How far can Pakistan go in WC2019 with Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik at #4/5/6?

[Abdullah719]

Hafeez says he's been asked to play the 'anchor role' at 4.

Sarfaraz in interviews during the past couple of weeks says he'll bat at 5.

This leaves Malik to bat at 6, and most of the discussion in the media these days suggests the same.


---------------


I think this is a very poor middle-order. If we lose two wickets early, we're in trouble because Hafeez is very susceptible to good bowlers. Sarfaraz has been in poor form for the past couple of years, barring a couple of innings, albeit he was batting lower down the order. Malik averages 13 in England and has a history of feasting on weak attacks.

 

[JattMaula]

Hafeez says he's been asked to play the 'anchor role' at 4.

Sarfaraz in interviews during the past couple of weeks says he'll bat at 5.

This leaves Malik to bat at 6, and most of the discussion in the media these days suggests the same.


---------------


I think this is a very poor middle-order. If we lose two wickets early, we're in trouble because Hafeez is very susceptible to good bowlers. Sarfaraz has been in poor form for the past couple of years, barring a couple of innings, albeit he was batting lower down the order. Malik averages 13 in England and has a history of feasting on weak attacks.

Pakistan won CT with same middle order 2 years back.

 

[The_Odd_One]

This world cup will end in tears for most delusional fans who think Pakistan will make it to semis. 2 of the 4 middle order batsmen for Pakistan are over 35 years and 1 over 30 with poor fitness. People make fun of India's middle order which is still stronger than Pakistan's.

 

[Abdullah719]

Pakistan won CT with same middle order 2 years back.

Yes.

 

[JattMaula]

Yes.

So. Answer is all the way.

 

[GreenKhan]

The 5 one day games against England will prove like gold dust for Pakistan just before the World Cup . Reason being that it Malik will show he is stil a dud in England .

It should be Harris , Sarfaraz and Hafeez at 4-5-6 based on the squad we have picked . Malik will not be in the starting 11 against West Indies unless Harris is either injured or loses form in England series .

 

[Abdullah719]

The 5 one day games against England will prove like gold dust for Pakistan just before the World Cup . Reason being that it Malik will show he is stil a dud in England .

It should be Harris , Sarfaraz and Hafeez at 4-5-6 based on the squad we have picked . Malik will not be in the starting 11 against West Indies unless Harris is either injured or loses form in England series .

Malik has been failing or performing at a below-par level (against good opposition) for ages, what makes you think failure in the England series would mean he'd be dropped?

Seniority can not be removed from the equation that easily.

 

[Kroll]

Not far if our top order and bowling doesn't fire as these guys won't turn a match for us. Really puzzling how a team like Pakistan is going in with two mediocre 40 year old uncles and another who isn't a proper batsman in the middle order.

Really poor stuff and debilitating for the team as a whole. Hope it's just a speculation though.

 

[mak36]

Great post [MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION] bhai. As I mentioned to you elsewhere, my biggest worry was not about the squad but about the actual XI. Seems Pakistan want to leave its best batsmen on the bench

 

[Hasan123]

You can't go far with this 11. They didn't perform consistently in the CT anyway. Hafeez played well in the final, other than that he didn't do much. Sarfraz scored against Sri Lanka, other than that he did nothing much. Malik didn't do much as well. Also in the CT our bowlers ensured we didn't have to chase big 300 scores when we batted 2nd after the India game lol.
.

Expecting these 3 to be exposed in the WC.

 

[Chokli]

Pakistan won CT with same middle order 2 years back.

Not really.

Failed versus India
Saved by rain versus South Africa
Saved by dropped catches versus Sri Lanka

Bowling won them the Semi Final along with great top order batting by Fakhar/Azhar

Top order ensured a great platform for the middle order, the only time in the tournament where they actually played well.

Malik failed, Hafeez and Sarfraz scored in different matches but the middle order never scored together

 

[Justcrazy]

Pakistan should have thought about this after 2015 WC . They had opportunities to groom better batsmen but they never used them and kept repeating the same team again and again , same tried and tested failures .

 

[Extra_Cover]

I think Pakistan will make it to the semi finals. This is because the fixtures Pakistan has got. Pakistan play all the easy teams upfront. We simply need to beat the easier sides and then cause an upset against one of the stronger teams to make it to semis.

God forbid we lose to one of SRL, Ban or Afg then it would be a very very long world cup for us.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Sarfraz should really show some guts and kick one of Hafeez out of the playing X1. Haris is far superior batsman to both. If we are knocked out in the WC in group stages major criticism will be on Sarfraz so he needs to man up and stop this acha bacha attitude. Its a freaking WC and you play your best team.

 

[hadi123]

Haris Sohail really needs to start, surely?

 

[Chokli]

Haris Sohail really needs to start, surely?

Seems like it'll be Imam, Fakhar, Babar, Hafeez, Sarfraz, Malik.

No place for Haris

 

[TeymurBlake]

I think the ODI series against Eng will really show the management how set our middle order is during the World Cup.

 

[Minnowbasher]

10th position

 

[Arsalan Pro]

So even after performing so well recently and averaging close to 50 throughout his career, he will have to sit out to ensure that 2 oldies who average in low 30s, even which has come through minnow bashing mostly play in the lineup.

Still, in absence of Shadab, M Hafeez's importance has increased ever so much and can be the only reason why Yasir won't get to play in the XI, unless pitch is extremely dry which is unlikely. Also, his batting is much better nowadays in comparison to Shoaib Malik, who fails against any good side.

Shoaib Malik shot himself in the foot by deciding to leave the bowling part of his career, otherwise he could have made his position in the team permanent, especially in a situation like this.

Haris Sohail is a much better batsman and a bowler than Shoaib Malik, and should be a given starter in our lineup if we want to win the World Cup.

 

[gazza619]

Malik at 6 would be the big problem.

I highly doubt though if Malik will be in the starting eleven.

I strongly feel the following will be the eleven:
Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz
Hafeez
Imad
Faheem
Hasan
Shaheen
Hasnain

 

[Chokli]

Faheem is a walking wicket, you're better off going with all Hasnain, Shaheen, Hasan & Junaid

 

[hadi123]

Seems like it'll be Imam, Fakhar, Babar, Hafeez, Sarfraz, Malik.

No place for Haris

Well hopefully the England series is enough for our management to realize what our best line up is and that Haris Sohail definitely belongs in it

 

[GreenKhan]

Malik has been failing or performing at a below-par level (against good opposition) for ages, what makes you think failure in the England series would mean he'd be dropped?

Seniority can not be removed from the equation that easily.

I am hoping that common sense will prevail. I don’t see both Malik and Hafeez both playing together in the starting 11, against West Indies unless they both work wanders against England or unless Haris completely flops it.

 

[gazza619]

I am hoping that common sense will prevail. I don’t see both Malik and Hafeez both playing together in the starting 11, against West Indies unless they both work wanders against England or unless Haris completely flops it.

Agreed. Malik will not be and should not be in the starting 11.

 

[topspin]

Hafeez and Sarfraz are guaranteed to make the XI. I would say Shoaib Malik is likely if Asif Ali doesn't deliver. I don't think Haris' spot is in any danger.

Hafeez can deliver at 5 if comes in after over 30 and given a good foundation. My worry is he will demand Mickey and Sarfraz to bat him in the top 4 and if he gets his wish, I reckon that would cost Haris' place in the side.

Sarfraz and Shoaib Malik are the real liabilities out of the three seniors named here and should never have made the squad in the first place. At least Hafeez might be able to bowl some overs.

I would like to see Pakistan go with this batting line-up:

Fakhar
Abid/Imam
Babar
Haris
Hafeez
Asif Ali/Imad
Imad/Asif Ali
Sarfraz

 

[CricketDon]

We’d lose to every nation except Afghanistan and West Indies m. Bangladesh game could go either way.

 

[Stewie]

I am not counting on malik or Sarfaraz.

I am counting on Imam, Fakhar, harris and Babar and maybe Hafeez to come good. I hope they don’t play malik unless there is an injury.

It will be interesting to see what lineup and batting order they go with.

 

[hitthestump]

Agreed. Malik will not be and should not be in the starting 11.

If he is connected enough to make the squad despite doing nothing for 2 years, he'll make the starting XI for the same reasons. We all know how Pakistan cricket works by now. Haris will rot on the bench to make way for the 'senior' men.

 

[CleverSir]

I think one of Hafeez or Malik has to sit out. Both in a OD line-up are not compatible.

1. Fakhar
2. Imam (current incumbent, who knows for how long)
3. Babar
4.
5. Sarfaraz (if reports are true)
6.
7. Shadab
8. Faheem/Imad (depending on ground/pitch)
9. Hasan Ali
10. Junaid Khan/Hasnain
11. Shaheen Afridi

This is our most probably line-up. We absolutely cannot carry Malik AND Hafeez given this. Both are similar players. Haris Sohail should be the 4. player. I honestly believe he can "anchor" an innings better than Hafeez. Hafeez/Malik should be rotation players given ground/situation at 6. If we need an extra bowler that day, Hafeez. If not then we go with Malik.

There is also this.https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1193401

 

[Sunny_majoka]

Seems like it'll be Imam, Fakhar, Babar, Hafeez, Sarfraz, Malik.

No place for Haris

It will be crime to start without Harris

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

Should pick Haris in place of Malik. Doesn't bowl all that well and Haris has also played a few good knocks of late.

Still, with a middle order of Hafeez, Sarfraz, and Malik (or Haris), it isn't a bad middle order.

Yes Hafeez can capitulate in front of a decent quick with an outswinger but if he comes in after the 10th over with a 1st change seamer on, he can continue to "anchor" like he himself said. Sarfraz is in a bit of sticky position as he in some cases might need to anchor too (collapse) or hit from ball one (on those rare days where top four get 200+ in 40 overs or something). I think he can play that role if he produces performances similar to those in WC15. Finally the #6 guy will be the guy who will need to be a bit of a power hitter. Now the dilemma here is that Haris doesn't fit that role and Malik might be able to do a better job than him (but not that good).

So, either, Sarfraz bats at 6 or I think Hafeez should bat at 6 (and try and hit from ball one) with Malik at 5 and Safraz at 4. That would be ideal with Malik switchable with Haris (whenever Haris plays he plays at 4 with Sarfraz at 5).

 

[todfod 11]

Hafeez says he's been asked to play the 'anchor role' at 4.

Sarfaraz in interviews during the past couple of weeks says he'll bat at 5.

This leaves Malik to bat at 6, and most of the discussion in the media these days suggests the same.


---------------


I think this is a very poor middle-order. If we lose two wickets early, we're in trouble because Hafeez is very susceptible to good bowlers. Sarfaraz has been in poor form for the past couple of years, barring a couple of innings, albeit he was batting lower down the order. Malik averages 13 in England and has a history of feasting on weak attacks.

Pakistan will be out in first round with humiliating defeats to Aus, England and India.

 

[Abdullah]

I think Pakistan will make it to the semi finals. This is because the fixtures Pakistan has got. Pakistan play all the easy teams upfront. We simply need to beat the easier sides and then cause an upset against one of the stronger teams to make it to semis.

God forbid we lose to one of SRL, Ban or Afg then it would be a very very long world cup for us.

I had it the other way round, so odd victory required upfront and then 4 winnable games at the back end????!!!!

 

[Slim]

No way in hell i would want to see Malik in the playing 11 in current form. Haris and Hafeez should play with Haris coming at 4, and Hafeez coming at 5 down. Sarfraz is a liability.

 

[Afhan Ali]

No need of discussing it is about time before we knock out in group stage

 

[Afhan Ali]

This WC will be another disaster and a reality check for us.
We have only 2 average batsman( Babar and Imam) and 2 bowlers( shaheen and hasan)

 

[hitthestump]

This WC will be another disaster and a reality check for us.
We have only 2 average batsman( Babar and Imam) and 2 bowlers( shaheen and hasan)

Agreed.

 

[Sher Khan]

Malik and hafeez should swap positions. Malik hits big only when his set. Hafeez has shown he can score quick runs in the death.

 

[ahmedzee]

Pakistan will only manage to beat WI, BD & AFG. They will lose the rest of the games.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Pakistan will only manage to beat WI, BD & AFG. They will lose the rest of the games.

Sri lanka?

 

[ahmedzee]

Sri lanka?

I think SL will manage to beat Pakistan....honestly not hoping much from this team.

 

[pakistani pride]

Like always during the tourney PAK will change the team and select on merit. PAK always has to lose before realizing certain players are not good enough.

 

[Markhor]

So this is the latest brainwave from our management. They seem to have forgotten we ALREADY tried Shoaib Malik at 6 in our LAST ODI tour of England in 2016 where he failed.

Hafeez could be useful at 6 as a finisher as he can still strike the ball cleanly. But playing Malik, who has no powergame against pace, at 6 is a disaster waiting to happen !

 

[Sultan Baba]

4.Malik
5.Sarfraz
6.Hafeez

 

[Saj]

Not the most powerful middle-order is it when you compare it to other teams.

Experience yes, matchwinning ability, let's see.

 

[coy0607]

I think there is considerable pressure on Malik and Hafeez and for the first time in 2+ years they both aren't a lock for selection
especially if Asif ends up getting selected, or maybe Imad or Faheem are in form with the bat.

That being said, Pakistan batting is definitely weak - that goes for the openers as well as middle order

It absurd that Malik and Hafeez have been carried for so long

 

[mak36]

Excellent from Sarfaraz.

Pathetic (but expected) failures from Hafeez and Malik. Pretty sad these two are playing ahead of Haris.

 

[Hamza_]

Not so far.

 

[adzzy786]

Hafeez deserves to be in the team. Safraaz
Played an amazing innings today and deserved a 100- Malik needs to be kicked out for good

 

[Mainul]

Pakistan batting not doing bad. Sarfraz has come into form. Hafeez and Malik is a big concern though. Top order doing wonderful . Haris should play in place of Hafeez or Malik. Problem solved

 

[big_gamer007]

3 anchors in top 4?

Imam, Babar are already anchor. Hafeez should play freely and score fast he is capable..

 

[Pete Rose]

I will venture a guess. I think they will drop Malik

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Who are the alternatives? Does anyone really have any confidence in Asif Ali? I think I would back Malik or Hafeez to finish a match over Ali. He's a good clean slogger, but the short balls always see him lobbing the ball to a fielder.

 

[PakPhenom]

Sarfaraz at 4, Hafeez at 5, Malik at 6 can work if they have Asif at 7 and somehow get regular quota of 10 overs out of that top 7.

 

[Faisalabadimunda]

Fakhar
Imam
Azam
Harris
Sarfraz
Hafeez
Asif
Shadab
Amir
Hasan
Shaheen.

3 fast bowlers
2 spinners
1 part timer harris

 

[IAJ]

Who are the alternatives? Does anyone really have any confidence in Asif Ali? I think I would back Malik or Hafeez to finish a match over Ali. He's a good clean slogger, but the short balls always see him lobbing the ball to a fielder.

While I agree with you, apart from Babar Azam, all the pakistani players will lob the bouncer straight to fielders.

 

[The Viper]

The problem with Hafeez batting at 4 is that if two easy wickets happen, he is susceptible to the new ball where he struggles. It would be better if he bats at 6 and Haris should play and bat at 4 as he is possibly the best player of fast bowling in the squad.

 

[Sunny_majoka]

The problem with Hafeez batting at 4 is that if two easy wickets happen, he is susceptible to the new ball where he struggles. It would be better if he bats at 6 and Haris should play and bat at 4 as he is possibly the best player of fast bowling in the squad.

he is an opener and want to play as one

 

[Nasty Naz]

It's baffling Haris doesn't have that 4th spot locked up considering how well he's played and you have a perfect lefty righty combo at 3/4.

Sarfraz at 5 is solid. Hafeez at 6 is perfect. Just bench Malik. I don't understand, what is so hard about that? Malik hasn't done anything useful in past year or so and has a poor track record in England.

It's like a player has to be so painfully bad and for the team to repeatedly getting destroyed before obvious changes can be made. It reminds me of CT where they start with Shehzad and Wahab only for the team to be torn apart by India and then making the obvious changes of removing them and then winning CT.

 

[Oxfordchamp]

Progress depends on Fakhar Zaman..he is the only match winner and impact player in the team..if gets out cheaply, Pakistan will most likely lose that match..

 

[aukhan]

If Fakhar and babar fails, we are doomed.

This middle order will cost us games against top teams. They will only perform against Zimbabwe, WI, and ethiopia.

 

[Captain caveman]

If safaraz bats at 4, malik is dropped for harris, who comes at 5 and hafeez bats at 6, followed by asif, i say we can go all the way. Considering top 3 of fakhar, imam and babar are pretty good. Just have to get the right combination for the bowlers.

 

[proud_pakistani]

Comfortably the worst middle order of the tournament. If they play Haris ahead of Malik it becomes a little better tho. Playing Haris shud be a no brainer.

 

[arehaan]

I think we will start the cup with this line up.

1. Fakhar
2. Imam
3. Babar
4. Hafeez
5. Sarfraz
6. Asif
7. Shadab
8. Imad
9. Amir
10. Hassan
11. Shaheen

Harris along with Malik both should be warming the bench early on. The only way Harris gets a game would be to play instead of Imad or if one of the opener fails consistently for 3-4 games.

 

[Nil Dhumrojal]

Simple, group stage.

 

[AdamM97]

Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz
Hafeez
Imad
Shadab
Hassan Ali
Amir
Shaheen

 

[HGhazanfar]

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Sarfraz WK
Hafeez
Malik
Asif Ali (Floater)
Shadab
Wahab
Hassan Ali
Amir

That looks like a good team. Wahab, Amir and Shadab just change the complexion of our bowling.

 

[Pete Rose]

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Sarfraz WK
Hafeez
Malik
Asif Ali (Floater)
Shadab
Wahab
Hassan Ali
Amir

That looks like a good team. Wahab, Amir and Shadab just change the complexion of our bowling.

this is a rubbish team. the batting stops at 4.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

What about:

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz
Hafeez
Imad
Shadab
Wahab
Hasan
Shaheen

 

[Pete Rose]

What about:

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz
Hafeez
Imad
Shadab
Wahab
Hasan
Shaheen

Agree that Malik and Hafeez should not both play.
Not sure whether Imad and Hafeez should also play
Sarfaraz should bat ahead of haris

 

[Abdullah719]

So. What's the verdict?

 

[Pete Rose]

So. What's the verdict?

Clear to everyone barring inzi

 

[MRSN]

Just above Afghanistan