Do they actually know what is their strongest XI for the T20 World Cup?

[Saj]

Worrying words from Babar Azam with the T20 World Cup less than a month away:

Babar Azam "we are trying different combinations before the World Cup and to give chances to see what is our best eleven"

Surely the time for experimentation is over?

 

[Rana]

I would just throw Aqib Javed in the firing line and let him do what he wants with this side and the selection for this upcoming World Cup

He might just fluke us through. At this rate, we are heading for a 4 loss round 1

 

[Marooned]

No. Time for experimentation is now.

What would you rather do? Give same Khushdil Ifti all 7 games??

Why are we afraid of trying new things??

We obviously saw our shortcomings in the Asia Cup. Best to try out new things.

Fans too need to see the bigger picture with this series rather than crying for results after every game.

 

[Justcrazy]

With this mentality Pakistan would not make second round. To be a champion team , you need to have champion mentality.

Sacking Mickey set Pakistan back in white ball cricket.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

It's not the eleven. It's the think tank.

 

[GreenKhan]

The one combination they have not tried is which they need to is babar coming at 3.

Not sure of the reluctance.

 

[reversehook]

The one combination they have not tried is which they need to is babar coming at 3.

Not sure of the reluctance.

its ok we can live with the current opening duo... issue is the going flat out after the PP... they just go into dud mode... like today and always 50-0 or 60-1, then instead of cranking it up a notch, they waste a few overs and then crash and burn fruitlessly. winning the odd match flukishly or by chance (or on heads of bowling alone) isnt key, its the mentality, the mindset which needs tweeking...

look at aussies today, didnt look like winning when needed 57 from 25, and having lost 5 wkts, but they just kept believing and whacking away... if that was us, our boys would have started tuk tuk and prob would have gave up too...

need a prof coach to begin with, get rid of ammi ji (saqlain the well wisher)...

 

[Saj]

The best teams will surely know more or less their best XI.

At the moment Pakistan seem to be struggling with what is their strongest XI and don't seem to have much faith in some players.

 

[reversehook]

The best teams will surely know more or less their best XI.

At the moment Pakistan seem to be struggling with what is their strongest XI and don't seem to have much faith in some players.

They are investing in dead/tired horses... might aswell go with youth, i would rather we bow out 1st round having tried youth and getting a new permanent spot holder rather than bowing out with the same clueless 1 dimensional so called power hitters.... our team needs smart hitters rather than power hitters...

 

[shamaan]

The one combination they have not tried is which they need to is babar coming at 3.

Not sure of the reluctance.

Yes I agree and they need to try that.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Pakistan’s strongest XI for the WT20 imo.

1) x
2) x
3) x
4) x
5) x
6) Mohammad Nawaz
7) Shadab Khan
8) Mohammad Wasim
9) Haris Rauf
10) Naseem Shah
11) Shaheen Afridi

 

[Sherazkhalid]

They have no idea, still persisting with Ifti, Khushdil and the new comers Haider and Shan weren't impressive either. After openers we have no clue who should be 1 down and in middle.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

They have no idea, still persisting with Ifti, Khushdil and the new comers Haider and Shan weren't impressive either. After openers we have no clue who should be 1 down and in middle.

Haider and Shan weren't impressive either.

Just one match over, seems fans start complaining..i want to persist with them... need to give same number of chances as asif ali, khusdil, iftikar because these two are batsmen with potential

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Im happy finally they are trying out.. now is the time for experimentation..

Go for it Babar.. 6 more matches, also try to move to no.4 to steady the middle order and make Shan open

With Babar's dip in form , im sure Pakistan will lose early wickets in pacy/bouncy pitches in Aus.. And only haider and Shan can save them from embarassment..

or else make use of Shan experience in county to use him as opener for Aussie pitches,

 

[ask_analyse_act]

The best teams will surely know more or less their best XI.

At the moment Pakistan seem to be struggling with what is their strongest XI and don't seem to have much faith in some players.

Well isnt that a problem of having coaches like Saqlain and selectors like Wasim.

Other boards advertise for the coaching position, go through interview process and then select.. but in Pakistan the selection is different...

 

[hitthestump]

The best teams will surely know more or less their best XI.

At the moment Pakistan seem to be struggling with what is their strongest XI and don't seem to have much faith in some players.

It's just the middle order and maybe Babar means he will drop down to 3 to see if that makes any difference. But 7 of the XI are already guaranteed which is more or less there.

1. Babar
2. Rizwan
3. ?
4. ?
5. ?
6. ?
7. Shadab
8. Nawaz
9. Shaheen
10. Dhani
11. Rauf

 

[ask_analyse_act]

its ok we can live with the current opening duo... issue is the going flat out after the PP... they just go into dud mode... like today and always 50-0 or 60-1, then instead of cranking it up a notch, they waste a few overs and then crash and burn fruitlessly. winning the odd match flukishly or by chance (or on heads of bowling alone) isnt key, its the mentality, the mindset which needs tweeking...

look at aussies today, didnt look like winning when needed 57 from 25, and having lost 5 wkts, but they just kept believing and whacking away... if that was us, our boys would have started tuk tuk and prob would have gave up too...

need a prof coach to begin with, get rid of ammi ji (saqlain the well wisher)...

To believe in, they cant do with AA, KS and IA sitting in the dug out shivering their legs

Every team plays the middle overs with little bit of care for not to lose too many wickets and expose tail early..

But when they reach 12 overs whatever their score is they would bat to double that score and begin their onslaught and try to reach 200

IN case of Pak , they have AA, KS, IA, NAWAZ, SHADAB sitting in the dug out who cannot do this job instead they lose 5-6 wickets and end up scoring 60 runs in the alst 8 overs at the max..

 

[arif_2021]

I would stick with Shaan and Haider Ali and Iftikhar as middle order.

I dont see Khushdil Shah making it on merit...

Asif Ali is our # 7

Fakhar is out unless he comes back in form. I wish he was in form...he's a backfoot player and would be an asset on bouncy pitches.

 

[TeamPak95]

Realistic, solidified XI that Pakistan will most likely play:

1. Rizwan
2. Babar
3. x
4. x
5. x
6. x
7. Shadab
8. Nawaz
9. Shaheen
10. Naseem
11. Rauf

Though he had a failure today, I like Pakistan playing Haider at 4 which showcases a level of urgency for more aggression in the batting. Hopefully Haider solidifies this position in this current England series.

As garbage as he was in the Asia Cup, and assuming that there is some possibility of him returning, I would still give Fakhar Zaman the #2 position and give him the license to attack with Babar coming in at #3. As of right now, #2 is going to be Shan. And if Fakhar doesn't make the WT20, then I wouldn't mind Haider to open and be given the license to attack with Shan at #4 as well.

For #5 and #6, realistically speaking, there's no one other than two of Iftikhar, Khushdil, and Asif. For me, it depends. If Khushdil is bowling then I'll pick him over Iftikhar. So depending on that, it's Khushdil/Iftikhar and Asif Ali. Asif hasn't put on fireworks in a while but if he turns up, it'll be destructive for the opposition. Based on that upside alone, he makes it for me.

If it were up to me, this is my XI:

1. Rizwan
2. Fakhar (assuming he's picked)
3. Babar
4. Haider
5. Shadab
6. Khushdil (assuming he's bowling)
7. Asif
8. Nawaz
9. Shaheen
10. Naseem
11. Rauf

 

[arif_2021]

Asif Ali is a must in Pakistan team FYI. No one else in the team scares the opposition...He's the only match winner in T20 that Pakistan have.

I know people keep criticizing him, but he will win you 1 out of 4-5 games by himself. Last year's WT20 - two wins against Afghanistan and NZ in pressure situations, then this year Asia Cup against India where he all but won the game, but got out to Arshdeep.

So Asif Ali is a guaranteed # 6 followed by Nawaz and Shadab then three pacers.

6/7/8 is fixed

Bowlers are good

1-2 is good

3,4,5 = Haider Ali vs Shaan vs Iftikhar vs Fakhar vs. Saud Shakeel vs Khushdil

If I were in Australia, I would pick primarily backfoot players like Fakhar, Shaan and Iftikhar...Haider Ali as back up.

I dont see Khushdil making the cut given it will be his first tour and the grounds are big. Saud Shakeel is another batsman in the mold of Babar and Rizwan...so despite leading Sindh to T20 title domestically and having solid technique, I dont see him making the cut.

 

[Kianig89]

No they don't but the time is up so

1.Rizwan Fakhar Babar Haider Nawaz Asif Shadab Wasim Naseem Rauf Shaheen

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Realistic, solidified XI that Pakistan will most likely play:

1. Rizwan
2. A left arm batter
3. Babar
4. Shoaib Malik
5. Iftikhar
6. Asif
7. Shadab
8. Nawaz
9. Shaheen
10. Naseem
11. Rauf

This is what I think we should look into.

Middle order is non-existent. You just can't fill the void with inexperienced new comers. Shoaib Malik is a must. He is fitter, agile fielder, quick runner between the wickets and most importantly, has better chance for us to play in pressure.

We also need to put Baber at # 3 and find a good left arm opener, but not from, Fakhar, Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood and Sharjeel. Someone who can keep too.

 

[Bilal7]

We have several games until the World Cup so it's no surprise that they are experimenting. Every other team is doing the same thing.

1) Rizwan
2) Babar
3) ?
4) ?
5) ?
6) Nawaz
7) Shadab
8) Rauf
9) Naseem
10) ?
11) ?

These are the holes that they need to fill before getting on the plane to Australia.

 

[Bilal7]

I'd personally have Masood at #3, Fakhar at #4 and Haider at #5, with their positions fluid depending on the match situation.

Asif or Iftikhar can come in for a bowler depending on how well Shadab and Nawaz are doing at being all-rounders.

 

[arif_2021]

where is imad wasim???? can he not bat at all 4-5??

he just bowled 2 maiden overs in PP and got three wickets in CPL.

this performance has to count

 

[thecrusade911]

1. Sharjeel
2. Rizwan
3. Babar
4. Fakhar
5. Haider or ....(not fully sure but i will go with haider. he played well in this position in psl)
6. Asif Ali
7. Nawaz
8. Shadab
9. Haris Rauf
10. Naseem
11. Shaheen

This should be the 11 for the ist match of world cup.

 

[Minnowbasher]

Nah I'm actually pleasantly surprised by this approach. Normally before world cups we stick to the same xi only to find that they are mostly TTFs and by that time it's too late.

Experiment as much as needed in these 7 t20s and commit to an xi by the NZ series.

 

[Abdullah Rabbani]

Realistic, solidified XI that Pakistan will most likely play:

1. Rizwan
2. Babar
3. x
4. x
5. x
6. x
7. Shadab
8. Nawaz
9. Shaheen
10. Naseem
11. Rauf

Though he had a failure today, I like Pakistan playing Haider at 4 which showcases a level of urgency for more aggression in the batting. Hopefully Haider solidifies this position in this current England series.

As garbage as he was in the Asia Cup, and assuming that there is some possibility of him returning, I would still give Fakhar Zaman the #2 position and give him the license to attack with Babar coming in at #3. As of right now, #2 is going to be Shan. And if Fakhar doesn't make the WT20, then I wouldn't mind Haider to open and be given the license to attack with Shan at #4 as well.

For #5 and #6, realistically speaking, there's no one other than two of Iftikhar, Khushdil, and Asif. For me, it depends. If Khushdil is bowling then I'll pick him over Iftikhar. So depending on that, it's Khushdil/Iftikhar and Asif Ali. Asif hasn't put on fireworks in a while but if he turns up, it'll be destructive for the opposition. Based on that upside alone, he makes it for me.

If it were up to me, this is my XI:

1. Rizwan
2. Fakhar (assuming he's picked)
3. Babar
4. Haider
5. Shadab
6. Khushdil (assuming he's bowling)
7. Asif
8. Nawaz
9. Shaheen
10. Naseem
11. Rauf

Khusdil and asif ali why cric fans didn't even check stat it's very easy

 

[proud_pakistani]

Our middle order is so bad you could take any random player from domestic and just try and hope he works out. I think we will know our 11 only after the practice matches happen in Australia. The real certainties to start are Babar, Rizwan, Nawaz, Shadab, Haris, Naseem and Shaheen.

There is a big issue with regards to the middle order, also whether Babar should move down the order. No idea who will be picked for 3,4,5 and 6. Can be any of Iftikhar, Shan Masood, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah, Fakhar Zaman. With how bad the middle order is you cant rule out Shoaib Malik's return or even the inclusion of someone else like Sohaib Maqsood, Saim Ayub or Haris Sohail.

If I had to pick the playing 11 though

1- Fakhar Zaman (i think he will be good in Australia)
2- Mohd. Rizwan
3- Babar Azam
4- Sohaib Maqsood
5- Asif Ali
6- Mohd. Nawaz
7- Shadab Khan
8- Aamir Jamal / Faheem Ashraf / Aamer Yamin (any pace bowling all rounder)
9- Naseem Shah
10-Shaheen Shah
11-Haris Rauf

 

[Khurrams22]

We need Imad back at 5 in place of Ifti or Khushdil. 6 should go to saifi or Azam

 

[Saj]

Nah I'm actually pleasantly surprised by this approach. Normally before world cups we stick to the same xi only to find that they are mostly TTFs and by that time it's too late.

Experiment as much as needed in these 7 t20s and commit to an xi by the NZ series.

I'm all for a bit of experimentation, but the concern seems to be not only regarding the players but batting positions too.

 

[Rana]

There are too many egos at play now

Too many players and experts have opened their mouths and badmouthed selectors and current players

They won’t resort to those players for the SOS call.

Imad and Shoaib Malik would be an SOS call, maybe even Azam but the selectors and management will not want to be viewed as clueless or desperate

 

[shamaan]

I would stick with Shaan and Haider Ali and Iftikhar as middle order.

I dont see Khushdil Shah making it on merit...

Asif Ali is our # 7

Fakhar is out unless he comes back in form. I wish he was in form...he's a backfoot player and would be an asset on bouncy pitches.

This is why I would play Khushdil all games because we know if he only plays 2 games thiers stil a chance he can make the xi come the world cup.

 

[shamaan]

where is imad wasim???? can he not bat at all 4-5??

he just bowled 2 maiden overs in PP and got three wickets in CPL.

this performance has to count

Already said this aswell that I would have Imad in the squad instead of Qadir becouse Imad can get in the squad as a batter or as an all rounder.

 

[shamaan]

There are too many egos at play now

Too many players and experts have opened their mouths and badmouthed selectors and current players

They won’t resort to those players for the SOS call.

Imad and Shoaib Malik would be an SOS call, maybe even Azam but the selectors and management will not want to be viewed as clueless or desperate

Azam Khan should be picked instead of Muhammed Haris.Haris opens and we know that won't happen so rather gave another middle order batter in the squad.

Imad same again he should replace Qadir.

 

[Saj]

Well another piece in the jigsaw - Shan Masood in the top order.

But that middle-order remains a huge concern.

 

[Saj]

What are we looking at so far at the T20 World Cup. 8 places fixed?

Babar
Rizwan
Shan


Shadab
Nawaz

Rauf
Shaheen
Naseem

 

[asadee]

Give Haider all matches he will come good

 

[salman24]

What are we looking at so far at the T20 World Cup. 8 places fixed?

Babar
Rizwan
Shan


Shadab
Nawaz

Rauf
Shaheen
Naseem

Shan has shown potential but too early to call him "fixed."

Fakhar will probably also be in once fit.

 

[Marooned]

I hope Khushdil's 20 ball 29 didn't fool the team management.

 

[Bilal7]

What are we looking at so far at the T20 World Cup. 8 places fixed?

Babar
Rizwan
Shan


Shadab
Nawaz

Rauf
Shaheen
Naseem

Spot on. However, if Nawaz has lost his batting form, they may want to play him at #8 instead of 7.

I'd say #4 is going to Fakhar Zaman so really, there is just one spot open for a batter and one spot open for a bowler or all-rounder.

Asif, Khushdil, Iftikhar and Haider will be fighting for that #5 position while Hasnain, Dahani and Qadir will be going for that last bowling spot.

 

[MenInG]

Shan's failures must be a matter of concern for Pak think tank.

 

[Kaka4pope]

There are still games after this england seasons ends, assuming all are fit:

Rizwan
Fakhar
Babar
_
_
_
Shadab
Nawaz
Shaheen
Rauf
Naseem

Ayub, Haris, Haider, Ifthikar, Asif, Shan - these are the five options for those 3 spots. Ifthikar’s bowling certainly helps his case, perhaps even as one of the 7/8 spots as he can hit from the get-go.

Shaheen/Naseem will be backed up by the younger pacers should they not be fit.

Fakhar is still most likely to pay off as an opener, Babar can do Babar things from 3. Zaman can also be an economical extra spin option going on his t20 stats - how much he bowls in the nets though…unknown.

Sharjeel still isn’t fit enough - even some of our fitter players just about pass.

Be good to see Ayub and Haris get some game
time, unlikely though.

 

[asadee]

I think given Iftikhar can bowl and has scored some runs down under he will be a certain starter

 

[hitthestump]

I think given Iftikhar can bowl and has scored some runs down under he will be a certain starter

Yes Iftikhar has secured his place already. His batting is mediocre but he's still performed the best out of our terrible middle order.

Asif Ali is also probably there.

That leaves us with this:

Babar
Rizwan
?
?
Iftikhar
Asif Ali
Shadab
Nawaz
Shaheen
Rauf
?

8 out of 11 isn't great but it's not for a lack of trying. Whoever fills the remaining 3 spots remains to be seen.

 

[Saj]

Yes Iftikhar has secured his place already. His batting is mediocre but he's still performed the best out of our terrible middle order.

Asif Ali is also probably there.

That leaves us with this:

Babar
Rizwan
?
?
Iftikhar
Asif Ali
Shadab
Nawaz
Shaheen
Rauf
?

8 out of 11 isn't great but it's not for a lack of trying. Whoever fills the remaining 3 spots remains to be seen.

I think the number 11 spot goes to Naseem Shah if fit, especially with Dahani struggling of late.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

May I suggest 4 changes for the wt20 squad?

Khushdil Shah out - Fakhar Zaman in
Usman Qadir out - Imad Wasim in
Haider Ali/Shan out - Azam Khan in

Have been a vocal critic of Azam Khan for his poor fitness and remain so but seriously I don't think he could do worse than Khushdil currently. The only problem is where to hide him in the field.

 

[shamaan]

May I suggest 4 changes for the wt20 squad?

Khushdil Shah out - Fakhar Zaman in
Usman Qadir out - Imad Wasim in
Haider Ali/Shan out - Azam Khan in

Have been a vocal critic of Azam Khan for his poor fitness and remain so but seriously I don't think he could do worse than Khushdil currently. The only problem is where to hide him in the field.

Yes thats the three changes I would make.

 

[shamaan]

Azam Khan should come in the squad for Khushdil aswell.

 

[shady]

Yes Iftikhar has secured his place already. His batting is mediocre but he's still performed the best out of our terrible middle order.

Asif Ali is also probably there.

That leaves us with this:

Babar
Rizwan
?
?
Iftikhar
Asif Ali
Shadab
Nawaz
Shaheen
Rauf
?

8 out of 11 isn't great but it's not for a lack of trying. Whoever fills the remaining 3 spots remains to be seen.

Naseem has comfortably been the most impressive out of the remaining pacers so he would be the third quick if healthy. Fakhars track record in white ball cricket is head and shoulders above the other options so he’s also likely to play. Really it’s just one middle order spot up for grabs.

 

[Ismailtoca]

May I suggest 4 changes for the wt20 squad?

Khushdil Shah out - Fakhar Zaman in
Usman Qadir out - Imad Wasim in
Haider Ali/Shan out - Azam Khan in

Have been a vocal critic of Azam Khan for his poor fitness and remain so but seriously I don't think he could do worse than Khushdil currently. The only problem is where to hide him in the field.

Honestly - whatever runs Azam khan can make while hitting boundaries- he'll lose out by running slowly and by poor fielding.

So far its:

Babar
Rizwan
?
?
?
Asif
Shadab
Nawaz
Shaheen
Naseem
Rauf

Tbh, I think Ifti and Shan have also secured a place. and we're just missing one. Imad would be better than all the alternatives we've seen

 

[TeymurBlake]

There really struggling with the middle order specially with Shan, Haider and Ifti not showing any substance. Promoting Nawaz and Asif haven't worked either. They haven't even tried 4 pace attack ahead of WT20 in Australia. They should have given Aamer Jamal all 7 T20I ahead of Khushdil.

As of now, they know Babar-Rizwan are opening. Nawaz & Shadab are No.7-8. Naseem, Shaheen and Rauf is the pace attack. Hasnain, Dhani and Wasim Jnr are young and need work/consistency. Fakhar if fit, drafts in at No.3. Asif Ali's is probably an acceptance, they won't find a better hitter right now than him, so they will probably go with him at No.6. Which leaves two slots at No.4 & 5.

I don't think they will risk someone new like a Kamran Ghulam, Sahibzada Farhan, Tayyab Tahir or Saim Ayub. They not gonna go back to Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal and Sohaib Maqsood cause of there fitness and form. Saud Shakeel has looked to add aggression and power to his game but is another who is not ready yet.

I think they will go with Iftikhar at No.5. Which leaves No.4 and I am not sure who they will go with.

 

[shamaan]

Honestly - whatever runs Azam khan can make while hitting boundaries- he'll lose out by running slowly and by poor fielding.

So far its:

Babar
Rizwan
?
?
?
Asif
Shadab
Nawaz
Shaheen
Naseem
Rauf

Tbh, I think Ifti and Shan have also secured a place. and we're just missing one. Imad would be better than all the alternatives we've seen

On what basis has Shan Secured his place ?

 

[shamaan]

There really struggling with the middle order specially with Shan, Haider and Ifti not showing any substance. Promoting Nawaz and Asif haven't worked either. They haven't even tried 4 pace attack ahead of WT20 in Australia. They should have given Aamer Jamal all 7 T20I ahead of Khushdil.

As of now, they know Babar-Rizwan are opening. Nawaz & Shadab are No.7-8. Naseem, Shaheen and Rauf is the pace attack. Hasnain, Dhani and Wasim Jnr are young and need work/consistency. Fakhar if fit, drafts in at No.3. Asif Ali's is probably an acceptance, they won't find a better hitter right now than him, so they will probably go with him at No.6. Which leaves two slots at No.4 & 5.

I don't think they will risk someone new like a Kamran Ghulam, Sahibzada Farhan, Tayyab Tahir or Saim Ayub. They not gonna go back to Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal and Sohaib Maqsood cause of there fitness and form. Saud Shakeel has looked to add aggression and power to his game but is another who is not ready yet.

I think they will go with Iftikhar at No.5. Which leaves No.4 and I am not sure who they will go with.

Proberly won't happen but Azam Khan can keep wickets and Rizwan field in the outfield.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

1. Mohammad Rizwan
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Babar Azam
4. Shadab Khan
5. Iftikhar Ahmed
6. Khushdil Shah
7. Asif Ali
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi
10. Naseem Shah
11. Haris Rauf


I could honestly do without Khushdil Shah. But based on the squad we have, his inclusion makes the most sense. He can hit pace, he's a left-hander and if he gets going he can be dangerous. The alternatives are Haider Ali and Shan Masood. Haider looks completely out of depth and out of confidence while batting. It's hard to see him succeeding against UAE, let alone India or South Africa. Shan is too similar a batter to Babar and Rizwan, and there is no way he is displacing either of them.

 

[Farabi]

1. Mohammad Rizwan
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Babar Azam
4. Shadab Khan
5. Iftikhar Ahmed
6. Khushdil Shah
7. Asif Ali
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi
10. Naseem Shah
11. Haris Rauf


I could honestly do without Khushdil Shah. But based on the squad we have, his inclusion makes the most sense. He can hit pace, he's a left-hander and if he gets going he can be dangerous. The alternatives are Haider Ali and Shan Masood. Haider looks completely out of depth and out of confidence while batting. It's hard to see him succeeding against UAE, let alone India or South Africa. Shan is too similar a batter to Babar and Rizwan, and there is no way he is displacing either of them.

I like this line-up.
I am not sure about Khusdil. Ide rather have Wasim Jr at 8/9 as a handy hitter plus a genuine bowling option in Aus. Khusdil is neither. Also gives Nawaz and Asif more batting. Rest pick themselves.

 

[TeymurBlake]

Proberly won't happen but Azam Khan can keep wickets and Rizwan field in the outfield.

They very much have probably decided Rizwan and Haris will be the WK's for sometime. If they need experience they have Sarfaraz on the wings but otherwise Rizwan and Haris are likely to be No.1 & 2 wicket keepers for Pakistan.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Honestly - whatever runs Azam khan can make while hitting boundaries- he'll lose out by running slowly and by poor fielding.

So far its:

Babar
Rizwan
?
?
?
Asif
Shadab
Nawaz
Shaheen
Naseem
Rauf

Tbh, I think Ifti and Shan have also secured a place. and we're just missing one. Imad would be better than all the alternatives we've seen

1. Shan hasn't done anything to have secured his spot. If anything, his performance in this series has brought Fakhar back in the contention.

2. I agree that Azam in the field is a big liability in the field and may even be for his partner at the crease as he can't turn singles into twos. The only we to solve it is by giving him the gloves and having Rizwan as a fielder. I don't know how Azam's keeping skills are though.

3. Playing 3 seamers in Australia simply isn't going to work. I would add M Wasim there. He won't be needed to bowl his full quota. Maybe just 2 overs in the back end of the innings as Haris being the designated death bowler, you would need a third pacer in the powerplay alongside Naseem and Shaheen. Wasim isn't the best option but he is the only one who can bat a bit.

 

[Ami]

Rizwan
Babar
Fakhar
Rizwan
Babar
Fakhar
Shadab
Nawaz
Afridi
Shah
Haris

 

[sam_ahm]

Iftikhar is better than a few others that have been tried and also bowls. So he can be there in the middle order.


Babar
Rizwan
???
Iftikhar
Shadab
Asif Ali
Nawaz
???
Rauf
Naseem
Shaheen

They can use Aamer Jamal at 8, he can't do worse than those so called batters and is a handy bowling option.

No. 3 is anyones guess. Haider, Shan and Khushdil haven't done Zilch neither has Fakhar done anything of note over the last 6 months to warrant a place.

Azam Khan has done well in CPL. Imad Wasim is another option, although this would mean far too many all rounders in the side. They can also think about someone like Haris Sohail who has international experience.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

My XI for this WC would be

1. Babar Azam (c)
2. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
3. Fakhar Zaman
4. Iftikhar Ahmed
5. Shadab Khan
6. Asif Ali
7. Mohammad Nawaz
8. Mohammad Wasim
9. Shaheen Afridi
10. Haris Rauf
11. Naseem Shah

In Aus, you need 4 pacers. As simple as that. 8 overs of spin are risky especially without having a cushion of the 4th pacer. You have to bowl 13 or 14+ overs of pace. Wasim may not have to bowl more than 2 overs on most occasions. He will only need to be the guy who fills in for the guy who's having an off day. You could have him bowl in the PP with Shaheen and Naseem if the wicket is conducive to pace or you could hold him back for 1 or 2 overs at death if Shaheen or Naseem are needed to bowl 3 overs upfront.

I have more faith in Shadab as a batter than any other middle order batter in the squad. He is arguably more dynamic than Iftikhar as well.

I feel Babar will enjoy pace and bounce of Australia as you don't need brute power to score boundaries on those pitches. His placement and timing will come in handy.
Rizwan might have some problem starting there as he is a better player of spin than pace. But Rizwan is a tough cookie so I won't be surprised if he does well there.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I like this line-up.
I am not sure about Khusdil. Ide rather have Wasim Jr at 8/9 as a handy hitter plus a genuine bowling option in Aus. Khusdil is neither. Also gives Nawaz and Asif more batting. Rest pick themselves.

I don't disagree with your sentiment. But I think we need an extra batter in there as opposed to an extra bowler. I think having too few batters and too many all-rounders can work against you in this format in a number of ways. For one thing, it leaves your batting more susceptible to collapses. Because most in this format all-rounders don't have the proper technique or ability to play long innings. Especially Wasim whose ability with the bat remains questionable to begin with.

I also feel that the bowling is strong enough as it is. If someone gets hit for runs you can always throw the ball to Iftikhar or Khushdil. But if you add another front-line bowler in there then Babar will try to give him a significant number of overs too and that will leave the door open for mismanagement of overs where someone like Shaheen or Haris or Shadab will not get to bowl their full quota of overs. And as we have seen recently that is something that Babar is known to do.

 

[TeymurBlake]

They really seem to want to make Khushdil Shah work. If Nawaz showed a little more with the bat, I think Khushdil Shah is back in the domestic cricket for a while specially with Imad Wasim's form in the CPL.

 

[PakFan2010]

Shadab should not be batting before 6.

 

[Farabi]

I don't disagree with your sentiment. But I think we need an extra batter in there as opposed to an extra bowler. I think having too few batters and too many all-rounders can work against you in this format in a number of ways. For one thing, it leaves your batting more susceptible to collapses. Because most in this format all-rounders don't have the proper technique or ability to play long innings. Especially Wasim whose ability with the bat remains questionable to begin with.

I also feel that the bowling is strong enough as it is. If someone gets hit for runs you can always throw the ball to Iftikhar or Khushdil. But if you add another front-line bowler in there then Babar will try to give him a significant number of overs too and that will leave the door open for mismanagement of overs where someone like Shaheen or Haris or Shadab will not get to bowl their full quota of overs. And as we have seen recently that is something that Babar is known to do.

I also agree with your sentiment to have specialists. But is Khusdil the right specialist for that role at 6/7? Maybe at no4 but I also prefer Shadab.

Babar hasn’t tried Khusdil as a bowler even in the subcontinent and that ship has sailed, specially in NZ/Aus.

I doubt Iftikhar the bowler maybe be as effective in Aus?

Wasim Jr is a complete bowler and makes the team as a bowler in Aus, and batting, whatever it is, is an added bonus.

 

[Saj]

Shan Masood set for the number 3 slot or are we still unsure?

Big match for him tomorrow.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

My XI for this WC would be

1. Babar Azam (c)
2. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
3. Fakhar Zaman
4. Iftikhar Ahmed
5. Shadab Khan
6. Asif Ali
7. Mohammad Nawaz
8. Mohammad Wasim
9. Shaheen Afridi
10. Haris Rauf
11. Naseem Shah

In Aus, you need 4 pacers. As simple as that. 8 overs of spin are risky especially without having a cushion of the 4th pacer. You have to bowl 13 or 14+ overs of pace. Wasim may not have to bowl more than 2 overs on most occasions. He will only need to be the guy who fills in for the guy who's having an off day. You could have him bowl in the PP with Shaheen and Naseem if the wicket is conducive to pace or you could hold him back for 1 or 2 overs at death if Shaheen or Naseem are needed to bowl 3 overs upfront.

I have more faith in Shadab as a batter than any other middle order batter in the squad. He is arguably more dynamic than Iftikhar as well.

I feel Babar will enjoy pace and bounce of Australia as you don't need brute power to score boundaries on those pitches. His placement and timing will come in handy.
Rizwan might have some problem starting there as he is a better player of spin than pace. But Rizwan is a tough cookie so I won't be surprised if he does well there.

Don’t mean to be rude but this has got to be the worst batting line up I’ve ever seen in my 26 years of existence.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Don’t mean to be rude but this has got to be the worst batting line up I’ve ever seen in my 26 years of existence. ��

Picked from the players available in the squad alongside the reserves. I don't see how one can strengthen the batting lineup further.

 

[sali]

Ateast know 50%

1. Rizwan
2. Babar
3. Shan (perfromance question mark)
4. x
5. Iftikhar (perfromance question mark)
6. x
7. Shadab
8. Nawaz
9. Shaheen (Fitness question mark)
10. Naseem (Fitness question mark)
11. Rauf

Need to replace Harris, Usman, Haider, and Khushdil with Azam Khan, Imad Wasin, Fakhar and Harris Sohail/Tyab Tahir

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I also agree with your sentiment to have specialists. But is Khusdil the right specialist for that role at 6/7? Maybe at no4 but I also prefer Shadab.

Babar hasn’t tried Khusdil as a bowler even in the subcontinent and that ship has sailed, specially in NZ/Aus.

I doubt Iftikhar the bowler maybe be as effective in Aus?

Wasim Jr is a complete bowler and makes the team as a bowler in Aus, and batting, whatever it is, is an added bonus.

Remains to be seen. But based on current circumstances and the squad that we have, he is the only one who fits well into a combination of 11 players. He has been in mostly poor form in T20Is but he has shown sparks of the kind of dangerous player he can be in ODIs and a couple of T20Is. I also agree that he has untapped potential as an extra bowler that Babar has not utilized at all. Iftikhar can be handy on occasion but there is not much to his bowling. Khushdil on the other hand, actually bowled quite well in the PSL and was one of the leading wicket-takers.

 

[shamaan]

They very much have probably decided Rizwan and Haris will be the WK's for sometime. If they need experience they have Sarfaraz on the wings but otherwise Rizwan and Haris are likely to be No.1 & 2 wicket keepers for Pakistan.

But am what saying is that azam can bat in the middle so no need to put an second keeper who's also an opener in the squad our problem is the middle order.

 

[gazza619]

After watching the T20 series vs England I have made up my mind on the 15. Some players will need to be dropped or it will be a humiliation galore.

1. Fakhar
2. Rizwan
3. Babar
4. Malik
5. Iftikhar
6. Imad
7. Shadab
8. Naseem
9. Shaheen
10. Rauf
11. Hasnain

12. Shan
13. Nawaz
14. Jamal
15. Azam

 

[Suleiman]

Sharjeel
Rizwan wk
Babar (c)
Fakhar
Asif Ali
Jamal
Nawaz
Shadab
Naseem
Rauf
Shaheen

Imad
Hasnain
M Haris
Shan

Sharjeel isn’t where he used to be few years ago as a batsman. I accept that. However, considering how absolutely appalling we are against genuine pace and the short ball in particular- I’m going to say he should be in the squad.

Babar at 3 because between him and Rizwan I feel like he can adjust to that position better.

Yeah my line up is a bit light on specialist batsmen. The ARs begin from #6. But we are desperate right now, including putting our trust into someone like Jamal.

I’m gonna go with the bare essentials in terms of quantity of batsmen, and use the extra bowler to beef up our bowling attack- which lets face it- is going to be doing most of the work anyway. Restrict hard and make it easy for the batsmen.
There’s no space for Ifti or Khushdil.

 

[Kianig89]

nuff is nuff. we still dont know the starting 11

Rizwan Fakhar Babar Azam Nawaz Asif Shadab Imad Rauf Hasnain Shaheen

this should be stamped and sealed no more ifti khushdil shan and tom dick & harry

 

[zacattakk]

The world cup squad is already finalized though. Its almost identical to the squad of this series. Babar has the team he wanted, he knows for the most part who he will play in the XI. The results are on him now

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Unless you break the opening pair (two KL Rahul's)
You can't correct this team batting order.

You need 1 moderate starter and aggressor as openers and 1 anchor at 1 down.


Currently you have 2 cautious starters as openers and 1 anchor (Shan) at 1 down

I do not understand how will this work for long term when you play 4-5 matches back to back.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Unless you break the opening pair (two KL Rahul's)
You can't correct this team batting order.

You need 1 moderate starter and aggressor as openers and 1 anchor at 1 down.


Currently you have 2 cautious starters as openers and 1 anchor (Shan) at 1 down

I do not understand how will this work for long term when you play 4-5 matches back to back.

Shan moves to 4, when Fakhar comes back. Quite sure alarm bells have started to ring and Fakhar will be fast-tracked back into the team. Whatever form he is in, Fakhar is the only game changer in that line-up. You cannot expect Shan Masood to chase down 12 RPO, he just cannot do it.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

From the players used in the Asia Cup/this series

1 Rizwan
2 Bobby
3 Fakhar (better than Khushdil atlesst)
4 Shan
5 Ifthikar
6 Asif
7 Shadab
8 Nawaz
9 Shaheen
10 Rauf
11 Hasnain

 

[Usman Chadda]

From the players used in the Asia Cup/this series

1 Rizwan
2 Bobby
3 Fakhar (better than Khushdil atlesst)
4 Shan
5 Ifthikar
6 Asif
7 Shadab
8 Nawaz
9 Shaheen
10 Rauf
11 Hasnain

Why would you have Hasnain over Naseem?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Why would you have Hasnain over Naseem?

I know Naseem's numbers look better but I feel Hasnain is more of a threat with his speed and bounce.

They(Tait and co) need to work with Hasnain and get him to bowl with more consistency like they did with Rauf.

Also, Naseem always seems a bit injury prone/fragile to me.