Do ODI series win in South Africa and Australia make Pakistan favorites for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

[Mamoon]

Okay so that's just hypothetical, narratives and your opinion.

Kamran vs Babar: Who has the better form atm?

Kamran hasn’t played enough for form/lack of form to be a consideration. He is completely unproven compared to Babar.

 

[mominsaigol]

Kamran hasn’t played enough for form/lack of form to be a consideration. He is completely unproven compared to Babar.

Idk man, test century in debut, frequently topping fc and List A charts, impressive start to his odi career. Seems like the proper babar replacement to me.

 

[Devadwal]

@Devadwal
I knew you will run away lol This is SA’s team that played the semi final vs Aus at the 2023 World Cup.

Q. de Kock (✘ Retired)
T. Bavuma
R. van der Dussen
A. Markram
H. Klaasen
D. Miller
M. Jansen
G. Coetzee (Injured)
K. Maharaj (Injured)
K. Rabada
T. Shamsi

All but three are playing against Pakistan.
1. Q. de Kock has retired.
2. Coetzee is a promising talent but has only 15 ODIs under his belt, so he is a far cry from being a “world class player”.
3. Maharaja is a good player, but I doubt he would have made any difference as Pakistanis prefer spin over high pace like Maphaka.

As for Pakistan, it is also missing two of its best players from the same World Cup, Fakhar and Wasim Junior.

Bowling attacks of South Africa in 2nd odi . lol

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

India will win champions trophy 2025. However, no one in India is thinking about it now as the focus is to first win the BGT.

i would nt be so sure if India plays all their Games in Dubai. Even BD can spring a surprise , they came perilously close to defeating Ind in 2018 Asia cup final

 

[Hellion]

i would nt be so sure if India plays all their Games in Dubai. Even BD can spring a surprise , they came perilously close to defeating Ind in 2018 Asia cup final

If you're going by 2018 Asia Cup, it would mean Pakistan shouldn't even bother turning up against India considering they got mauled into submission, twice , and then got knocked out by BD

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

Not really. On the roads of Pakistan par scores will be 350 plus which is beyond our batting. If the tournament was in England or SA we'd have a shot.

99% Australia, India or England will win.

what about Dubai if we play India?

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

If you're going by 2018 Asia Cup, it would mean Pakistan shouldn't even bother turning up against India considering they got mauled into submission, twice , and then got knocked out by BD

Pak’s current team is lot better than the one in 2018. PS 2 t20 wins in dubai will give Pak some confidence

PS rohit is not same as the one in 2018

 

[Hellion]

Pak’s current team is lot better than the one in 2018. PS 2 t20 wins in dubai will give Pak some confidence

PS rohit is not same as the one in 2018

Pakistan before the Asia Cup 2018 and Asia Cup 2023 were also considered favourites

They are favourites this time in CT too but just because venue is Dubai doesn't mean there is some disadvantage to the Indian team.

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

Pakistan before the Asia Cup 2018 and Asia Cup 2023 were also considered favourites

They are favourites this time in CT too but just because venue is Dubai doesn't mean there is some disadvantage to the Indian team.

Indian team struggled in 2021 t20 wc and 2022 Asia cup. so evidence is there

 

[BouncerGuy]

Thread is about Pakistan, not India... STAY ON TOPIC NOW

 

[Hellion]

Indian team struggled in 2021 t20 wc and 2022 Asia cup. so evidence is there

That's a completely different format. No relevance whatsoever to ODIs.

 

[Hellion]

Pakistan will be favourites for the CT because they have a settled side and take this format seriously when other teams don't.

Doesn't matter where it's played. ROTW don't even know their best XI's.

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

Pakistan will be favourites for the CT because they have a settled side and take this format seriously when other teams don't.

Doesn't matter where it's played. ROTW don't even know their best XI's.

Pak may not beat India but they surely will target BD and NZ at home grounds to at least qualify for Knockouts

 

[GLORY OF '92]

what about Dubai if we play India?

70/30 India.

Bumrah and Rohit if we can control them then have a chance.

 

[Hellion]

Pak may not beat India but they surely will target BD and NZ at home grounds to at least qualify for Knockouts

I'm not even saying that. Dubai or not won't make a difference is what I'm saying. . Pakistan, on current form, can well beat any ODI team out there, including India on any pitch.

 

[Farabi]

View attachment 148817
Bowling attacks of South Africa in 2nd odi . lol

You're really stretching now. As already pointed out, if only two players are different from the semifinal team (with a third retired), it’s hardly a B/C squad. Teams always have a couple of players missing—just like Pakistan is without Fakhar and Wasim Jr. Rabada played the first ODI and was being rotated. And let’s be honest, Maharaj and Coetzee aren’t exactly world-beaters either. That bowling looks new-ish, but that’s SA’s problem. They don’t have a strong backup.
The only “B team” they’ve played was the third ODI vs Australia.

 

[Mesozoic]

I honestly don't believe Pakistan are a top 4 side in ODI cricket if all teams play at full strength but the Champions Trophy has a flukeish format which suits lower tier teams so it won't be as much of a shock if they go all the way.

 

[mominsaigol]

I honestly don't believe Pakistan are a top 4 side in ODI cricket if all teams play at full strength but the Champions Trophy has a flukeish format which suits lower tier teams so it won't be as much of a shock if they go all the way.

Travis Head Chanei bachnei aya hai?

This tournament belongs to Travis Head

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Pakistan just won 3 away series, Australia, south africa, zimbabwe. They can win the event as well.

JAMODI bilateral have no value as a tournament dear.

 

[alik]

I wouldn't say the favorite but definitely one of the favorites, especially if they can replace shafique

 

[Amjid Javed]

Despite those 2 series win, still loads passengers in the side. Shaffique opening is a waste of time, also bowling conditions in Pakistan will not be anywhere as friendly as Aus, SA.

Australia and India are the 2 favourites, remember India have greatest sportsmen in history in their team

 

[Hawkeye]

1) Fakhar
2) Saim
3) Kamran Ghulam
4) Saud Shakeel
5) Salman Ali Agha
6) Muhammad Haris (WK)
7) Sajid Khan
8) Noman Ali
9) Shaheen
10-11) Pacers? Ali raza? Jamal? Etc etc

That's the best i got. Nafay is too young and inexperienced. Don't want another Abdullah Shafique situation.

Good team but Babar Azam is a must inclusion.

He’s out of form but he’s a proper batsman with a good range of shots.

Unlike Rizwan who is a complete dud and a fake stat padder.

 

[Babeikh]

Momentum is important but I would say we are probably 3rd favourites as things stand (behind India and Aus) - hope we haven't peaked too soon and we can carry this momentum into the tournament. India getting KO'd would be great for us so we can gain home advantage.

 

[shaz619]

Maybe bilateral series aren’t a priority for you, but they matter to the fans and the teams. Winning builds confidence and momentum. Experimenting and resting players should be done intelligently, experiments without purpose are counterproductive.

For instance, Australia rested their team in the 3rd ODI because the BGT was coming up, while South Africa is trying to field its best XI despite being plagued by injuries. Rabada’s workload is a concern, especially after playing a Test series just a day before this ODI series.

I agree with giving Rauf a break, but Shaheen has already been rested during the Zimbabwe series and the Tests, and he needs game time to regain rhythm. As for others:
- Ihsanullah and Wasim Jr. are recovering from injuries.
- Hasnain has been inconsistent but should get a game now.
- Amir and Imad have shown little interest in ODIs and even skipped the Champions Cup.

Finally, Rizwan just became captain a month ago. How can you “rest” him so soon? He’s still learning and adjusting to his role.

The suggestions are illogical for a team still pulling together. It’s not a well established team to be making such drastic experiments. What they should experiment:
1. Send Irfan and KG up the order to get game time.
2. Rest Rauf and try Hasnain.
3. Test All rounder at no7.

We shall how logical it will be to not recognise the need for further improvement when they are playing an ICC tournament very shortly. And who am I that it matters whether a bilateral is a priority for me, it clearly wasn’t for the World Champions and other sides approach them with a bit more flexibility given the amount of cricket played these days, fans of these series wins can get naked in the showers with Babar & Rizwan for all I care and celebrate like they won an ICC trophy already.

 

[DTrump]

The lack of odi cricket means that most teams don't really know what their best XI looks like (England). Have an ageing squad (India, Australia).

Pakistan find themselves in a very good position. Shafique needs to be dropped for Fakhar, of course.

They are not overwhelming favorites. I am not sure there is a run away favorite here. Pakistan should still back themselves to go all the way. Going out before the Knockouts will be a colossal failure. KOs are lottery anyways but consistency is the key. They are very hot right now. A strong core is being built.

Anyways, the margins between the teams are razor thin. Will come down to who steps up on the big day.

 

[jnaveen1980]

The lack of odi cricket means that most teams don't really know what their best XI looks like (England). Have an ageing squad (India, Australia).

Pakistan find themselves in a very good position. Shafique needs to be dropped for Fakhar, of course.

They are not overwhelming favorites. I am not sure there is a run away favorite here. Pakistan should still back themselves to go all the way. Going out before the Knockouts will be a colossal failure. KOs are lottery anyways but consistency is the key. They are very hot right now. A strong core is being built.

Anyways, the margins between the teams are razor thin. Will come down to who steps up on the big day.

ENgland has a very good preparation for CT. They are playing 5 match series with India right before CT.

 

[Farabi]

We shall how logical it will be to not recognise the need for further improvement when they are playing an ICC tournament very shortly. And who am I that it matters whether a bilateral is a priority for me, it clearly wasn’t for the World Champions and other sides approach them with a bit more flexibility given the amount of cricket played these days, fans of these series wins can get naked in the showers with Babar & Rizwan for all I care and celebrate like they won an ICC trophy already.

You didn’t get the point.

Experimenting for the sake of experimenting is pointless. The word "experiment" comes from science, where experiments are designed with purpose, a clear hypothesis, and success criteria to achieve specific goals.

I even suggested what they should experiment with!

With the Champions Trophy coming up, what’s the point of resting Abrar Ahmed when he’s only played 8 games and is still establishing himself?

Why drop Irfan Niazi when he hasn’t had a proper chance to bat at No. 7? Instead, you replace him with another batter in the same spot, who probably won’t get to bat either. If Tayyab Tahir scores a century, does that mean Irfan gets dropped? How’s that fair?

And in the end, Babar and Rizwan will still walk in at No. 3 and No. 4 anyway. So, what’s really changing? You are being fooled in daylight

 

[DTrump]

ENgland has a very good preparation for CT. They are playing 5 match series with India right before CT.

Yes. 3 Odi's i believe. Just not sure they know who to play and where. World of difference between now and 2015-2019 period.

Odi cricket requires fine-tuning. They have the talent but not the experience. Bethell, Brook, Salt, Duckett, Jamie. Barely any odi cricket between them.


5 T20Is because that's the world needs. More T20 cricket.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

ENgland has a very good preparation for CT. They are playing 5 match series with India right before CT.

3 match series. 5 match is the T20 series.

 

[jnaveen1980]

3 match series. 5 match is the T20 series.

oh k. That is a good practice i must say. Given that English players have special liking to pakistan pitches they should be considered favorites as well.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

oh k. That is a good practice i must say. Given that English players have special liking to pakistan pitches they should be considered favorites as well.

England are not a strong ODI regardless of the conditions. There's no guarantee they are going to do well on Pakistani pitches. They are #7 in the rankings for a reason.

 

[Devadwal]

England are not a strong ODI regardless of the conditions. There's no guarantee they are going to do well on Pakistani pitches. They are #7 in the rankings for a reason.

Rankings are irrelevant . England is good side now so they will perform alright.

Pakistan was number one team just before the Asia cup and World cup 2023 but we all know how they performed.

 

[shaz619]

You didn’t get the point.

Experimenting for the sake of experimenting is pointless. The word "experiment" comes from science, where experiments are designed with purpose, a clear hypothesis, and success criteria to achieve specific goals.

I even suggested what they should experiment with!

With the Champions Trophy coming up, what’s the point of resting Abrar Ahmed when he’s only played 8 games and is still establishing himself?

Why drop Irfan Niazi when he hasn’t had a proper chance to bat at No. 7? Instead, you replace him with another batter in the same spot, who probably won’t get to bat either. If Tayyab Tahir scores a century, does that mean Irfan gets dropped? How’s that fair?

And in the end, Babar and Rizwan will still walk in at No. 3 and No. 4 anyway. So, what’s really changing? You are being fooled in daylight

Who said they should experiment brainlessly ? I am not sure if you are justifying the current regime or not

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Rankings is irrelevant . England is good side now so they will perform alright.

Pakistan was number one team just before the Asia cup and World cup 2023 but we all know how they performed.

Maybe. But England are just poor regardless of the rankings.

They don't have the players for the format.

 

[Farabi]

Who said they should experiment brainlessly ? I am not sure if you are justifying the current regime or not

The suggestions made earlier in this thread and experiments actually made today are brainless!
Abrar Ahmed should have played this game to build on his confidence and game time. He was bowling well, just 4-5 ODI games so far, what’s the rest for?
Instead of playing TT, they should have promoted Irfan today.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Pakistan is definitely one of the favorites for the CT. Over the years, Pakistan's spin department has been quite weak, but now it looks strong with Abrar, Agha, and Sufian. UAE and Pakistan pitches will suit them

 

[shaz619]

The suggestions made earlier in this thread and experiments actually made today are brainless!
Abrar Ahmed should have played this game to build on his confidence and game time. He was bowling well, just 4-5 ODI games so far, what’s the rest for?
Instead of playing TT, they should have promoted Irfan today.

I haven’t personally mentioned Abrar. Regardless, Pakistan’s doesn’t really have a plan regarding rest / rotation and their general balance has holes in it before a major tournament, it is brainless to overlook this. They have a pre-determined XI in mind and don’t have a Plan B, winning these bilateral series which their opponents are not as hyped up for will paper over cracks and the need for improvement before a major tournament.

 

[Blackbradman]

All depends on how well Saim Ayub perform. If he gets out inside powerplay Pakistan will struggle to put decent score.

 

[Farabi]

I haven’t personally mentioned Abrar. Regardless, Pakistan’s doesn’t really have a plan regarding rest / rotation and their general balance has holes in it before a major tournament, it is brainless to overlook this. They have a pre-determined XI in mind and don’t have a Plan B, winning these bilateral series which their opponents are not as hyped up for will paper over cracks and the need for improvement before a major tournament.

I agree. But it’s even brainless to do bad experimentation than any experimentation at all.
Irfan is uselessly rested. Instead, he should have come at no4/no5 to develop him in this dead rubber. He didn’t get chance to bat properly, now he’s rested.
Ditto with Abrar.

Shaheen could have been rested given he’s not needed for dead rubber.

 

[shaz619]

I agree. But it’s even brainless to do bad experimentation than any experimentation at all.
Irfan is uselessly rested. Instead, he should have come at no4/no5 to develop him in this dead rubber. He didn’t get chance to bat properly, now he’s rested.
Ditto with Abrar.

Shaheen could have been rested given he’s not needed for dead rubber.

I see nothing they are doing positively in terms of planning, if anything some of the more brainless fans are justifying the current regime and see no room for improvement. I haven’t paid attention to the so called experimentation they are doing now, it’s non-existent really so I can agree there

 

[Farabi]

I see nothing they are doing positively in terms of planning, if anything some of the more brainless fans are justifying the current regime and see no room for improvement. I haven’t paid attention to the so called experimentation they are doing now, it’s non-existent really so I can agree there

If they were serious about experimenting, one of Babar or Rizwan should have rested. As we speak, 14 overs to go… how much batting did new guys get?
Uselessly played TT. No point, and also dented Irfan.

 

[RizwanT20Champ]

Ohh bhai

Zyaada hawaon main na urro. No one besides Pakistan is taking ODIs/T20s seriously.

When the real deal begins, it will be a different level of competition that you are currently being accustomed to. Don’t be disappointed then!

How the narrative changes! @Mamoon . First it was how SA would score 450 every game. Then when real cricket happened SA could barely 450 even in 2 games combined. King and Kaptaana played series winning knocks vs SA in SA and now narratives are changing.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Not really. On the roads of Pakistan par scores will be 350 plus which is beyond our batting. If the tournament was in England or SA we'd have a shot.

99% Australia, India or England will win.

India has past by sell date players in Kohli and Rohit sharma. I am sure htey will bring back KL Rahul for some mysterious reason. Same old team. Same old result. Hardik pandya will as usual pick up an injury and miss the key match. Bowlingwise SIraj will play and get thrashed around. Shami is coming back after injury. May not have the same venom.

 

[Farabi]

View attachment 148817
Bowling attacks of South Africa in 2nd odi . lol

@Devadwal Pakistan rested Rauf and Abrar and still tormenting then with Hasnain and Sufiyan. You should write an apology if SA loses 3-0.

 

[Devadwal]

@Devadwal Pakistan rested Rauf and Abrar and still tormenting then with Hasnain and Sufiyan. You should write an apology if SA loses 3-0.

Rauf and abrar .LAMO

Rauf is a run machine while abrar is very average spinner.

Wait for 23 feb When pakistan likely to knockout from Champions trophy within four days after starting the Tournaments .

Now you can enjoy or do Bhangra Over these meaningless win Untill meet the reality in champion trophy.

 

[Farabi]

Rauf and abrar .LAMO

Rauf is a run machine while abrar is very average spinner.

Wait for 23 feb When pakistan likely to knockout from Champions trophy within four days after starting the Tournaments .

Now you can enjoy or do Bhangra Over these meaningless win Untill meet the reality in champion trophy.

Rauf maybe a run machine for Indians, but his ODI record is phenomenal with a man of series in Aus.

Him and Abrar dominated this South African team in the last game, and Pakistan tested their bench strength today—despite Wasim Jr. being unavailable.

Agha, who’s been a nightmare for SA, wasn’t even given the ball so Saim could get a go. And let’s not forget, Fakhar isn’t in this lineup either.

Even with a relatively experimental B team, Pakistan is beating South Africa, yet the excuses keep coming.

 

[Slim]

Pakistan are strong contenders, but Australia will always be the favorites like @Hitman rightly pointed out. The team to beat.

 

[Buffet]

Why not? Good run up till tournaments. I am not just going by wins. Playing ODI games against good competition has given team a chance to get the team combinaion right as well. Then playing in familair conditions.

Based on that, surely one of the stronger contenders. Lets see how Pakistan actually plays in tournament.

 

[jnaveen1980]

I am going to say England will go all the way to the final. On those roads will jacks, Phil salt, Harry brook will cause mayhem.

 

[Buffet]

2 wins in SA was mostly Saim, so it may be tough if Pakistan plays like regular Riz/Babar opening combination.

 

[heddie19]

Okay so that's just hypothetical, narratives and your opinion.

Kamran vs Babar: Who has the better form atm?

Babar even in his bad form is head and shoulders above. No disrespect to KG though.

 

[heddie19]

Huge Huge Congratulations to Kaptana Rizwana for completing the withewash<3 I just hope we could defend the CT at home. Need the silverware and Rizwan seems the perfect captain for it.

 

[heddie19]

Yes we will be one of the 3 favorites along with Australia and India.

 

[Slim]

Babar even in his bad form is head and shoulders above. No disrespect to KG though.

Babar cannot imagine let alone play the kind of match winning innings Kamran Ghulam played in second ODI. He simply does not have the ability. Even today he played at a 70 SR when rest of the bats have way more SR than him.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

The likes of @Rana, @emranabbas, @mominsaigol, @Dr_Bassim, @YousafTheBeast and a few others who have 0 cricket knowledge + an agenda will keep changing the narrative now apart from doing the noble thing, i.e. accept their humiliation.

Mate, give it a rest.

If you were the Chairman of PCB you’d still have Imam ul Haq as an opener ahead of Saim Ayub and Babar as captain.

We’re not here to see Pakistan lose, all we want is players like Saim Ayub who play for the team and not for their averages.

Over the past few years, you’ve come up with excuses like “they’re the best we’ve got for a mediocre talentless country”, now those players have been replaced by the likes of Ayub and Ghulam (tests) you’re now acting like you’ve been in favour of the replacements. Talk about jumping on the bandwagon.

 

[kingusama92]

2 wins in SA was mostly Saim, so it may be tough if Pakistan plays like regular Riz/Babar opening combination.

This is why they need Fakhar in the side too.

You increase the chances by adding another matchwinner at the top of the order who can take the game away. Right now they're essentially playing with 9 wickets because of Shafique.

 

[Buffet]

This is why they need Fakhar in the side too.

You increase the chances by adding another matchwinner at the top of the order who can take the game away. Right now they're essentially playing with 9 wickets because of Shafique.

Absolutely, you put your go quick, go big batsmen up there to face most balls. If they get out then you always have go slow, go big players to get to some score.

Anyone not having capacity to go quick, go big should not bat at top. Teams need to maximize scoring most runs on avearge. That's why I did not like some on like AB batting so low at times. Kallis used to come ahead and waste too many balls.

There was huge difference between going big with Kallis and going big with AB. Similarlly, a huge difference in going big with Fakhar and some other established batsmen from Pakistan.

 

[batandballbattle]

They are in good form in ODIs and have given themselves a good chance. However strike rates in the middle order will need to be sorted out when playing on Pakistani roads in the CT. Around 300 will not be competitive and ideally a total of around 350 should be targeted, SR becomes even more crucial in a chase of that kind of target.

Ghulam had a good attacking innings in the 2nd ODI, remains to be seen if he can pull off that kind of innings regularly. But Rizbar seem content with 70-80 SR which can hurt us.

 

[hamzie]

You realise it was second string team for both Aus and SA

 

[shaz619]

2 wins in SA was mostly Saim, so it may be tough if Pakistan plays like regular Riz/Babar opening combination.

If the top order doesn’t fire, they need someone to play like Shahid Afridi down the order, and that’s not something they should bank on every time, KG wont bail them out every game. Fakhar needs to further strengthen the top order, the no.3 spot mustn't be reserved for a accumulator and that way there’s less pressure on the lower order to make up for the poor scoring early on. Need a couple of back ups for no.7 as well.

 

[shaz619]

They are in good form in ODIs and have given themselves a good chance. However strike rates in the middle order will need to be sorted out when playing on Pakistani roads in the CT. Around 300 will not be competitive and ideally a total of around 350 should be targeted, SR becomes even more crucial in a chase of that kind of target.

Ghulam had a good attacking innings in the 2nd ODI, remains to be seen if he can pull off that kind of innings regularly. But Rizbar seem content with 70-80 SR which can hurt us.

How KG played will force them into their shell at the top even further, they will see it as no further improvement needed and he will expected to bat that way every match

 

[Bewal Express]

No. A SF place would be an improvement but our bowling on flat wickets is too vanilla. We don't have a World class spinner or even a decent one, we don't have wicket taker that gets wickets under pressure.

 

[shaz619]

Pakistan have the players to get them to the final and that’s the bare minimum in my view, however, I’m not sure if they will based on their current set-up and senior leadership.

 

[Buffet]

If the top order doesn’t fire, they need someone to play like Shahid Afridi down the order, and that’s not something they should bank on every time, KG wont bail them out every game. Fakhar needs to further strengthen the top order, the no.3 spot mustn't be reserved for a accumulator and that way there’s less pressure on the lower order to make up for the poor scoring early on. Need a couple of back ups for no.7 as well.

Yah, that's not a good plan. Better to have as many go quick, go big players batting higher up.

Many fans starts criticizing because go quick, go big players are not as consistent. But consitency at top with poor SR is actually worse because it forces others to bat like Afridi to get to a good tatal and that's a poor plan. On sluggish pitches, it may work fine, but on battng surfaces, team will struggle if many go slow and go big players bat high up.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Pak are heavy favs now to win the event

 

[shaz619]

Yah, that's not a good plan. Better to have as many go quick, go big players batting higher up.

Many fans starts criticizing because go quick, go big players are not as consistent. But consitency at top with poor SR is actually worse because it forces others to bat like Afridi to get to a good tatal and that's a poor plan. On sluggish pitches, it may work fine, but on battng surfaces, team will struggle if many go slow and go big players bat high up.

They don’t have the IQ to adapt on different surfaces, even when Babar got his eye in he didn’t change his approach and I think the messaging from the leadership is for him and probably Abdullah to anchor the innings, Rizwan has played a decent couple of knocks but he has a similar mindset. In high profile matches in a ICC tournie they will go into their shell with this approach and then blame their team mates.

 

[Kriketer]

Past history? They just conquered India in India a year ago?

Since when that became a trademark in cricket? Beating a team of chokers like India isn't a feat from any stretch. We aren't talking about West indies of 70s-80s or Aussies of 90s-00. It's India whose at best just an average cricket team

 

[Buffet]

They don’t have the IQ to adapt on different surfaces, even when Babar got his eye in he didn’t change his approach and I think the messaging from the leadership is for him and probably Abdullah to anchor the innings, Rizwan has played a decent couple of knocks but he has a similar mindset. In high profile matches in a ICC tournie they will go into their shell with this approach and then blame their team mates.

Not trying to score fast, even when you are set, is poor.

i think having some aggresive players playing big knocks may put pressure on established players. But I thought the same with Fakhar playing some gun knocks and yet he has been left out of the team. Hope to see him playing in the top order.

 

[mesmerizer85]

PCT is on a roll Alhamdulilah. However, if FZ is injured and not returning I think good idea to let KG open with Saim and bring Irfan Niazi for strengthening the middle order.

 

[pratiktc]

Will depend a lot on how the third seamer and spinner bowls. Quite likely conditions will be favourable for batting mostly with some dew in day nighters

In subcontinent conditions we saw that best teams of last years WC were able to strike in middle overs regularly. Almost all of the top 7-8 teams had their good batting days but if they werent able to hold opposition in check with middle overs wkts even good totals would get brushed away ( ala Eng, SL, NZ). Conversely, a team like Afg was able to have a good campaign with par/slightly below par batting but with extremely high quality bowling

 

[Varun]

Pakistan are clear favourites.

Series win against Australia in Australia.

Series win against South Africa in South Africa.

Defending champions of the trophy.

Home conditions.

What more can one ask for?

 

[mominsaigol]

Babar even in his bad form is head and shoulders above. No disrespect to KG though.

You thought he was head ans shoulders > Warner and Travis as well

 

[Nikhil_cric]

PAK are strong favourites now imo. Don't rate OZ, ENG, SA, IND that strongly this time around

None of them have settled/proven lineups like PAK

NZ are the only other team who are likely to have a strong, settled core for CT

Early favourites for the Cup by far.

 

[mominsaigol]

PAK are strong favourites now imo. Don't rate OZ, ENG, SA, IND that strongly this time around

None of them have settled/proven lineups like PAK

NZ are the only other team who are likely to have a strong, settled core for CT

Early favourites for the Cup by far.

Problem is if aus .manages to squeeze through pk and nz will have a hellish time.

NZ and PK have some mental block against aus in knockouts. And sa are chockers anyway.

Only afg, eng, India have proven track records of getting rid of em due to never backing down.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Problem is if aus .manages to squeeze through pk and nz will have a hellish time.

NZ and PK have some mental block against aus in knockouts. And sa are chockers anyway.

Only afg, eng, India have proven track records of getting rid of em due to never backing down.

Probably true. But clutch mentality etc. only comes into play when the teams are fairly equal etc. I think PAK in particular is a superior outfit to OZ currently.

Australia needs to find their best XI and find them quick. No point putting guys like McGurk in ODI XI.

It's a lineup that is too reliant on Travis Head.

 

[mominsaigol]

Probably true. But clutch mentality etc. only comes into play when the teams are fairly equal etc. I think PAK in particular is a superior outfit to OZ currently.

Australia needs to find their best XI and find them quick. No point putting guys like McGurk in ODI XI.

It's a lineup that is too reliant on Travis Head.

I agree, but 2021 NZ and Pakistan had no rhyme or reason to lose to aus nor 2023 India.

Pakistan and NZ need to stop fighting with fear against aus to win. Too many memories of Pakistan getting slaughtered by aus in knockouts or losing it from winnable positions.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I agree, but 2021 NZ and Pakistan had no rhyme or reason to lose to aus nor 2023 India.

Pakistan and NZ need to stop fighting with fear against aus to win. Too many memories of Pakistan getting slaughtered by aus in knockouts or losing it from winnable positions.

It's about formats. I would back Australia to destroy Pakistan in a T20 knockout even now.

But ODI cricket is different. OZ and PAK have played 3 ODI KO matches - 1987 SF, 1999 final and 2015 QF

Current Australian team is nowhere close to those teams

 

[mominsaigol]

The likes of @Rana, @emranabbas, @mominsaigol, @Dr_Bassim, @YousafTheBeast and a few others who have 0 cricket knowledge + an agenda will keep changing the narrative now apart from doing the noble thing, i.e. accept their humiliation.

I'm not the one claiming saim ayub was a crap player only to flop the narrative that rizwan and babar are his batting coaches.

Nor am I the one who bashed babar and rizwan as medicore cricketers for years to all of the sudden act like their world class players

Nor am I the guy who supported Indian fans left and right only to become their biggest enemy.

You flip flop like a fish and change your narrative in every post. Guys like heddie use to be amoung the people you would target. Now you ping guys like him, kyberlion, Shah and God knows who else cause all of the sudden their your buddies lol.

 

[Marooned]

This is ridiculous. Pakistan has strung 4 wins together and now they are favourites?? And most of the players have only just started to recover some form. They aren't looking like some dominant force as this thread is suggesting.

It's mostly Indian fans peddling this narrative because they believe in jinx stuff. It's almost a ritual for them

 

[cricfan4lyfe]

While Pakistan is the defending champ the answer is no we are not the favorites.

However, the collective belief in being good enough to win under Rizwan is what many seem to be missing as the biggest shift in this team besides obviously the rise of Saim, Salman & Kamran. This confidence & swagger was severely lacking under Babar's captaincy. A herd's only as good as its shepherd.

For that reason for the first time in a long, long time I actually have optimism that Pakistan will at least COMPETE and have a shot at retaining its title in an ICC event as opposed to being an underwhelming and uninspiring team.