Has Hafeez 3.0 emerged as Pakistan's biggest batting match winner since Inzamam and Afridi?

[Bhaijaan]

I see less Pakistani matches than most Pakistani fans for obvious reasons because I am.not a Pakistani but every time I am watching Pakistan in ODIs, Mohammad Hafeez is looking gangsta. It's been like this since 2-3 years, roughly since Hafeez bhai started keeping a manly beard.

Do you agree?

This does not undermine Babar Azam's stature in any way. You may say Babar Azam is Tendulkar while Hafeez has emerged as Gilchrist.

 

[Bhaijaan]

I was most impressed with the way he played in South Africa ODI series.

I think it was a 3 match short series which Pakistan probably won 2-1. Hafeez was outstanding with the bat in it and played very aggressively and with intent.

I wish he played like this in 10 years before that.

Clearly one has to spare a thought to this late improvement..

Hafeez of last 3 years definitely belongs in Pakistani LOI cricket

 

[Uzi]

Hafeez will play a pivotal role in the next two T20 WCs and 2023 if he can keep up this destructive form.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

He’s definitely not as bad as Malik, and was even useful in last year’s world cup especially when we won against England. The bigger problem is even if he is still occasionally winning matches, he is hogging a spot that can be used to develop a youngster, because he won’t play in the 2021 T20 WC, 2022 T20 WC, or 2023 ODI WC. He should himself consider retiring so Pakistan can win long-term.

 

[Mesozoic]

Yes. Don't get why he gets all the hate from Pak fans. Even Malik.

I think Misbah and co. should persist with them until the 2023 world cup in India. As age is not on their side, their workload should be managed by resting them against Australia, England, New Zealand etc esp away from home. Their services should be utilised only against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, West Indies (only if they're depleted) and Sri Lanka.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Yes. Don't get why he gets all the hate from Pak fans. Even Malik.

I think Misbah and co. should persist with them until the 2023 world cup in India. As age is not on their side, their workload should be managed by resting them against Australia, England, New Zealand etc esp away from home. Their services should be utilised only against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, West Indies (only if they're depleted) and Sri Lanka.

 

[kukkad kamaal]

I see what you did there

 

[Bhaijaan]

He’s definitely not as bad as Malik, and was even useful in last year’s world cup especially when we won against England. The bigger problem is even if he is still occasionally winning matches, he is hogging a spot that can be used to develop a youngster, because he won’t play in the 2021 T20 WC, 2022 T20 WC, or 2023 ODI WC. He should himself consider retiring so Pakistan can win long-term.

Strange and sad because 5 years ago, I thought Shoaib Malik was Pakistan's most intelligent LOI batter and particularly good at chasing. Sadly Shoaib Malik has not been able to cash in or was not let to do so by constant dropping, playing at wrong positions.

I am glad that Hafeez has been able to do what Malik failed to do. No excuses, he just took his chances

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

Malik & Hafeez should be awarded honorary lifetime player membership by PCB. They should play at least until 2027 or maybe if it permits until 2031 world cup. I wish Hafeez can grow a white beard, walk with a stick and still come out to bat at #4 in Pakistani colors

 

[RyanRyan10]

Even Hafeez 2.0 was very good. He was ranked no.1 in odi Allrounder rankings for 2-3 years. One of the biggest reason why Pak made it to the SF of 2011 WC, their best performance in last 20 years.


In early 2010s, he was their best Odi batsman. His economical 10 overs were bonus.

 

[Ab Fan]

Both Malik and Hafeez have been fantastic match winners for Pakistan and probably their best since Inzy and Afridi, particularly as far as LOI is concerned.

Hafeez is still delivering the goods and needs to be persisted for a few more years. I don't know about Malik's recent performance but a Malik v2.0 might just be on the corner and that could well open the gates for Pakistan in 2023 World Cup.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

This thread is rubbing way too much salt in the wound )

 

[Savak]

His loss as the bowler he once was has badly hurt our ODI and T-20 team

 

[unemployedgm]

Both Malik and Hafeez have been fantastic match winners for Pakistan and probably their best since Inzy and Afridi, particularly as far as LOI is concerned.

Hafeez is still delivering the goods and needs to be persisted for a few more years. I don't know about Malik's recent performance but a Malik v2.0 might just be on the corner and that could well open the gates for Pakistan in 2023 World Cup.

It's because they're the only ones who played.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Both Malik and Hafeez have been fantastic match winners for Pakistan and probably their best since Inzy and Afridi, particularly as far as LOI is concerned.

Hafeez is still delivering the goods and needs to be persisted for a few more years. I don't know about Malik's recent performance but a Malik v2.0 might just be on the corner and that could well open the gates for Pakistan in 2023 World Cup.

It's a shame if you have forgotten Saeed Ajmal and cannot call him a match winner because he was for those 2-3 years as big as Lillee, Waqar had been at their respective peaks.

Yes, doubts over his action are there but clearly looking at his performance and impact alone statistically amd from.yhe rye of a fan, he was a huge superstar.

 

[Geil]

I think it depends on what sort of role Hafeez or anyone in PAK team is being given or has taken up upon himself,

If his role is to be a aggressive batsman to play more freely and to increase the scoring rate then we can judge him whether he is doing that or not,

In the last match he certainly did that but would he play the same role in every match? that is unknown

the only thing I understand is Babar is expected to play an anchor role and be there in the middle and occupy the crease and other players around him play aggressively and looks like this was the case in the 2nd T20 and Hafeez was very successful in that and was certainly looking like a match winning innings but the bowlers let it slip away

we might get a more clear picture whether Hafeez will continue to play aggressively in all situation or it depends on a particular situation ,

I think Hafeez should be given a role where he is allowed to be aggressive and not be like Babar who holds an end

he has played some nice aggressive innings in the past and if he can play such innings more consistently then he do deserves to be in the T20 WC squad.

 

[Bhaijaan]

I think it depends on what sort of role Hafeez or anyone in PAK team is being given or has taken up upon himself,

If his role is to be a aggressive batsman to play more freely and to increase the scoring rate then we can judge him whether he is doing that or not,

In the last match he certainly did that but would he play the same role in every match? that is unknown

the only thing I understand is Babar is expected to play an anchor role and be there in the middle and occupy the crease and other players around him play aggressively and looks like this was the case in the 2nd T20 and Hafeez was very successful in that and was certainly looking like a match winning innings but the bowlers let it slip away

we might get a more clear picture whether Hafeez will continue to play aggressively in all situation or it depends on a particular situation ,

I think Hafeez should be given a role where he is allowed to be aggressive and not be like Babar who holds an end

he has played some nice aggressive innings in the past and if he can play such innings more consistently then he do deserves to be in the T20 WC squad.

Thoughtful analysis as always [MENTION=144551]Geil[/MENTION]

Really missing Hafeez's all so safe 20 overs in the middle where he would more often than not break a partnership or get a dangerous slogger out.

If he can get his bowling rhythm back, he could ne a real asset. Not that he's not without it, I feel even as a batsman alone he earns a place in that Pakistani LOO te , frankly any team in the world to be honest. But with bowling he would be right up there among the best in the world.

Again, this has all come too late. This is what we all wished we saw in 2010 not in 2020.

 

[UP]

Hafeez is 100x better than Malik.

He should play down the order at 5 or 6 in ODI’s and 4 in T20’s. Please never open again. He’s useless at the top.

 

[Bhaijaan]

[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] [MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION] would know a lot more about how he is behaving as.an entity within that group. No idea about the power dynamics and politics but I generally get the impression Hafeez is a bit of a loner by nature? Which actually is probably best for you, if you can stay away from ditty politics just as long as you are a performer.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Hafeez is 100x better than Malik.

He should play down the order at 5 or 6 in ODI’s and 4 in T20’s. Please never open again. He’s useless at the top.

He's finally become comfortable at a batting positions #4-5 is his position. Just continue that till retirement now. No need to change what's working.

Again, this is what Malik needed to lock down on. A proper batting position

 

[Mueez]

Oh man this facepalm is gold )

 

[Thunderbolt14]

I think it depends on what sort of role Hafeez or anyone in PAK team is being given or has taken up upon himself,

If his role is to be a aggressive batsman to play more freely and to increase the scoring rate then we can judge him whether he is doing that or not,

In the last match he certainly did that but would he play the same role in every match? that is unknown

the only thing I understand is Babar is expected to play an anchor role and be there in the middle and occupy the crease and other players around him play aggressively and looks like this was the case in the 2nd T20 and Hafeez was very successful in that and was certainly looking like a match winning innings but the bowlers let it slip away

we might get a more clear picture whether Hafeez will continue to play aggressively in all situation or it depends on a particular situation ,

I think Hafeez should be given a role where he is allowed to be aggressive and not be like Babar who holds an end

he has played some nice aggressive innings in the past and if he can play such innings more consistently then he do deserves to be in the T20 WC squad.

I think Hafeez has a high strike rate anchor role similar to Babar. While Malik and Rizwan have low strike rate anchor roles.

Fakhar and Iftikhar have the roles to play as freely as possible at high strike rate.

The issue is that there are too few dashers like Fakhar and Iftikhar while Rizwan being a must have on the team means we must already keep a low strike rate anchor. This means no space for Malik.

Babar is a must have in the team and Hafeez is decent enough if Babar absolutely needs at least one senior to give him on-field advice.

That means you have 3 anchors in your batting lineup (Babar, Rizwan, and optionally Hafeez), and since Imad and Shadab can both bat, that means you have some depth as well which frees you up to play 3 dashers. Right now there are only 2 with Fakhar and Iftikhar.

Misbah’s anchor first policy results in the following team, with roles identified in parentheses:

1. Babar (140 SR anchor)
2. Fakhar (160 SR dasher)
3. Hafeez (140 SR anchor)
4. S Malik (120 SR anchor)
5. Iftikhar (160 SR dasher)
6. Shadab (???????????)
7. Rizwan (120 SR anchor)
8. Imad (150 SR dasher)
9. Amir
10. Shaheen
11. Rauf

Whereas a more balanced team might look like this:

1. Babar (140 SR anchor)
2. Fakhar (160 SR dasher)
3. Haider Ali (160 SR dasher)
4 Hafeez (140 SR anchor)
5. Iftikhar (160 SR dasher) / Khushdil (160 SR dasher)
6. Shadab (140 SR anchor)
7. Imad (150 SR dasher)
8. Rizwan (120 SR anchor, promote as needed)
9. Amir
10. Shaheen
11. Rauf

 

[Extra_Cover]

This thread is rubbing too much salt in.

Even by playing one of his most destructive T20 knocks, it was still not a matchwinning innings.

I have seen enough of Hafeez and Malik over past 2 decades to know their worth. One innings or two here and there would not wash away 2 decades of mediocrity.

 

[RickyG]

Hafeez is an enigma. There aren't many players who have under achieved and over achieved at the same time. Hafeez is one of them.

He spent too much of his career trying to be an opener. He also spent too much time playing timidly. His defense was never good enough and especially not against the moving ball and that is why he was never good enough as a test player and also often struggled opening in ODIs. His best displays have always been when he isn't being tentative or defensive and is displaying his array of strokes.

Hafeez is a very good shot-maker but sometimes that isn't enough to become a great batsman.

 

[sharmaji]

I am conflicted with Hafeez. On one hand I want him to exit and leave the spot for a young, upcoming batsman, and on the other hand, he is playing well and should be allowed to continue as long as he plays well. It is a tricky situation, I am glad I am not the one making selection decisions for PCT.

 

[ahmedzee]

Hafeez 3.0 is the same as Hafeez 2.0 and Hafeez 1.0. He ruined himself playing as an opener as he was not one. He was always a middle/late order batsman and was actually quite lethal (we say that in 2019 WC, 2017 CT, and many other times where he came later on). He was as stubborn as Younis Khan (in ODIs) and wanted always to come as an opener.

His average would've easily been 50+ had he been our #6 batsman in ODIs since 2010 (time he became permanent in Pakistan squad). He only has himself to blame for that.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Thoughtful analysis as always [MENTION=144551]Geil[/MENTION]

Really missing Hafeez's all so safe 20 overs in the middle where he would more often than not break a partnership or get a dangerous slogger out.

If he can get his bowling rhythm back, he could ne a real asset. Not that he's not without it, I feel even as a batsman alone he earns a place in that Pakistani LOO te , frankly any team in the world to be honest. But with bowling he would be right up there among the best in the world.

Again, this has all come too late. This is what we all wished we saw in 2010 not in 2020.

Bas kardo bhaijaan )

 

[RyanRyan10]

I am conflicted with Hafeez. On one hand I want him to exit and leave the spot for a young, upcoming batsman, and on the other hand, he is playing well and should be allowed to continue as long as he plays well. It is a tricky situation, I am glad I am not the one making selection decisions for PCT.

There shouldn't be any confusion. He should continue as long as he is fit and among their best performers. He has been one of the finest white ball players for Pakistan for a decade.

 

[RyanRyan10]

Hafeez 3.0 is the same as Hafeez 2.0 and Hafeez 1.0. He ruined himself playing as an opener as he was not one. He was always a middle/late order batsman and was actually quite lethal (we say that in 2019 WC, 2017 CT, and many other times where he came later on). He was as stubborn as Younis Khan (in ODIs) and wanted always to come as an opener.

His average would've easily been 50+ had he been our #6 batsman in ODIs since 2010 (time he became permanent in Pakistan squad). He only has himself to blame for that.

Younis Khan's highest ranking in Odis was 17. Hafeez's highest ranking in Odis for batting has been 13. He is one of very few Cricketers to become no.1 in bowling ranking as well as the Allrounder ranking.

 

[shamaan]

Selection should be based on performance so hafeez should be in the team were Malik selection is based upon nothing

 

[Geil]

I think Hafeez has a high strike rate anchor role similar to Babar. While Malik and Rizwan have low strike rate anchor roles.

I think when Hafeez plays good like he did in 2nd T20 he has a higher strile rate than Babar ,

correct me if I am wrong I am speaking with what memory I have of Babar is that he seems to be always successfully completing his duties of playing an anchor role with a respectable strike rate but he is not able to reach that level like a Rohit Sharma or a David Warner does, they play an anchor role and then score at a very higher strike rate and play a big part in scoring fast in the death overs

I dont think so Hafeez can play such innings but Babar has the skills to play like that, which is why I think Hafeez should be naturally aggressive and have the roles to play as freely as possible at high strike rate like Maxwell Butler maybe and not play like Babar

Rizwan role as a batsmen is very clueless now, he was I think batting at 4 in Australia and now he is in a floating position, it is like they dont know what to do with Rizwan as a batsman now

On dropping Malik and bringing in Khushdil/Haider Ali : I am clueless about Khushdil and Haider Ali TBH , I didnt watch PSL so I dont know whether even PAK has any other new batsman who has showed good performance in that 5/6th position where one needs to be a "Dasher" to give a good finishing touch to the total or chase.

For now it looks like Misbah has finalized that Malik will be in the next T20 WC hence Khushdil and Haider Ali are not being given enough chances maybe,I think Misbah is keeping Malik in the team to prove a point that he is the best option available and he is not ready to experiment especially when he faces failure in a series

 

[ahmedzee]

Younis Khan's highest ranking in Odis was 17. Hafeez's highest ranking in Odis for batting has been 13. He is one of very few Cricketers to become no.1 in bowling ranking as well as the Allrounder ranking.

What I meant was, both Younis and Hafeez wanted to play in the top 3, and their skills were more suited to be in middle and lower order #5/6 as they have better records as finishers, irrespective of what rankings show.

 

[hitthestump]

T20 masks his temperamental failures in the longer formats but also highlights his strengths. He isn't a bad player when he is being aggressive and he has shots all around the ground.

His own ego meant he kept pushing for top order spots which meant he's largely had a career of mediocrity. By insisting on coming in at 4 during WC2019 he deprived Haris Sohail of his rightful position and it was one of the reasons why Pakistan didn't qualify for the semis.

As an aggressive batsman he's always looked fairly decent and it's a shame that he's only being used that way in the very twilight of his career.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think it could've been Sharjeel but he threw it away.

Hafeez wasn't very consistent.

 

[Geil]

Just watch these - this is how Multan Sultans, powered by CricViz (used by the England team) are utilizing Khushdil.

Is Khushdil a spinning AR , I thought he must be a pure batsmen or is he more of a batsmen and an occasional bowler like Malik?

the only way to know his potential is to give him chances which he deserves it especially on flat tracks where you have to be very lethal which is where PAK batting lacks the most both in T20 and ODI

 

[GreenKhan]

Even Hafeez 2.0 was very good. He was ranked no.1 in odi Allrounder rankings for 2-3 years. One of the biggest reason why Pak made it to the SF of 2011 WC, their best performance in last 20 years.


In early 2010s, he was their best Odi batsman. His economical 10 overs were bonus.

That’s completely inaccurate . He scored only one 50 in the whole tournament and averaged 30 I recall. Misbah was the leading runscorer in the 2011 World Cup I believe .

 

[shamaan]

Is Khushdil a spinning AR , I thought he must be a pure batsmen or is he more of a batsmen and an occasional bowler like Malik?

the only way to know his potential is to give him chances which he deserves it especially on flat tracks where you have to be very lethal which is where PAK batting lacks the most both in T20 and ODI

He can bowl abit of spin I belive.

From the short vidoes above he seems like he has all the shots and targets long on and long off the way he cleared the boundary with ease shows he has the power game he also balled the paddle against the fast bowler.not sure how he will do on bouncy pitches thou

 

[shamaan]

Khushdil shah seems like he has alot of shots in his book also can be innovative with the paddle he also seems like he has the power game but nt sure how he will do on bouncy pitches when the ball is above the eye line

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Is Khushdil a spinning AR , I thought he must be a pure batsmen or is he more of a batsmen and an occasional bowler like Malik?

the only way to know his potential is to give him chances which he deserves it especially on flat tracks where you have to be very lethal which is where PAK batting lacks the most both in T20 and ODI

Batting all rounder, main strength is his role as a middle order power hitter and finisher. He spins quite decently as well.

And exactly on a flat track he will be the most lethal bat in the team.

 

[Shazzam]

I think Malik and Hafeez would be good enough to be in the Indian team. We should be proud to have these legends in our set up.

 

[hashimafzal]

That’s completely inaccurate . He scored only one 50 in the whole tournament and averaged 30 I recall. Misbah was the leading runscorer in the 2011 World Cup I believe .

He set up the Semi Final vs India to be finished by the Middle Order with a solid knock of 43 (which they didn't do) But his bowling was what stole the show.

2-26 vs Australia
2-16 vs West Indies (QF)
1-34 vs India

Above average fielder at the time compared to most the squad. His contributions have been indispensable.

 

[Sheraz]

Hafeez has been good for the last year or two but that does not change the fact that we should be trying younger batsman (haider ali, khushdil shah, anybody half decent in domestic or psl). Just no planning for the future!! Pakistan structure, or lack of is horrendous. Worrying when I feel I could do a better job as coach and I have no cricket experience!! Shocking really but nothing ever changes

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

This thread is rubbing way too much salt in the wound )

You can't really blame OP here. Pakistan cricket was circus before now it's becoming something never seen before

Oh Misbah!

 

[Firebat]

Hafeez is the most adept out of the seniors, but honestly these are not must win series and they are not needed!! These are perfect opportunities to test out our younger players up the order, Haider, Khushdil, Shadab, these guys are going to be the future, so we should invest in them NOW in these dead rubber series, so we can make sure these guys make it a good future for Pakistan.

Instead we will cling on to Hafeez and allow him to get 10000 T20 runs at an average of 5 just so we have "experience". Please it is time to move on.

 

[Mamoon]

Few players have been blessed with such glorious timing. On a flat pitch, on his day, he can match any batsman from any era in terms of stroke-play. However, he is also blessed with one of the worst defensive techniques I have ever seen.

When the opposition chokes the boundaries, he has no way to release the pressure and he ends up throwing his wicket away in a tame fashion.

One of the biggest myths that was rehashed on PP over the last decade was the constant question mark over his place in the side as a batsman (he becomes the MVP if we factor in his chucking).

That is quite ridiculous because post 2010, he was always good enough as a batsman for our pathetic team.

In terms of batting contributions in Limited Overs, he is only second to Babar over the last decade, and if you take into account his chucking, he has been Pakistan’s best Limited Overs player of the decade.

Even in Test cricket, he has been our best opener in Asian conditions by a huge margin.

He has been underrated by our delusional fans who always overestimate Pakistan’s talent pool, but for those who have an accurate measure of where we stand in the game or have stood in this decade, they have rarely questioned his place in the side.

However, the clock ticks for everyone and considering his age, I will not pick him in ODIs anymore. At his age, batting skills diminish at a rapid rate. 3 years from now, he may not have the eyes anymore.

We saw a vastly superior batsman like Sehwag go from world class to barely international class within 18-24 months in 2011, and there are many other examples as well.

There is a good chance that at 42-43, he might still be timing the ball better on Indian pitches in 2023 compared to some overhyped youngster with dholak & bhangra brigade behind him, but that is a discussion for another day and another time.

For the short-term, considering that we have two WT20s coming up, his place in the side should not be questioned. There are multiple spots in this lineup that can be utilized to blood in a couple of new faces.

 

[Sheraz]

Firebat.. everyone can see that apart from our team management. Inept bordering on negligent. I think as fans we just waste or time with these guys. Expecting one of them to understand

 

[Sheraz]

These guys dont even read I think. Saj put a link up the other day saying we have slowest opening powerplay of all teams. Prob because babar is not a big hitter, so the logical thing to fo would be to plan for maybe a pinch hitter in the future (sharjeel with fakhar) or someone new. Strike rate is so important. Roit cant even get in england squad because of it. I bet our guys are not even aware.... I mean it beggers belief. What can you say?!... just feel
Blessed stokes, butler, archer, roy are not here or this would have been a rigjt royal wollaping!!!

 

[JaDed]

Not even subtle trolling anymore lol

 

[Bhaijaan]

Few players have been blessed with such glorious timing. On a flat pitch, on his day, he can match any batsman from any era in terms of stroke-play. However, he is also blessed with one of the worst defensive techniques I have ever seen.

When the opposition chokes the boundaries, he has no way to release the pressure and he ends up throwing his wicket away in a tame fashion.

One of the biggest myths that was rehashed on PP over the last decade was the constant question mark over his place in the side as a batsman (he becomes the MVP if we factor in his chucking).

That is quite ridiculous because post 2010, he was always good enough as a batsman for our pathetic team.

In terms of batting contributions in Limited Overs, he is only second to Babar over the last decade, and if you take into account his chucking, he has been Pakistan’s best Limited Overs player of the decade.

Even in Test cricket, he has been our best opener in Asian conditions by a huge margin.

He has been underrated by our delusional fans who always overestimate Pakistan’s talent pool, but for those who have an accurate measure of where we stand in the game or have stood in this decade, they have rarely questioned his place in the side.

However, the clock ticks for everyone and considering his age, I will not pick him in ODIs anymore. At his age, batting skills diminish at a rapid rate. 3 years from now, he may not have the eyes anymore.

We saw a vastly superior batsman like Sehwag go from world class to barely international class within 18-24 months in 2011, and there are many other examples as well.

There is a good chance that at 42-43, he might still be timing the ball better on Indian pitches in 2023 compared to some overhyped youngster with dholak & bhangra brigade behind him, but that is a discussion for another day and another time.

For the short-term, considering that we have two WT20s coming up, his place in the side should not be questioned. There are multiple spots in this lineup that can be utilized to blood in a couple of new faces.

Spot on analysis as always.

Looking at the bowling standards in LOI cricket, I feel Hafeez will do ok unless his regression kickstarts sooner like you said about Sehwag.

 

[Hasan123]

At his peak he was good enough for our standards. Even though I am not a fan of his I will admit he did a good job for us during his peak.

But he is 39 now. He is not scoring against the top bowlers in the world . I would rather develop someone like Haider than continue with a proven failure.

 

[watson367]

You know you are in shambles when hafeez is your match winner

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Hafeez's problem is Malik. You will not see a thread on Hafeez without Malik being mentioned in the same breath.

While Malik has become a shadow of whoever he earlier was, Hafeez has shed his timidity and has become useful.

Hafeez has had many bright spots over the last few years and while I'd dearly see him replaced with a youngster, they just don't seem to get the chances he got consistently.

I think they are saving his bowling for World T20 where he could chuck at key moments and get Pakistan the trophy.

 

[Majid Khan]

My best wishes and prayers that we are blessed with a batsman of Hafeez’s calibre in every generation in the Pakistan team - in fact why only one , multiple batsmen of his calibre would clearly make Pakistan into a very strong team given he’s clearly a batsman of high quality, it’s just foolish fans like me who have over the years not recognised the class of this batsman.. but I’m now convinced he’s indeed a very fine batsman.

 

[AdamM97]

Hafeez is probably the only experienced player that still merits a place in the squad.

 

[Bhaijaan]

My best wishes and prayers that we are blessed with a batsman of Hafeez’s calibre in every generation in the Pakistan team - in fact why only one , multiple batsmen of his calibre would clearly make Pakistan into a very strong team given he’s clearly a batsman of high quality, it’s just foolish fans like me who have over the years not recognised the class of this batsman.. but I’m now convinced he’s indeed a very fine batsman.

A late bloomer but a Big boomer.

 

[Sirris]

Did we not lose the 2nd T20?

 

[Kaddy]

Now I am eagerly waiting for Hafeez 4.0

In that version, he is definitely going to be a beast.....

 

[DRsohail]

Fails when pressure is on>

 

[ads101]

He's just an alright player and decent servant for Pakistan. Hated way more than he should be. Was more worth as an allrounder admittedly when his action wasn't called, even if his batting was less, he offered a full quota of some of the most economical bowling whilst playing as a specialist bat too. That level of contribution is rare. He is also one of the rare experienced players who merited his place and consistently merited it year after year. Usually players fall off after 1 or 2 years and can't hold down their place.

He's not blocked youngster places as many claim, he's usually been around top 2/3 batsmen in our team, how can he block spaces, you look to replace the 3 worse batsmen in the side first surely? I also think he batted up the order more for the good of the team. We didn't have many good opening prospects and by him batting up the order, we could develop middle order talent better. Hardly any openers could hold down a spot in the side. He's batting middle order now because the team now can afford to, and it clearly helps with his slowing reflexes. I don't get this notion of he's selfish and demanded the opening slot. Pakistani batsmen generally prefer batting down the order, especially mid order at 3 and 4.

I wouldn't mind replacing him entirely right now, I think he's near the end of his career. And if playing really should be shunted down the order, no higher than 4 IMO (maybe he can get away with 3 in T20s). But as I said, he's been a good asset for a decade, which in terms of experienced players we have hardly had in recent times.

 

[Firebat]

Hafeez has the base to go big and be match winner today. Two 6's in a row takes him to 29 (20)

 

[Bhaijaan]

Just another day in the life of Hafeez 3.0 doing Hafeez 3.0 things.

 

[Firebat]

Hafeez reaches his 50 from 32 balls, his 4th 50 in his last 5 T20s.

 

[Kroll]

Hafeez angered by all the recent criticism, is now lashing out.

 

[El Generico]

Not sure why people always lump Hafeez and Malik together. Hafeez isn’t ideal but at least he shows intent unlike Malik who seems happy with a strike of 120 even in the death overs.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Still stifled the innings ...

 

[RyanRyan10]

That’s completely inaccurate . He scored only one 50 in the whole tournament and averaged 30 I recall. Misbah was the leading runscorer in the 2011 World Cup I believe .

He made impact in important matches. [MENTION=143068]hashimafzal[/MENTION] has explained it on post #41

Misbah on the other hand cost his team in the SF.

 

[GreenKhan]

I have no issue with Hafeez but his stats when it matters the most is what matters .

24 t20 World Cup matches . He averages 20 with a SR of 105 and 1 50 . They are ridiculous stats . He has played 4-5 t20 world cups now.
Those stats are embarrassing. He is in the team for his “experience “ but he always fails when the pressure is on .

Hafeez is a not a team player and is more concerned about his spot in the team , in my opinion . We really can’t afford him the luxury of another World Cup , where his out put will be so minimal. But he will be there and will collapse when we really need him .

 

[GreenKhan]

He made impact in important matches. [MENTION=143068]hashimafzal[/MENTION] has explained it on post #41

Misbah on the other hand cost his team in the SF.

Well let me bust this myth for you . Just bare in mind he has played as a batsman .

ICC tournaments-

T20- World Cup
24 Matches - Average 20- SR 105. 1 50!!!

50 over World Cup
20 odd matches - 2 50s - Average 27.

So basically in 40 plus World Cup matches the “ experience “ has given us 3 50s and an average of 22-
He has lost us countless games with his poor performances in these world cups. 2019 World Cup he went missing when it really mattered .

Mentioning a few bowling performances don’t mean he has played well in important matches .

He has no business playing any further World Cups. He’s played 3-4 to many already .

Good luck defending this one guys but it’s this tunnel vision that allows these mediocre players to carry on.

 

[Greenstorm]

This is next level trolling by OP.

 

[Bhaijaan]

What phenomenal batting today by Hafeez. Deserves a century.

 

[Kroll]

Relax guys, its England B/C bowling attack - Gregory, Mahmood et al.

This is the kind of attacks Hafeez likes to feast on.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Djokovic is in 3.0 mode.. Hafeez has to be 7.0 at least by now

 

[The Viper]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Highest scores by a Pakistani batsman versus England in T20Is:<br><br>86 Mohammad Hafeez at Manchester today<br>75 Shoaib Malik at Sharjah in 2015<br>69 Mohammad Hafeez at Manchester 2 days ago<br>65 Babar Azam at Cardiff in 2019<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1300867272370728962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[King_Kohli]

Mohammad Hafeez, at the age of 39 years and 320 days, registers his highest T20I score of 86*.

Only one player in T20I history was older than Hafeez today while scoring 75+ runs in an innings. (Sanath Jayasuriya 81 @ 39y 345d in 2009 WT20)

 

[King_Kohli]

T20I 50s after 38 age

Mohd Hafeez - 4*
All other Pak Players - 0

 

[Bhaijaan]

The Benjamin Button of Cricket. This man has truly turned the clock backwards.

Take a bow Mohammad Hafeez 3.0

 

[Bewal Express]

I am not taken in with these 2 innings on a flat deck( although they were good knocks). He should not be playing in PK team, should have gone a long time ago.

 

[UP]

Hafeez wasted his career as an opener.

 

[RyanRyan10]

Match winning 86*(52) coming to bat at 32-2 (4.2). Deserved a century tbh.

Still among the best Pakistan white-ball players. Should play another 2-3 years.

 

[hashimafzal]

Imagine having so much hatred for a player that even seeing him score back-to-back fifties will not satisfy you &#55357;&#56834;

Keep it up Hafeez bhai we loving it