How was Babar Azam able to improve his batting whilst the Akmal brothers failed to do so?

[Major]

PCB uploaded the full first innings of Babar Azam's debut in 2015 on there facebook page. His batting resembled Umar Akmal and Kamran Akmal a lot.

He was moving around on the crease a lot, was too impatient. Exactly how the Akmals bat.

Now you may notice that Babar doesn't move around on the crease and stays steady and take his innings with patiences.

There are two questions.

1. How was Babar able to improve? Was it through coaching of Arthur, Misbah or NCA coaches of that time?

2. Why wasn't Umar Akmal not able to improve. Babar made the those improvements, and Umar had access to the same facilities that Babar was. Same question for Kamran Akmal aswell


This is the Babar Azam debut highlights

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[Rana]

Because Babar isn’t a risk taker. He can’t put his wicket before the team’s need anyways

 

[Mamoon]

Coaches at the top level barely make any difference and besides, Arthur wasn’t his coach only. As far as Misbah is concerned, he is not a good role model for any batsman. His approach to batting was not good.

Babar is simply more gifted than Kamran and Umar. He was always destined to be a top player. Those who followed Pakistan cricket closely knew about him since he was 13. In fact, he was more well-known than Umar Akmal was before he made his debut.

Babar scored a century for Pakistan A against Johnson, Starc, Lyon and Siddle in 2014 in Sharjah. He was already ready and capable of scoring against premium international level bowling attacks before making his international debut.

When you have lots of natural ability + the work ethic and the determination, you will make it. Babar had all of that.

Akmal brothers had significant ability as well but they were found wanting when it comes to their work ethic.

 

[Bilal7]

The difference is the attitude. Babar has reached levels of stardom that none of his cousins had but he's still a humble, modest man who has no time for drama or controversy.

 

[gazza619]

Coaches at the top level barely make any difference and besides, Arthur wasn’t his coach only. As far as Misbah is concerned, he is not a good role model for any batsman. His approach to batting was not good.

Babar is simply more gifted than Kamran and Umar. He was always destined to be a top player. Those who followed Pakistan cricket closely knew about him since he was 13. In fact, he was more well-known than Umar Akmal was before he made his debut.

Babar scored a century for Pakistan A against Johnson, Starc, Lyon and Siddle in 2014 in Sharjah. He was already ready and capable of scoring against premium international level bowling attacks before making his international debut.

When you have lots of natural ability + the work ethic and the determination, you will make it. Babar had all of that.

Akmal brothers had significant ability as well but they were found wanting when it comes to their work ethic.

Work ethic are the two golden words of difference.

Circle of friends also contribute.

 

[proud_pakistani]

Work ethic and discipline. A lot of people forget discipline. From what i have heard Babar is a fitness freak and is also very controlled on his diet which is something Akmal brothers could never do. I have personally seen Akmal bros feasting on KFC a day before a PSL game in dubai.

 

[Kroll]

As well as the points made above, Babar was able to see the trajectory of Umar's career and he was able to learn from that.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

He has a higher IQ which translates into a higher cricketing IQ.

Akmal brothers are slightly slow ( particularly Umar). When you have a slight mental retardation combined with delusions of grandeur then it is very difficult to be successful.

 

[PakEngFan]

If Babar decides to bat left handed he will still have better return then them 2 hacks. Kamran akmal batting average is worse then a bowling all rounder and let’s not talk about his pathetic keeping.

 

[Rana]

If Babar decides to bat left handed he will still have better return then them 2 hacks. Kamran akmal batting average is worse then a bowling all rounder and let’s not talk about his pathetic keeping.

Babar batting right handed isn’t a better T20 hitter than Umar Akmal with his eyes closed

 

[Rana]

He has a higher IQ which translates into a higher cricketing IQ.

Akmal brothers are slightly slow ( particularly Umar). When you have a slight mental retardation combined with delusions of grandeur then it is very difficult to be successful.

Babar’s IQ is very high in selfishness

That’s about it.

 

[Rana]

The two bros used to take on the Aussie seamers fearlessly on the big stage.

Babar can’t hit peak Mitchell Johnson for a single six in his wildest dreams

 

[Rana]

“Babar is simply more gifted than Kamran and Umar. He was always destined to be a top player. Those who followed Pakistan cricket closely knew about him since he was 13. In fact, he was more well-known than Umar Akmal was before he made his debut.”

Babar was not more gifted than Umar Akmal. He was just more grounded and knew how to be ruthlessly selfish at the crease better than Umar and his brother did

 

[Kroll]

Babar was nurtured and brought through the system at very young age. Don't think Umar was institutionalised like this?

 

[shaz619]

“Babar is simply more gifted than Kamran and Umar. He was always destined to be a top player. Those who followed Pakistan cricket closely knew about him since he was 13. In fact, he was more well-known than Umar Akmal was before he made his debut.”

Babar was not more gifted than Umar Akmal. He was just more grounded and knew how to be ruthlessly selfish at the crease better than Umar and his brother did

Babar was blessed with brain cells to say the least, unfortunate that Umar wasn’t, it’s also unfortunate that water makes him fat

Rana all this big talk, but you’re afraid of quoting [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] ?

 

[shaz619]

Coaches at the top level barely make any difference and besides, Arthur wasn’t his coach only. As far as Misbah is concerned, he is not a good role model for any batsman. His approach to batting was not good.

Babar is simply more gifted than Kamran and Umar. He was always destined to be a top player. Those who followed Pakistan cricket closely knew about him since he was 13. In fact, he was more well-known than Umar Akmal was before he made his debut.

Babar scored a century for Pakistan A against Johnson, Starc, Lyon and Siddle in 2014 in Sharjah. He was already ready and capable of scoring against premium international level bowling attacks before making his international debut.

When you have lots of natural ability + the work ethic and the determination, you will make it. Babar had all of that.

Akmal brothers had significant ability as well but they were found wanting when it comes to their work ethic.

Misbah isn’t unless you’re making a comeback past your peak but from a behavioural POV, there’s a lot to like. Also, the best players don’t always make the best mentors. I think Misbah was a dynamic batsman in his prime, but when his reflex’s declined, he adjusted his approach to prolong his international career. All Umar, Kamran and Babar had ability, but it goes to show you can’t go far unless you work hard and be organised mentally, there are players with less ability who still punched well above their weight.

 

[Rana]

Babar was blessed with brain cells to say the least, unfortunate that Umar wasn’t, it’s also unfortunate that water makes him fat

Rana all this big talk, but you’re afraid of quoting [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] ?

Yeah we saw his brain cells when he made that declaration against New Zealand

 

[shaz619]

Yeah we saw his brain cells when he made that declaration against New Zealand

Who is still playing at the highest level and relevant in world cricket ?

Umar fans are still clinging onto that one chukkah he hit in Australia how many times have you watched it today ?

 

[Rana]

Who is still playing at the highest level and relevant in world cricket ?

Umar fans are still clinging onto that one chukkah he hit in Australia how many times have you watched it today ?

And Babar fans are not clinging on to him celebrating his hundred against NZ c as if he scored it in the WTC final at lords??

 

[PakEngFan]

Babar batting right handed isn’t a better T20 hitter than Umar Akmal with his eyes closed

I did call Umar akmal a hack and a slogger he can slog a six.

 

[PakEngFan]

And Babar fans are not clinging on to him celebrating his hundred against NZ c as if he scored it in the WTC final at lords??

Babar in 100 odis has 18 centuries akmal brothers all formats combined of 489 international game have 14. Give it a rest.

 

[shaz619]

And Babar fans are not clinging on to him celebrating his hundred against NZ c as if he scored it in the WTC final at lords??

There are like nearly 30 hundreds now to pick from yaar, I don’t think Umar fans are spoilt for choice? tell us which one gets the juices flowing for you:

- The two in 2009

- Or the one in 2014

I will tell you what, lets add a special bonus for you:

- Chukka in Australia

 

[Rana]

I did call Umar akmal a hack and a slogger he can slog a six.

Yeah I don’t think you understand what batting is I’m afraid

Rizwan isn’t a hack if that’s the case?

 

[PakEngFan]

There are like nearly 30 hundreds now to pick from yaar, I don’t think Umar fans are spoilt for choice? tell us which one gets the juices flowing for you:

- The two in 2009

- Or the one in 2014

I will tell you what, lets add a special bonus for you:

- Chukka in Australia

Hahah. The last sentence is gold.

 

[PakEngFan]

Yeah I don’t think you understand what batting is I’m afraid

Rizwan isn’t a hack if that’s the case?

Yeah you understand batting while stating Asif Ali is better than Babar.

Stick to Umar akmal six.

 

[Saj]

Kamran was a trier but he was never as good as Umar or Babar when it came to batting.

Umar lost his way, he became complacent and lost focus - he could have been an outstanding batter for many years for Pakistan.

 

[Rana]

Yeah you understand batting while stating Asif Ali is better than Babar.

Stick to Umar akmal six.

Asif Ali carries more threat in a T20 match than Babar does. I really do believe that

 

[hitthestump]

We don't know the ins and outs of his schedule and routine but the results suggest one thing - Babar is extremely gifted and hard working. You don't get to the top of world cricket without that.

He could easily be the best batsman in Pakistan by putting in half the effort he does now. Rizwan is the same and i have no doubt that this pair are bonded by pushing eachother extremely hard to perform.

Babar gets criticised for playing every match available and plundering 'soft runs' but it is far better than the alternative of putting his feet up considering he is already Pakistan best batsman by a country mile.

The Akmal's are clowns who didn't have 10% of the ethic and drive that Babar possesses.

 

[hitthestump]

Work ethic and discipline. A lot of people forget discipline. From what i have heard Babar is a fitness freak and is also very controlled on his diet which is something Akmal brothers could never do. I have personally seen Akmal bros feasting on KFC a day before a PSL game in dubai.

The vast majority of Pakistani's are miles behind the rest of the world when it comes to fitness. The Akmal's probably had a clue but no interest in sacrificing their short term wants for the long term benefits.

As well as his stroke play, Babar can also run between wickets all day long. And he is quick too. His strike rotation is probably the best in the country within itself.

 

[Cric1234]

Umar Akmal have some work ethic issues but Misbah was never in favour of him when he was easily a better batsman than Asad Shafiq.

Dropped Umar early on from tests when he was one of the best performing batsmen outside Asia then made him play most of his matches at No 6 in ODIs when he’s an attacking batsman and not a natural finisher but then when every batsman had to have a strike rate of 70 in the top 4 for Misbah then how could Umar fit in there.

Scoring hundreds wasn’t a big thing for Umar like others he would hit out once past 50 instead of slowing down and thinking of his hundred but still with a full career as a test batsman playing 80-100 tests and ODI batsman playing in the top 4 opening wouldn’t be a bad idea on flatter wickets he could have scored 30 40 hundreds.

 

[Cric1234]

There are like nearly 30 hundreds now to pick from yaar, I don’t think Umar fans are spoilt for choice? tell us which one gets the juices flowing for you:

- The two in 2009

- Or the one in 2014

I will tell you what, lets add a special bonus for you:

- Chukka in Australia

Or the 93 strike rate at the T20 World Cup and 107 strike rate at the Asia Cup while Umar made very good contributions in T20 knockouts and Asia Cup Final?

 

[Rana]

Or the 93 strike rate at the T20 World Cup and 107 strike rate at the Asia Cup while Umar made very good contributions in T20 knockouts and Asia Cup Final?

Bhai Jaan

Yeh kis line main Aa gaye hain aap? Great response

 

[shaz619]

Or the 93 strike rate at the T20 World Cup and 107 strike rate at the Asia Cup while Umar made very good contributions in T20 knockouts and Asia Cup Final?

Oh.

I do apologise.

I did include Chukka in Australia,

but you can also capture Umar’s award winning Strike Rate(s), take your pick, another milestone to go alongside his three career hundreds.

When it comes to Umar, overall profile is irrelevant, when you can count on:

- Chukka in Australia
- Strike Rate of 80 in the WC QF
- Majestic 29 in the the WC SM
- His overall career S/R’s

Umar should be playing in the team ahead of Babar, he shouldn’t be limited to the misfortunes of drinking water, green grapes and green lipstick

 

[Rana]

Oh.

I do apologise.

I did include Chukka in Australia,

but you can also capture Umar’s award winning Strike Rate(s), take your pick, another milestone to go alongside his three career hundreds.

When it comes to Umar, overall profile is irrelevant, when you can count on:

- Chukka in Australia
- Strike Rate of 80 in the WC QF
- Majestic 29 in the the WC SM
- His overall career S/R’s

Umar should be playing in the team ahead of Babar, he shouldn’t be limited to the misfortunes of drinking water, green grapes and green lipstick

Admit it.

He got you there didn’t he?

 

[shaz619]

Admit it.

He got you there didn’t he?

Yeah got done by another bacha, thank god he pointed that out. We can now conclude that Umar is the better player. His career chokes are forgiven, the Chukka in Australia and T20 brilliance is what matters.

Seriously, only his rishtadar must be this stupid

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Yeah got done by another bacha, thank god he pointed that out. We can now conclude that Umar is the better player. His career chokes are forgiven, the Chukka in Australia and T20 brilliance is what matters.

Seriously, only his rishtadar must be this stupid

Only his siblings.

One of his rishtadar is on course to be an ATG.

 

[shaz619]

Only his siblings.

One of his rishtadar is on course to be an ATG.

Come on, no way is he related to THEM lol

When all is said and done his fans will still talk about his Chukka in Australia, Babar’s output wont matter. Younis Khan still has haters.

There are some individuals who are wired a certain special way, that they will live to bury their heroes, due to deeper, personal issues. Call it envy, mental disintegration, jealousy, hate or whatever, but something runs deep and the insecurity is profound

 

[Rana]

Some things Babar will most likely never achieve which his cousin Kamran Akmal has:

1. A World Cup winners medal

2. An IPL winners medal

3. A Test century against India

4. A test series win against India and England

 

[shaz619]

Kami and UA are limited to kids singing their praises, Babar is honoured by the respected cricketing fraternity and he’s not even done yet, if you’re a true muslim and good patriot / work hard, then anything is possible. Kami/UA list of accomplishments rightly are limited to one hand, bragging about them, is like trying to live off a one hit wonder, except for both, they wont even be remembered for those, their legacies are completely tainted, Kami and UA will never be inducted in the HOF. They are not even regarded as greats in their own region. And these are your chosen ones? it’s embarrassing to say the least lol

 

[Technics 1210]

And Babar fans are not clinging on to him celebrating his hundred against NZ c as if he scored it in the WTC final at lords??

This is the same guy that celebrates and boasts about Fakhar’s 180+ in the same series, I guess Fakhar was playing against NZ A team. )

 

[Rana]

This is the same guy that celebrates and boasts about Fakhar’s 180+ in the same series, I guess Fakhar was playing against NZ A team. )

Fakhar has 193 against Nortje, Rabada and Shamsi and Ngidi

He is certified

 

[Rana]

Some things Babar will most likely never achieve which his cousin Kamran Akmal has:

1. A World Cup winners medal

2. An IPL winners medal

3. A Test century against India

4. A test series win against India and England

These are undeniable [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]

Tag me when this post is proven false.

I.e…..never

 

[Technics 1210]

Fakhar has 193 against Nortje, Rabada and Shamsi and Ngidi

He is certified

Wasn’t the point, but carry on.

 

[shaz619]

These are undeniable [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]

Tag me when this post is proven false.

I.e…..never

Well it’s a given for no.2, no.3 and no.4 considering Pakistan don’t play India in bilaterals or the garbage IPL, when did that even become a thing LOL you can do better then that or is the bacha party handbook only available at the moment

 

[Technics 1210]

Babar concentrated on his batting while Umar Akmal was concentrating on his ban.

It's not even a comparison.

 

[iPakistani]

Babar has more centuries in international cricket than both the brothers combined and multiplied by 2.

Babar is an extremely talented batsman with the constant aim of improving his game. Where he gets stuck he'll look for a single to ease the pressure whereas the brothers would succumb to the pressure and lose their wicket going for a big 6.

Both the brothers have contributed to pakistan cricket but that's all, their cousin Babar will go down as Pakistans greatest batter ever.

 

[Saj]

Remember what Mudassar Nazar said about Umar Akmal:

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net former Pakistan and NCA coach Mudassar Nazar recalled how he told young Pakistani batting hope Umar Akmal to leave the academy at Lahore and not come back.

"I remember the incident very well" stated Mudassar, who is now working for the ICC at their academy in Dubai. "He wasnt focussed on cricket, he wasn't practising hard and he kept on throwing his wicket away due to reckless shots in the games we held at the academy. I said to him that he should pack his bags and leave the academy with immediate effect. He had also thrown his wicket away 3 or 4 times at the Under 19 World Cup".

Mudassar, a former opening batsman and more than useful medium pace bowler for Pakistan added "It was very frustrating, as I could see he had the talent, but his mind was not on the job and I felt that there were more deserving youngsters out there who warranted a place at the academy ahead of Umar".

 

[ads101]

Maturity. When Babar entered the side he was 22 I believe. He could have debuted earlier. He was already performing in youth more than anyone else too. Given that he was already a child prodigy, it probably felt more like a debut of someone who was 27 years old. Babar was being hyped since he was 14, it must have felt ages until he actually got his debut. Babar was probably pretty mature for a 22 year old when he debuted.

Umar Akmal debuted when he was 19. Umar Akmal if anything was probably immature for his age. When people started blaming him for throwing away his wicket, not be able to finish matches, comparisons with Kohli, I think he couldn't handle the pressure and decayed instead of improving.

I honestly think Umar would have had a successful career had he debuted at 24/25 years old. Maybe even 22 years old like Babar, he might have succeeded.

 

[ElRaja]

just technically, looks like hes made two evolutionary changes

1. higher hands
2. smaller, or no half press

which has translated to his excellent balance.

kamran as a keeper batsman had a crazy high ceiling, dude played some clutch knocks under pressure and was the best keeper id seen for pak until it all fell apart for him technically. no one can answer why that happened barring himself, but im guessing its a mix of mental weakness, needless politicking and shady activities.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Umar Akmal have some work ethic issues but Misbah was never in favour of him when he was easily a better batsman than Asad Shafiq.

Dropped Umar early on from tests when he was one of the best performing batsmen outside Asia then made him play most of his matches at No 6 in ODIs when he’s an attacking batsman and not a natural finisher but then when every batsman had to have a strike rate of 70 in the top 4 for Misbah then how could Umar fit in there.

Scoring hundreds wasn’t a big thing for Umar like others he would hit out once past 50 instead of slowing down and thinking of his hundred but still with a full career as a test batsman playing 80-100 tests and ODI batsman playing in the top 4 opening wouldn’t be a bad idea on flatter wickets he could have scored 30 40 hundreds.

"scoring hundreds wasn't a big thing for Umar"

Probably why he scored 3 in his entire international career. Its absolutely laughable that you think he could have scored 30-40 hundreds when he hasn't even scored 30 hundreds in his entire professional cricket career, which includes all the domestic and international cricket he has ever played.

Umar Akmal was a great talent for 2 years and a good talent for another year, and that's about it. After 2011 his career was in decline. Playing revisionist history won't change that.

Also, the idea that he was a gun batter always out to score runs is laughably misplaced. As is the idea that scoring hundreds is somehow bad. Hundreds win you matches. And there's a reason why every batsman is not capable of scoring them. Especially those who have scored 3 in their entire international career.

And before you rewrite history again, I'd say its probably best to recheck Umar Akmal's strike-rate in T20I and ODIs.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

These are undeniable [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]

Tag me when this post is proven false.

I.e…..never

Four more things Babar Azam will never do:

1. End Shoaib Akhtar's career
2. Drop Michael Hussey 50 times in one innings
3. Have his brother fake an injury so he can get a place in the team
4. Win a World Cup match against India that isn't a warm-up (oh wait he already did that)

 

[Rana]

Four more things Babar Azam will never do:

1. End Shoaib Akhtar's career
2. Drop Michael Hussey 50 times in one innings
3. Have his brother fake an injury so he can get a place in the team
4. Win a World Cup match against India that isn't a warm-up (oh wait he already did that)

Shoaib Akhtar’s career was already over

Babar drops dollies as much as Kamran does

Babar does plenty of dirty politics for his friends as it is

Win a World Cup match against India to not actually winning the actual World Cup which Kamran HAS DONE

 

[hitthestump]

Remember what Mudassar Nazar said about Umar Akmal:

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net former Pakistan and NCA coach Mudassar Nazar recalled how he told young Pakistani batting hope Umar Akmal to leave the academy at Lahore and not come back.

"I remember the incident very well" stated Mudassar, who is now working for the ICC at their academy in Dubai. "He wasnt focussed on cricket, he wasn't practising hard and he kept on throwing his wicket away due to reckless shots in the games we held at the academy. I said to him that he should pack his bags and leave the academy with immediate effect. He had also thrown his wicket away 3 or 4 times at the Under 19 World Cup".

Mudassar, a former opening batsman and more than useful medium pace bowler for Pakistan added "It was very frustrating, as I could see he had the talent, but his mind was not on the job and I felt that there were more deserving youngsters out there who warranted a place at the academy ahead of Umar".

I think you could quite comfortably bet that Babar will never have an anecdote like this said about him.

Babar is a rare breed of talent plus hard work.

Kamran and Umar aren't fit to tie his shoelaces. You'd have to be pretty dumb to think otherwise.

 

[Caved12]

Chukka in Australia vs GOAT lmao

 

[Technics 1210]

Babar Azam has both entertained and achieved. CT17 tournament is just one example, and he has the accolade of beating India in an ICC CT final.

'My Guy'

 

[giri26]

Babar Azam is an extremely talented batter and will continue to score runs. I think he has performed according to the talent he possesses. He technically sound and has all the shots in the book and he has made most of his talent and will continue to do so. I would not agree though that he has improved. I am still waiting for Babar to move to the next level. It is one thing to keep scoring mountain of runs and average high and it is another thing to call something as improvement. Improvement would be if he adds something to his incredible talent. He still plays at the same pace at which he was playing 5 years ago.

So still a long way to go for him. His talent means that he will continue to score runs and he has good head on his shoulders which means he will not go the Akmal's way but he needs to do a lot to reach the levels of other greats in terms of impact. For example if India is playing Pakistan I am more worried about Fakhar scoring runs than Babar or Rizwan as I know that their pace of scoring can be controlled and they wouldn't take the game away from you. Despite not realise his immense potential I was more worried about U Akmal when he was at his peak due to how much he could impact the game if in touch.

 

[Cric1234]

"scoring hundreds wasn't a big thing for Umar"

Probably why he scored 3 in his entire international career. Its absolutely laughable that you think he could have scored 30-40 hundreds when he hasn't even scored 30 hundreds in his entire professional cricket career, which includes all the domestic and international cricket he has ever played.

Umar Akmal was a great talent for 2 years and a good talent for another year, and that's about it. After 2011 his career was in decline. Playing revisionist history won't change that.

Also, the idea that he was a gun batter always out to score runs is laughably misplaced. As is the idea that scoring hundreds is somehow bad. Hundreds win you matches. And there's a reason why every batsman is not capable of scoring them. Especially those who have scored 3 in their entire international career.

And before you rewrite history again, I'd say its probably best to recheck Umar Akmal's strike-rate in T20I and ODIs.

Umar only played 16 tests which bar one innings all came outside Asia no need to re write history to know why he didn’t score more hundreds in test cricket he was never given a chance in easier conditions come again or ask your friend Misbah.

Umar has played very few innings as a top order batsman again playing 100 ODIs as a number 3 or opening batsman he would score more hundreds come again or ask your friend Misbah why he played 67 strike rate Shafiq in many matches there but not Umar.

His strike rate can only be compared to his team mates it is much higher than 72 strike rate Shehzad 67 strike rate Shafiq and others different era look at the scores and conditions before coming out with such a comment and here’s Umar versus Babar in T20 World Cups:

Umar average 34 strike rate 132

Babar average 35 strike rate 114

The crap Umar Akmal has a much better strike rate than all time great Babar lol and the innings Umar played in the Asia Cup Final Babar will never be able to play.

 

[Cric1234]

Flat track bully minnow basher Babar Azam conveniently went missing in almost every important T20 match Pakistan played in the last few years.

Such was his amazing batsmanship he played Topley and Woods extra bounce with amplomb against England in the series decider or who can forget his low score against New Zealand in the tri series final.

Then again 6 of 5 balls helped set the tone for Pakistan in the Asia Cup final and the 39 of 34 balls against Australia on a flat wicket in the World Cup semi final.

Maybe he needs to hit a chukka in Australia before he can play a match winning innings in an important match or tournament knockout but then again Pakistan will play Zimbabwe B soon and he can score that amazing hundred and become King Babar again.

 

[Caved12]

Umar Akmal is the kind of player who will take the game away from you only once or twice in 100 games. The less we talk about him the better.

Fakhar is a good odi player, but not even half as good as Babar. Fakhar was a total flop in T20I and test cricket and only survived in odi cricket because the team management and Babar gave him an extended run and allowed him to bat freely and without worrying about losing his wicket.

Just stick to watching Pajama cricket and those chukkays in Australia

 

[Titan24]

Coaches at the top level barely make any difference and besides, Arthur wasn’t his coach only. As far as Misbah is concerned, he is not a good role model for any batsman. His approach to batting was not good.

Babar is simply more gifted than Kamran and Umar. He was always destined to be a top player. Those who followed Pakistan cricket closely knew about him since he was 13. In fact, he was more well-known than Umar Akmal was before he made his debut.

Babar scored a century for Pakistan A against Johnson, Starc, Lyon and Siddle in 2014 in Sharjah. He was already ready and capable of scoring against premium international level bowling attacks before making his international debut.

When you have lots of natural ability + the work ethic and the determination, you will make it. Babar had all of that.

Akmal brothers had significant ability as well but they were found wanting when it comes to their work ethic.

Well put.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Umar only played 16 tests which bar one innings all came outside Asia no need to re write history to know why he didn’t score more hundreds in test cricket he was never given a chance in easier conditions come again or ask your friend Misbah.

Umar has played very few innings as a top order batsman again playing 100 ODIs as a number 3 or opening batsman he would score more hundreds come again or ask your friend Misbah why he played 67 strike rate Shafiq in many matches there but not Umar.

His strike rate can only be compared to his team mates it is much higher than 72 strike rate Shehzad 67 strike rate Shafiq and others different era look at the scores and conditions before coming out with such a comment and here’s Umar versus Babar in T20 World Cups:

Umar average 34 strike rate 132

Babar average 35 strike rate 114

The crap Umar Akmal has a much better strike rate than all time great Babar lol and the innings Umar played in the Asia Cup Final Babar will never be able to play.

Comparing Umar Akmal to Babar Azam is too laughable of an idea to even be taken seriously. Even at his peak, Umar has never played an innings like Babar's blazing 122 against South Africa in a 200+ chase. Or his masterclass against New Zealand at Edgbaston in a high-pressure World Cup match on a tricky pitch. Or Babar's 196 to save the test against Australia. How many important matches has Umar Akmal won Pakistan? How many matches in a World Cup has he won? How many test matches has he won us? He didn't play alot of test cricket because after his initial years it became obvious to the selectors that he did not have the temperament or the capability to play test cricket. Asad Shafiq ended up being a massive waste of time and he did not repay the time invested in him. But let's not forget that until Misbah and Younis were there, Shafiq was a valuable lynchpin of the test batting who averaged 45+ and regularly played crucial knocks at No.6. It says more about Umar Akmal than the selectors that he was not able to find a place in Pakistan's test side post 2011.

Yeah, I'm sure Umar Akmal's innings in the Asia Cup final against a minnow Bangladeshi bowling attack ranks as one of his best. Right up there with his century against Afghanistan.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Umar Akmal is the kind of player who will take the game away from you only once or twice in 100 games. The less we talk about him the better.

Fakhar is a good odi player, but not even half as good as Babar. Fakhar was a total flop in T20I and test cricket and only survived in odi cricket because the team management and Babar gave him an extended run and allowed him to bat freely and without worrying about losing his wicket.

Just stick to watching Pajama cricket and those chukkays in Australia

Fakhar has some weaknesses. The most obvious one being his technical deficiencies. But his mental toughness is on another level. He is light years ahead on that front from some other players in the team. He isn't scared of short-pitched bowling like so many other Pakistani batsmen and he delivers in big match situations. Also has one of the best conversion rates when he gets past 60-70. No other Pakistani batter in history has crossed 150 as many times I think. For me, he is right up there with the best ODI openers in the world right now.

 

[Cric1234]

Comparing Umar Akmal to Babar Azam is too laughable of an idea to even be taken seriously. Even at his peak, Umar has never played an innings like Babar's blazing 122 against South Africa in a 200+ chase. Or his masterclass against New Zealand at Edgbaston in a high-pressure World Cup match on a tricky pitch. Or Babar's 196 to save the test against Australia. How many important matches has Umar Akmal won Pakistan? How many matches in a World Cup has he won? How many test matches has he won us? He didn't play alot of test cricket because after his initial years it became obvious to the selectors that he did not have the temperament or the capability to play test cricket. Asad Shafiq ended up being a massive waste of time and he did not repay the time invested in him. But let's not forget that until Misbah and Younis were there, Shafiq was a valuable lynchpin of the test batting who averaged 45+ and regularly played crucial knocks at No.6. It says more about Umar Akmal than the selectors that he was not able to find a place in Pakistan's test side post 2011.

Yeah, I'm sure Umar Akmal's innings in the Asia Cup final against a minnow Bangladeshi bowling attack ranks as one of his best. Right up there with his century against Afghanistan.

At least check the stats before saying it was against Bangladesh it was against Sri Lanka actually Umar played at well over 100 strike rate when Pakistan posted 260 in a 50 over match.

No doubt Babar made a hundred against South Africa somewhere in a T20 against a weak bowling attack but failed almost everytime in an important match in T20s in the last few years during his prime aswell.

In T20 World Cups Umars innings of 94 against Australia is something Babar will never play come back when he plays such an innings he made 39 of 34 balls on a flat wicket last time he played them in the 2021 semi final.

Over a long test and ODI career as a top order batsman Umar would definitely have played decent innings he did play some at number 6 including the Asia Cup Final he never even played a test in Pakistan or Asia just one innings in UAE.

 

[Cric1234]

Having looked at Babars innings of 122 vs South Africa at over 200 strike rate it was against a bowling attack of Linde Hendricks Williams and Magala then there must a reason why he couldn’t come close to doing anything similar in a World Cup or Asia Cup.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Shoaib Akhtar’s career was already over

Babar drops dollies as much as Kamran does

Babar does plenty of dirty politics for his friends as it is

Win a World Cup match against India to not actually winning the actual World Cup which Kamran HAS DONE

No it wasn't. And Kami put the definitive nail in the coffin.

No he doesn't. And atleast he wasn't responsible for costing us our only opportunity to win a test in Australia in 13 years.

According to whom, Shoaib Jutt? It doesn't compare to desperation of getting your brother to fake an injury so that the selectors might select you. But then again, Kami was a desperate player after his initial honeymoon years with the team.

Yup he made a massive contribution with his one half century against Ireland. Still doesn't make up for the humiliation of never being able to beat India in a World Cup match ever. Babar has plenty of time to win a T20 World Cup.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

At least check the stats before saying it was against Bangladesh it was against Sri Lanka actually Umar played at well over 100 strike rate when Pakistan posted 260 in a 50 over match.

No doubt Babar made a hundred against South Africa somewhere in a T20 against a weak bowling attack but failed almost everytime in an important match in T20s in the last few years during his prime aswell.

In T20 World Cups Umars innings of 94 against Australia is something Babar will never play come back when he plays such an innings he made 39 of 34 balls on a flat wicket last time he played them in the 2021 semi final.

Over a long test and ODI career as a top order batsman Umar would definitely have played decent innings he did play some at number 6 including the Asia Cup Final he never even played a test in Pakistan or Asia just one innings in UAE.

LMAO my bad. I didn't know that you were actually and seriously talking about a match that we lost. Its quite funny for me that after everything you have said, you seem to value an innings that came in a lost cause more than an innings that won us a match.

And yet, a few posts ago, you were also saying about "scoring hundreds not being a big thing"...Ok bro.

 

[Shafi]

He is still a choker in big matches with main team. Performing well against C/D team will never make him great batsman. Imagine Inzi/Anwar/Miandad/Zaheer/Ijaz play against these teams in flat pitches. They would at least 5 double hundreds with 70+ average.

 

[shamaan]

Fakhar has some weaknesses. The most obvious one being his technical deficiencies. But his mental toughness is on another level. He is light years ahead on that front from some other players in the team. He isn't scared of short-pitched bowling like so many other Pakistani batsmen and he delivers in big match situations. Also has one of the best conversion rates when he gets past 60-70. No other Pakistani batter in history has crossed 150 as many times I think. For me, he is right up there with the best ODI openers in the world right now.

Yes definitely he's in the top 5 openers in the world cricket In odis.

 

[Ahsanax]

Wasim Akram always says that talent can only get you a chance, it’s hardwork and yourdetermination that will make you a great player.
UA lacked professionalism, he never worked on his game, he could have been an amazing lower middle order batsman but he kept complaining that he should be tried as a top order and above all he wanted stardom

 

[Darkrai]

He is still a choker in big matches with main team. Performing well against C/D team will never make him great batsman. Imagine Inzi/Anwar/Miandad/Zaheer/Ijaz play against these teams in flat pitches. They would at least 5 double hundreds with 70+ average.

Babar > all those frauds put together. Imagine a 24 year old breaking record for most runs scored in a single WC for Pakistan. Those so called legends should be ashamed.

 

[Jazx]

"scoring hundreds wasn't a big thing for Umar"

Probably why he scored 3 in his entire international career. Its absolutely laughable that you think he could have scored 30-40 hundreds when he hasn't even scored 30 hundreds in his entire professional cricket career, which includes all the domestic and international cricket he has ever played.

Umar Akmal was a great talent for 2 years and a good talent for another year, and that's about it. After 2011 his career was in decline. Playing revisionist history won't change that.

Also, the idea that he was a gun batter always out to score runs is laughably misplaced. As is the idea that scoring hundreds is somehow bad. Hundreds win you matches. And there's a reason why every batsman is not capable of scoring them. Especially those who have scored 3 in their entire international career.

And before you rewrite history again, I'd say its probably best to recheck Umar Akmal's strike-rate in T20I and ODIs.

Scoring 100s can't be easy if you play your entire ODI career at number 6-7 and that too when you are not suitable for that position.

 

[Shafi]

Babar > all those frauds put together. Imagine a 24 year old breaking record for most runs scored in a single WC for Pakistan. Those so called legends should be ashamed.

Can Babar able to play like Inzi 1992 Semi/Final on sporting pitch against Full-strength NZ/England side in Australia. Babar is great against 2nd/3rd string team in flat pitches but fail 9/10 against full strength team in challenging condition. What was Babar's score in semi/final in 2 World Cups and Asia Cup finals.

 

[Saj]

I guess Babar's legacy will be judged on whether he can lead his team(s) to a World Cup win/wins overseas in England, Australia etc

 

[Cric1234]

I guess Babar's legacy will be judged on whether he can lead his team(s) to a World Cup win/wins overseas in England, Australia etc

There’s more chance of Kamran Akmal becoming prime minister than Babar winning a test series in Australia avoiding an innings defeat in every match should be seen as a victory.

 

[Technics 1210]

There’s more chance of Kamran Akmal becoming prime minister than Babar winning a test series in Australia avoiding an innings defeat in every match should be seen as a victory.

And we all know Kamran Akmal has dropped more catches in Australia than Babar has scored runs.

Controversy has always shrouded the Chakmal brothers, oops, Akmal Brothers, then again his supporters want Asif Ali as captain, and Azam Khan as opener, which is a crime within itself.

 

[shamaan]

Can Babar able to play like Inzi 1992 Semi/Final on sporting pitch against Full-strength NZ/England side in Australia. Babar is great against 2nd/3rd string team in flat pitches but fail 9/10 against full strength team in challenging condition. What was Babar's score in semi/final in 2 World Cups and Asia Cup finals.

How many Semi Finals has Inzamam played compared to Babar ?

 

[Rana]

How many Semi Finals has Inzamam played compared to Babar ?

Two big ones

The 50 over World Cup is the real deal in white ball cricket

 

[Pakhs]

“Babar is simply more gifted than Kamran and Umar. He was always destined to be a top player. Those who followed Pakistan cricket closely knew about him since he was 13. In fact, he was more well-known than Umar Akmal was before he made his debut.”

Babar was not more gifted than Umar Akmal. He was just more grounded and knew how to be ruthlessly selfish at the crease better than Umar and his brother did

What sort of justification is that? Babar has more 100s than both combined. If you mean they were so selfish that they did not want to score 100s and wanted to make sure bowlers bowling to them had a W in their column then they are where they deserve to be.

 

[shamaan]

Two big ones

The 50 over World Cup is the real deal in white ball cricket

How many has he participanted in ?

 

[Rana]

How many has he participanted in ?

5 world cups

Testament to his ODI greatness