Drop Babar Azam, Promote Mohammad Nawaz: The radical strategy Pakistan need for a 2026 World Cup semifinal run

[Suleiman]

Assalam Walaikum.

I think this is the plan going forward.

Babar sits out, can chill in his hotel room or go sight seeing.

Fakhar has to play.

And Nawaz The Dark Knight needs to end his t20 WC career on a high and open. What a way to bow out for the myth and the man.

Need to come out guns blazing.

Need to chase by 13.1 overs or 64 runs.

Is this the blue print or do you guys have any other suggestions?

 

[Savak]

Nawaz has opened in domestic cricket. Give him a pinch hitting role and ask him to exploit the power play.

 

[Rana]

Open with Shaheen for all I care

But 100% Babar can’t play this match!

 

[Bhaijaan]

Not a bad idea.

Sahebzada, Fakhar have to play maximum deliveries. They have to fire all cylinders tomorrow

We have to give ourselves the best chance

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Fakhar and Sahibzada

 

[Bhaijaan]

Open with Shaheen for all I care

But 100% Babar can’t play this match!

Babe is our Plan B

We will target 200 initially

But if things go wrong we will use Babar to score 160 and then we hae to get Sri Lankans out for 97

 

[Bhaijaan]

Fakhar and Sahibzada

Sully might be right about this.

We can’t have both our big hitters going in as openers. It’s too risky. One of them must come at 3-4

It’s a strategic call

 

[sweep_shot]

Walaukumus salam.

Agree. Babar should be dropped. Pakistan have to score fast. No need for an accumulator.

 

[Bhaijaan]

What’s our game plan with bowling!?

Let’s discuss that. Don’t leave anything. You do know Heyson bhai reads us.

 

[Asif321]

Nawaz isn’t de kock . Even Alishan sharfu of UAE is better hitter than him

 

[Rana]

Agha should bloody open and just swing hard like a mad man. He’s doing that anyways at 3

 

[Asif321]

Open with Shaheen for all I care

But 100% Babar can’t play this match!

Hesson will open with babar

 

[Rana]

Hesson will open with babar

Hesson isn’t a turnip like Saqlain or Salman Butt

 

[Bhaijaan]

Agha should bloody open and just swing hard like a mad man. He’s doing that anyways at 3

Not a bad idea.

But personally i like the Nawaz idea better.
Also lefty - righty combination works better.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Nawaz isn’t de kock . Even Alishan sharfu of UAE is better hitter than him

His job is clear. Just go for the cow corner , slog sweep anything on leg side. If he gives us a quick 20 , it’s enough imo.

 

[Rana]

The only thing going for Pakistan here is that the opponent has no chance to qualify

 

[RKhan_Cricket]

To be very honest I want Babar to bat tomorrow. I just want to see how he will play while knowing his limitations. Will he play that 48 ball 50 or for once for his team he will score some quick runs. Because this should be the perfect opportunity to silence all his doubters or it should be enough to silence all his supporters once and for all.

 

[Rana]

To be very honest I want Babar to bat tomorrow. I just want to see how he will play while knowing his limitations. Will he play that 48 ball 50 or for once for his team he will score some quick runs. Because this should be the perfect opportunity to silence all his doubters or it should be enough to silence all his supporters once and for all.

Bhaijaan there is no time to see if Babar can evolve now.

Time is over. It’s now or never. He’s in no mental state to even be playing cricket

 

[RKhan_Cricket]

The only thing going for Pakistan here is that the opponent has no chance to qualify

That means Mohsin naqwi's job is clear. He should know how to send some ahm ahm.

 

[Fast bowler6929]

Zimbu must not play tomorrow's match. Nafay should come in for him and abrar nerd should play as well.
Nafay and farhan should open and fakhar should come at no.3.

 

[Rana]

Nafay 0 (1) in this situation any day over Babar even playing!

 

[RKhan_Cricket]

Bhaijaan there is no time to see if Babar can evolve now.

Time is over. It’s now or never. He’s in no mental state to even be playing cricket

You are right.
But it's just I want to see how his t20i career will end tomorrow.
Because trust me we are not gonna see him ever again playing t20i cricket.
I don't want even a single babar supporter saying after this world cup Babar should be in this team.
They will get clear picture tomorrow.
We can rip Babar the t20i player forever.

 

[Asif321]

His job is clear. Just go for the cow corner , slog sweep anything on leg side. If he gives us a quick 20 , it’s enough imo.

Sorry he can’t do that job he will just put team under pressure let him stick at 6/7 after Faheem

 

[Bhaijaan]

Sorry he can’t do that job he will just put team under pressure let him stick at 6/7 after Faheem

Tomorrow is not a regular match.
We will have to go in with some out of the box and aggressive plans.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Open with Fakhar, and give him the license to kill

 

[Rana]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2027435647611650531

This panoti had to open his mouth!

 

[pillionrider]

Shaheen, Abrar, Faheem, Naseem, Tariq,
Saim, Farhan, Fakhar, Agha, Usman.

Put whoever you want in the last available position.

And try to bowl second. Pak can win even with 150-160 on the board to defend.

 

[Suleiman]

For the longest time there have been certain fans with corruption in their hearts talking ill of The Legend of Fakhar.

“He’s not a t20 batsman” “but what about his stats?!”

All these ridiculous statements can be put to rest this next match.

Fakhar has the opportunity to be the Robin to Nawaz’s Dark Knight.

Will this be the match where he establishes himself as a Pak t20 great?? Out of everyone he can handle pressure the best imho esp when it’s a “you have to win by x runs / overs” scenario

 

[Rana]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2027422331308753218

PCB still showing Babar training

We are cooked!

 

[Suleiman]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2027422331308753218

PCB still showing Babar training

We are cooked!

Have faith, he’s just getting some exercise in as he’ll be sleeping in or getting a massage on match day.

 

[Rana]

Have faith, he’s just getting some exercise in as he’ll be sleeping in or getting a massage on match day.

Na bro you never know with these clowns m

They might see him as the guy who “lays the foundation” for a big score

 

[Devadwal]

Open with Fakhar, and give him the license to kill

"Saar we don't deserve to qualify for semifinal when NZ was favourite to win "

As I said earlier every Pakistani fans wanted Pakistan team to qualify for semi and rightly so.

But coping machinnism was very Epic.

 

[RidiculousMan]

100% But I don't think Hesson will even consider this.

Though Nawaz began his career has an aggressive top order batter. If this can be entertained then give him support and confidence to roll back the years.

 

[Suleiman]

I don’t want to make sinister suggestions but can we use Babar for some under the table dealings with the Sri Lankans?

Since he’s disposable in t20s can we use him as a pawn and strike a deal with LankaBros to let this one slide?

 

[Katwalindian]

Agha should bloody open and just swing hard like a mad man. He’s doing that anyways at 3

Recreate dambulla.....

 

[JaDed]

Open with Babar bring Saim down… need an anchor at top.. SL Zim are teams Babar has always feasted on

 

[Katwalindian]

Why? Zimbu ego is more important than semifinal qualification........... zimbu would rather score stylish 50

 

[Devadwal]

@Nikhil_cric How many minutes/ Overs will it take for Pakistani fans to criticise the PCT after the match starts?

Or " We don't deserve to Play the semifinal"

 

[Fast bowler6929]

If zimbu comes to bat tomorrow then I hope srilanka beats them.

 

[Major]

Yara match fix karlo khuda da wasta hai.

 

[saabir]

Pakistan may not go for qualification scenario. They might tried to win and finish on a high. I remember recently under 1 match of pakistan vs India where pakistan need to chase total in 40 something overs and they even did not try . They player cautiously and even loose that match. Sarfraz Ahmed was their team mentor. So u never know with Pakistan.

 

[Devadwal]

Yara match fix karlo khuda da wasta hai.

Aa gya real business pe .

 

[Major]

Open with Babar bring Saim down… need an anchor at top.. SL Zim are teams Babar has always feasted on

He has, but everyone knows he will slow down. He just cant bat at a strike rate above 120.

Awein, if he plays and we lose, he will get blamed. Apnay mental health kay leyaye kamray sey bahir he na niklay

 

[Rana]

Yara match fix karlo khuda da wasta hai.

SL would take it

The revenue they generate for their economy with a semi in Colombo

 

[Suleiman]

Yara match fix karlo khuda da wasta hai.

Need to get Butt, Amir, Asif and Mazhar on a zoom conference call asap

 

[Major]

SL would take it

The revenue they generate for their economy with a semi in Colombo

Wohi naa. Sri lanka hosting a semi and even a final would be great for their economy.

Oh yara match fix karwao jee

 

[Katwalindian]

Pakistan may not go for qualification scenario. They might tried to win and finish on a high. I remember recently under 1 match of pakistan vs India where pakistan need to chase total in 40 something overs and they even did not try . They player cautiously and even loose that match. Sarfraz Ahmed was their team mentor. So u never know with Pakistan.

That was difficult 250 odd to win in 31 overs.........

 

[Rana]

Wohi naa. Sri lanka hosting a semi and even a final would be great for their economy.

Oh yara match fix karwao jee

Bro more than Pakistan, Sri Lankan government will be desperate for this.

Let them do their thing

 

[gazza619]

I wanted to suggest that Shehbaz Sharif consider calling the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka to seek their support. As you know, Pakistan agreed to play the match against India following Sri Lanka's request, and it might be a good time to return the favour and strengthen our ties with our Sri Lankan brothers.

Reaching out could be mutually beneficial and reinforce the spirit of cooperation between our countries.

 

[GudduBadmash]

Saim will open and get another duck

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Bro more than Pakistan, Sri Lankan government will be desperate for this.

Let them do their thing

Need Shabaz to write them a letter this time.

 

[Stewie]

The best thing to happen for us would be if we lose so they can really fix this mess. fix the team, fix the players, fix the selections, etc.

Qualifying for the semis is going to give this sorry lot an excuse to stick around for another couple of years and that would be the worst outcome for us.

 

[Major]

The best thing to happen for us would be if we lose so they can really fix this mess. fix the team, fix the players, fix the selections, etc.

Qualifying for the semis is going to give this sorry lot an excuse to stick around for another couple of years and that would be the worst outcome for us.

abey kuch nahi fix hona, sub wasey ka wasey rehna, ab jeetnay dey abhi bhai. Allah da wasta hai

 

[saabir]

If pakistan are seriously going for the Run rate they need to think unconventionally . They should for attacking option both with bat and ball. They should play Faheem Ashraf and use him up the order as floater . He can hit big on these pitches. Nafay should play in place of Babar. And Both Abrar and Tariq need to play . Here is my 11 for this match only
1. farhan
2. Fakhar
3. Nafay
4..Salman Agha
5. Faheem
6.Shadab
7.Usman Khan
8.Naseem
9.Shaheen
10..Abrar
11. Tariq

But I know pakistan management and dumb captain they will probably play the same team

 

[Stewie]

abey kuch nahi fix hona, sub wasey ka wasey rehna, ab jeetnay dey abhi bhai. Allah da wasta hai

damaadon ki team, jeet gayi match wo bhi 64 runs se.

kinn khwabon ki dunya mein rahte ho bhai?

 

[The Bald Eagle]

"Saar we don't deserve to qualify for semifinal when NZ was favourite to win "

As I said earlier every Pakistani fans wanted Pakistan team to qualify for semi and rightly so.

But coping machinnism was very Epic.

It's just a opinion, personally I wanted NZ to win...so some team could grov....

 

[saabir]

That was difficult 250 odd to win in 31 overs.........

There were in the WC to win ..team these days have done this. Even if they won't succeed they will atleast go for it. Mere surrender and close ur gate too early is not a sign of a confident team.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

The best thing to happen for us would be if we lose so they can really fix this mess. fix the team, fix the players, fix the selections, etc.

Qualifying for the semis is going to give this sorry lot an excuse to stick around for another couple of years and that would be the worst outcome for us.

We never fix therefore I prefer to progress

 

[NeVerMind]

What about our most destructive late order batsman, Faheem "Rana" Ashraf? Surely he has to play?

 

[Major]

The only chance we have is Fakhar Zaman, he tends to show up in such moments.

 

[Major]

What about our most destructive late order batsman, Faheem "Rana" Ashraf? Surely he has to play?

If this team management can drop abrar they can do anything

 

[Rana]

Looks like Kusal Perera will play tomorrow

He worries me

 

[Rana]

Abrar+Tariq 100% your 10 and 11

 

[Concerned]

Knowing Pakistan they will probably send Babar to open.

 

[Rana]

Knowing Pakistan they will probably send Babar to open.

Kasmey Hesson ka dimagh aaj kal ajeeb hua hai

 

[batandballbattle]

Have to bat first 100%, seen some posters say we should bowl and I don't think thet's an option given our AR weakness, shady and nawaz bowling is just too weak for that since the target needs to be small enough to chase in 13 overs.


Farhan
Fakhar
UK/Saim
Nafay
Shady
Nawaz
Babar
Agha
Mirza
Abrar
Tariq


This line up gives the best chance to go for 200 odd, if the plan to hit out fails and we are 45/5 then agha and bobzy can nudge it around to statpad a bit

To resrict them within the 65 run victory margin the plan has to be strangling with spin which is why abrar comes back, him annd tariq will have yo do the bulk of the wicket taking, maybe mirza can chip in with an odd scalp. Biggest fear then will be getting shady and nawaz to not leak too much

Of course this is all wishful thinking and the line up is radical to say the least, fully expect us to be on the plane home which is what we deserve

 

[Devadwal]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2027440027827925300

Must be you who will be Cry or @RizwanT20Champ

 

[shaz619]

Babe is our Plan B

We will target 200 initially

But if things go wrong we will use Babar to score 160 and then we hae to get Sri Lankans out for 97

Usman Tariq to get 10fer, he’s having live skype calls with Ravi Ashwin & Harbajan Singh - This coaching was innovated by honorary Pakistani Mickey Arthur

 

[The Bald Eagle]

@Nikhil_cric How many minutes/ Overs will it take for Pakistani fans to criticise the PCT after the match starts?

Or " We don't deserve to Play the semifinal"

Dev can we hire best chuckers in the world from you...will be fun

 

[Devadwal]

Dev can we hire best chuckers in the world from you...will be fun

Sorry its Pakistan who is factory of chuckers and Fixers.

Tomorrow both will be needed. One chucker is already in team. Fixer to sare hai hi.

 

[Suleiman]

Can we fly out Shoaib Akhtar for a motivational daleri speech to hype up the bouyz?

Perhaps he can share some caffeinated pre workout formula to ignite a under Babar if he plays? (Or with other exotic ingredients ofc- can’t say, trying to be family friendly)

 

[shaz619]

Assalam Walaikum.

I think this is the plan going forward.

Babar sits out, can chill in his hotel room or go sight seeing.

Fakhar has to play.

And Nawaz The Dark Knight needs to end his t20 WC career on a high and open. What a way to bow out for the myth and the man.

Need to come out guns blazing.

Need to chase by 13.1 overs or 64 runs.

Is this the blue print or do you guys have any other suggestions?

From ‘Nawaz tu hai merah match winner’ to ‘But why yar?’




Am just a bit concerned about Babar in the hotel and doors being double locked & no Rizwan for company, just Umar Akmal tweets

 

[JaDed]

He has, but everyone knows he will slow down. He just cant bat at a strike rate above 120.

Awein, if he plays and we lose, he will get blamed. Apnay mental health kay leyaye kamray sey bahir he na niklay

Then he should take the challenge and move his se to 130 its enough, other players can play around him.. Lanka and Zim are the teams he can make a comeback and stage is set for him.

 

[Devadwal]

Need Shabaz to write them a letter this time.

Or ask Naqvi to locked the door of Srilanka team. Job done. Trophy Chor hai uske liye easy hai

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Or ask Naqvi to locked the door of Srilanka team. Job done. Trophy Chor hai uske liye easy hai

Naqvi makes Indians break out in tears but he won't harm Lankan brothers.

Anyway as mentioned 1 million times, trophy is available to Sky whenever he makes appointment to collect it.

 

[zaidihusain]

Babar should not play tomorrow, Nafay should play in his place. If Pakistan bats first they should aim to score 220-230 plus score. Fakhar & Farhan must open, followed by Nawaz, Salman, Shadab, Nafay.

It's difficult to chase any target in 13 over. Pakistan's chances will be very low if they have to chase

 

[Devadwal]

Naqvi makes Indians break out in tears but he won't harm Lankan brothers.

Anyway as mentioned 1 million times, trophy is available to Sky whenever he makes appointment to collect it.

Naqvi can surrender to play against India. Paise ke liye Pakistan kuch bhi kar sakte hai.

 

[mon858]

Babar should not play tomorrow, Nafay should play in his place. If Pakistan bats first they should aim to score 220-230 plus score. Fakhar & Farhan must open, followed by Nawaz, Salman, Shadab, Nafay.

It's difficult to chase any target in 13 over. Pakistan's chances will be very low if they have to chase

No. Easier to play high strike rate for 13 overs then it is to play for 20 overs.
Keep then below 150 and just chase in 13. Less chance of getting all out.
If babar is playing tell him his batting will come after over 14 (in case we cant qualify). But ideally he shouldn't play at all

 

[TheSultan]

We don’t even need to be going this left field. It’s so simple if you pick the right team - the one any sane captain/coach would pick:

Farhan
Fakhar
Agha
Nafay
Saim
Usman
Bowlers

 

[topspin]

If Babar Azam is going to play, fly out Tanvir Ahmed. He's the key to unlocking Babar.