at a strike rate of over 35 in Test cricket. Doesnt have the cojones to bat like The Hales, Butlers, Warners of world cricket. An average of 27 is decent but a sr of 127 in Pakistan's fc tournament as an opener is no improvement to RizBab at the potential of International call up.

2. Abdulwahid Bangalzai

19 year old highly rated opener from Balochistan. Sr of 114 in 25 T20s in Pakistan cup. Thats poor numbers and doesnt show signs of being brave, taking the game on regardless of how much potential you have. Another potential weak, timid player in the making.

3. Haseebullah Khan

19 year old Keeper/Batsman who represented Pakistan in the u19 world cup. SR of 115 in 10 FC T20 games. Early days but I have seen enough of him to tell you that he doesn't have the hunger, intent or cojones as I have said to be any better than RizBab or Ahmad Shahzad even at international level. He also has serious issues in his technique, especially against the short ball.

4. Sahibzada Farhan

A lot older (26) than the first three names and he has represented Pakistan in the past. Another accumulator who has scored runs in Pakistan but his sr of 118 is nothing to write home about. Yes he can camp in and score a 50 like RizBab and Shan but this is not the kind of player we need to be looking at!

In the case of Farhan, the ship may have sailed. However I believe the other 3 are most certainly in the current PCB influenced by Misbah mindset's radar. I dont wish that these boys never represent Pakistan However I do wish that we do not repeat the same old Mistake of allowing accumulator leeches destroy our T20 brand, or continue to sustain the current rubbish brand of T20i opening we have. The first 3 MUST look at the backlash RizBab are now receiving and mend their ways now before its too late, as they will cost Pakistan big games otherwise!

 

[Farabi]

I think it is necessary for me to make this thread now before its too late. Modern white ball batting and particularly opening in T20 cricket really fascinates me. I have vehemently expressed my views on RizBab and how players of this kind have no business opening the innings, that too at international level.

-Strike rates below 130 simply wont cut it.
-The lack of intent, the will to attack the opposition for every ball in the powerplay will simply not cut it as an opener!
-T20i Cricket isnt a game of personal milestones. Openers need to play hard, or get out! Flamboyancy is a must. Anger in your shots is a must! Authority, the will to dominate is a must!

That being said, the management will look to at some point replace this combination of RizBab with a younger and more dynamic duo. The Misbah doom and gloom fans will argue that Pakistan actually has no options and RizBab are the best. Well thats a big joke and a lie as proven by Muhammad Harris who announced himself today with that phenomenal 16 off 3 balls against Rabada! wow, just wow!

However, I have understood how the PCB and their 90s mindset fans think! Also, i have been keeping a close eye on the development of potential players that are on PCB's radar to open, keep wickets or bat in T20 at some point for Pakistan. The following players have absolutely no business whatsoever to dream of opening for Pakistan cricket unless they...

-Significantly improve their intent to hit boundaries
-Give up their selfish approach and consuming dots in the powerplay
-Improve their aerial hitting approach. They must not be afraid to loft the fielders in the inner circle.

They are,

1. Abdullah Shafique

Highly talented Test class player who is too scared to go at a strike rate of over 35 in Test cricket. Doesnt have the cojones to bat like The Hales, Butlers, Warners of world cricket. An average of 27 is decent but a sr of 127 in Pakistan's fc tournament as an opener is no improvement to RizBab at the potential of International call up.

2. Abdulwahid Bangalzai

19 year old highly rated opener from Balochistan. Sr of 114 in 25 T20s in Pakistan cup. Thats poor numbers and doesnt show signs of being brave, taking the game on regardless of how much potential you have. Another potential weak, timid player in the making.

3. Haseebullah Khan

19 year old Keeper/Batsman who represented Pakistan in the u19 world cup. SR of 115 in 10 FC T20 games. Early days but I have seen enough of him to tell you that he doesn't have the hunger, intent or cojones as I have said to be any better than RizBab or Ahmad Shahzad even at international level. He also has serious issues in his technique, especially against the short ball.

4. Sahibzada Farhan

A lot older (26) than the first three names and he has represented Pakistan in the past. Another accumulator who has scored runs in Pakistan but his sr of 118 is nothing to write home about. Yes he can camp in and score a 50 like RizBab and Shan but this is not the kind of player we need to be looking at!

In the case of Farhan, the ship may have sailed. However I believe the other 3 are most certainly in the current PCB influenced by Misbah mindset's radar. I dont wish that these boys never represent Pakistan However I do wish that we do not repeat the same old Mistake of allowing accumulator leeches destroy our T20 brand, or continue to sustain the current rubbish brand of T20i opening we have. The first 3 MUST look at the backlash RizBab are now receiving and mend their ways now before its too late, as they will cost Pakistan big games otherwise!

We've been fooled before. After 2-3 failures, Haris played a flashy innings, but the question is how often can he repeat this? It was eye-catching, yes, but I am NOT falling for it. I have no confidence on Haris' ability. He doesn't have a big track record in domestic tournaments. At this point, he is just a flashy batsman who will be found out sooner rather than later unless he works his game.

Pakistan should back someone with a strong track record in FC, List A, and National T20.

For now, RizBabar are out of form, and I wouldn't get carried away. All batsmen have bad times. Last time Babar was in Aus, he struck at 140 SR at an average of 50. One of them should pair with Fakhar while one can come down. Rizwan's career SR excluding minnows is more than 140. So, I don't really care about the eye tests many PP users seem to have. I look at the data.

In the meantime, guys like Haider, Saim, and Haris should develop their game in domestics for the next 2-3 years. They are nowhere near being ready. They need to prove first they can bat like this consistently.

Finally, 26 is the age when batsmen mature and should not be debuting earlier than that anyway. The best decision Pak can make is to put these minimum cutoffs (at least 40 avg in FC, 60 games in FC, at least 30 games in List A and Min average of XY, and minimum SR of 140 in National T20). But there has got to be at least 50 FC games before anyone gets a cap.

 

[Rana]

We've been fooled before. After 2-3 failures, Haris played a flashy innings, but the question is how often can he repeat this? It was eye-catching, yes, but I am NOT falling for it. I have no confidence on Haris' ability. He doesn't have a big track record in domestic tournaments. At this point, he is just a flashy batsman who will be found out sooner rather than later unless he works his game.

Pakistan should back someone with a strong track record in FC, List A, and National T20.

For now, RizBabar are out of form, and I wouldn't get carried away. All batsmen have bad times. Last time Babar was in Aus, he struck at 140 SR at an average of 50. One of them should pair with Fakhar while one can come down. Rizwan's career SR excluding minnows is more than 140. So, I don't really care about the eye tests many PP users seem to have. I look at the data.

In the meantime, guys like Haider, Saim, and Haris should develop their game in domestics for the next 2-3 years. They are nowhere near being ready. They need to prove first they can bat like this consistently.

Finally, 26 is the age when batsmen mature and should not be debuting earlier than that anyway. The best decision Pak can make is to put these minimum cutoffs (at least 40 avg in FC, 60 games in FC, at least 30 games in List A and Min average of XY, and minimum SR of 140 in National T20). But there has got to be at least 50 FC games before anyone gets a cap.

Your falling under the stupid trap of ‘consistency’ just like the Misbah fans who argue RizBab are the GOAT T20i openers

A player like Harris has a shot at representing SENA as a Batsman, not RizBab and definitely not the 3/4 I have mentioned.

You need 4 more like Harris in the side if you want to compete with the big boys

 

[topspin]

We've been fooled before. After 2-3 failures, Haris played a flashy innings, but the question is how often can he repeat this? It was eye-catching, yes, but I am NOT falling for it. I have no confidence on Haris' ability. He doesn't have a big track record in domestic tournaments. At this point, he is just a flashy batsman who will be found out sooner rather than later unless he works his game.

Pakistan should back someone with a strong track record in FC, List A, and National T20.

For now, RizBabar are out of form, and I wouldn't get carried away. All batsmen have bad times. Last time Babar was in Aus, he struck at 140 SR at an average of 50. One of them should pair with Fakhar while one can come down. Rizwan's career SR excluding minnows is more than 140. So, I don't really care about the eye tests many PP users seem to have. I look at the data.

In the meantime, guys like Haider, Saim, and Haris should develop their game in domestics for the next 2-3 years. They are nowhere near being ready. They need to prove first they can bat like this consistently.

Finally, 26 is the age when batsmen mature and should not be debuting earlier than that anyway. The best decision Pak can make is to put these minimum cutoffs (at least 40 avg in FC, 60 games in FC, at least 30 games in List A and Min average of XY, and minimum SR of 140 in National T20). But there has got to be at least 50 FC games before anyone gets a cap.

After what we've seen from Rizbar in last year's WT20, Asia Cup and current WT20, our fans really should've grasped that bilateral T20I knocks mean nothing if they can't be replicated against first string bowling attacks on the big stage.

 

[gazza619]

We've been fooled before. After 2-3 failures, Haris played a flashy innings, but the question is how often can he repeat this? It was eye-catching, yes, but I am NOT falling for it. I have no confidence on Haris' ability. He doesn't have a big track record in domestic tournaments. At this point, he is just a flashy batsman who will be found out sooner rather than later unless he works his game.

Pakistan should back someone with a strong track record in FC, List A, and National T20.

For now, RizBabar are out of form, and I wouldn't get carried away. All batsmen have bad times. Last time Babar was in Aus, he struck at 140 SR at an average of 50. One of them should pair with Fakhar while one can come down. Rizwan's career SR excluding minnows is more than 140. So, I don't really care about the eye tests many PP users seem to have. I look at the data.

In the meantime, guys like Haider, Saim, and Haris should develop their game in domestics for the next 2-3 years. They are nowhere near being ready. They need to prove first they can bat like this consistently.

Finally, 26 is the age when batsmen mature and should not be debuting earlier than that anyway. The best decision Pak can make is to put these minimum cutoffs (at least 40 avg in FC, 60 games in FC, at least 30 games in List A and Min average of XY, and minimum SR of 140 in National T20). But there has got to be at least 50 FC games before anyone gets a cap.

Good post. I agree with you. We get carried away by a 10 ball 20 these days.

 

[Farabi]

Your falling under the stupid trap of ‘consistency’ just like the Misbah fans who argue RizBab are the GOAT T20i openers

A player like Harris has a shot at representing SENA as a Batsman, not RizBab and definitely not the 3/4 I have mentioned.

You need 4 more like Harris in the side if you want to compete with the big boys

A batsman like Haris has zero chance of representing SENA or India. He’s a total punt based on 2-3 PSL innings.
All their so-called “power hitters” have played 50+ FC games whether you talk about Buttler, Liam, SKY, Miller, Wade, or Stoinis. Verifiable facts these.

Only in Pakistan are tullas elevated until they fail.

While I agree Rizbabar don’t have to open together, all teams have a batsman like them in their top 4:

NZ: Conway, Williamson
India: Kohli, Rahul
SA: Bavuma, Rassie (before he was injured), now Markaram
Aus: S smith and Finch

Abdullah Shafique has the basics. If he does well in PSL and FC for next 2-3 years, then he is someone who can take on WC bowling because he has a basic technique. But he needs to prove himself time and again first.

 

[Farabi]

After what we've seen from Rizbar in last year's WT20, Asia Cup and current WT20, our fans really should've grasped that bilateral T20I knocks mean nothing if they can't be replicated against first string bowling attacks on the big stage.

That is fair. But if someone is not even succeeding vs B attacks, how are they expected to succeed vs A attacks.
You have to be nailing down B attacks to be in contention to nail down A attacks no?

 

[Rana]

A batsman like Haris has zero chance of representing SENA or India. He’s a total punt based on 2-3 PSL innings.
All their so-called “power hitters” have played 50+ FC games whether you talk about Buttler, Liam, SKY, Miller, Wade, or Stoinis. Verifiable facts these.

Only in Pakistan are tullas elevated until they fail.

While I agree Rizbabar don’t have to open together, all teams have a batsman like them in their top 4:

NZ: Conway, Williamson
India: Kohli, Rahul
SA: Bavuma, Rassie (before he was injured), now Markaram
Aus: S smith and Finch

Abdullah Shafique has the basics. If he does well in PSL and FC for next 2-3 years, then he is someone who can take on WC bowling because he has a basic technique. But he needs to prove himself time and again first.

Ok mate

Watch this age well

 

[Farabi]

Ok mate

Watch this age well

It’s not about Haris or any other individual bro.
It’s about the process. I couldn’t care less about how Haris does. He could do well, who knows? Punt selections rarely work.
Ultimately, better teams know that It’s the processes and mechanisms that ensure sustained success.
My problem is with the process when all it takes is 2 flashy PSL innings to get a Pak cap. It’s a disservice to so many talented Pakistani cricketers who’ve been toiling away in domestic scene.

Haider, Haris, and co are talented but they should be allowed to mature and develop into final products before they feature for Pak. 2-3 FC seasons would do a world of good for them.

I’m all for building an aggressive and modern batting unit, but this ain’t the way to do it.
All the world’s so called “best power-hitters” are proper bats, who were rewarded based on consistent performances in their domestic tournaments.

 

[Major]

OP is messed up, how can a player have 130 strike rate in FC.
Unless OP doenst know that FC means first class cricket.

 

[Justcrazy]

Pakistan management is confused with Power Hitters and sloggers . Power hitters need proper technique and base to hit , which sloggers lack.

 

[Farabi]

Pakistan management is confused with Power Hitters and sloggers . Power hitters need proper technique and base to hit , which sloggers lack.

Yup. Kohli is a great example. He helped India get 48 runs in just 3 overs vs Pak under pressure. None of it was slogging. Played every single ball on merit with really good application of basics. Miller, Liam, and Buttler, all of these guys are proper bats, not sloggers.

 

[Justcrazy]

Yup. Kohli is a great example. He helped India get 48 runs in just 3 overs vs Pak under pressure. None of it was slogging. Played every single ball on merit with really good application of basics. Miller, Liam, and Buttler, all of these guys are proper bats, not sloggers.

All the big 20 20 batsmen were decent batsmen who did well in other formats .

Kohli , Sharma , Warner , Butler , Gayle etc.

 

[Rana]

OP is messed up, how can a player have 130 strike rate in FC.
Unless OP doenst know that FC means first class cricket.

Really?

That desperate major sab?

 

[Farabi]

All the big 20 20 batsmen were decent batsmen who did well in other formats .

Kohli , Sharma , Warner , Butler , Gayle etc.

Unfortunately, the confusion of powerhitters with slogging is costing Pakistan.

 

[Rana]

They are going down the wrong route with Bangalzai

Haseebullah is lucky he won’t get exposed this season at PZ because Babar will never play him as an opener

 

[Omer2002]

Bangalzai is not a 2020 player

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Abdullah Shafique has been in top form and Haseebullah did brilliant today.

Perhaps the future is brighter than expected.

 

[MenInG]

They are going down the wrong route with Bangalzai

Haseebullah is lucky he won’t get exposed this season at PZ because Babar will never play him as an opener

But are you happy with his current batting position?

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

But are you happy with his current batting position?

In [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] ‘s defence, nobody saw Haseebullah playing this innings. I think there’s been a concentrated effort by both him and Abdullah Shafique to play w/ the handbrakes off. And that’s shown in their performances.

Now, I’d they do fail playing this way, I hope they get backed by the public. It’s the way we want to play as a team.

 

[Rana]

In [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] ‘s defence, nobody saw Haseebullah playing this innings. I think there’s been a concentrated effort by both him and Abdullah Shafique to play w/ the handbrakes off. And that’s shown in their performances.

Now, I’d they do fail playing this way, I hope they get backed by the public. It’s the way we want to play as a team.

Exactly the guy had a sr of 118

More games to come and you will see what he’s all about. He’s poor on the short ball

 

[shamaan]

Match Winning Innings from Haseebullah.

 

[sabre1486]

what terrible terrible analysis, abdullah has shown his ability so far, his last few games he's been playing at 180plus SR. his t20 career SR is above 130, how did you expect his test performances to signal how he would play in an entirely different format?