"I feel the improvements and am definitely a better batsman than before" : Asif Ali

Asif Ali speaking about his bat

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Not quite happening for him so far at PSL7:

Just 39 runs in 4 innings.
 
Still a quality t20 player can do a job as a finisher as he proved in the t20 World Cup. Reckon good be a good number 5 in t20 squad
 
Forget batting...

2 wickets for him against Karachi tonight
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Asif Ali takes 2 wickets for 5 runs. This is his 226th T20 and before this match he had only bowled 4 overs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IUvKK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IUvKK</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1493279866762018817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Asif Ali takes 2 wickets for 5 runs. This is his 226th T20 and before this match he had only bowled 4 overs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IUvKK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IUvKK</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1493279866762018817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Player of the Match vs KK

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Incredible, quite surreal seeing him pick up 2 wickets. Could become a option in a emergency like today.
 
Incredible, quite surreal seeing him pick up 2 wickets. Could become a option in a emergency like today.

Nabi has been trash but Sharjeel’s wicket was a game changer.

The guy is becoming a very handy cricketer. Useful lower order hitter, good fielder and now a handy bowler. I think leadership will do him good
 
Not picked for the ODI series vs West Indies but leading the 50-over side in the Intra Squad game!
 
The game vs Afghanistan in the World Cup was his defining moment but what else has he done?

In Pakistan's Asia Cup squad...
 
Asif struggles big time against spin. In both games against Sri Lanka (Asia cup 2022) he got bowled by Hasaranga for golden ducks
 
One of the greatest posters on this forum

Everything you have said has turned out to be incorrect

Everything I said was correct, people just realize it later than I do.

Asif is, was and always will be a garbage batsman. The World T20 was a fluke.
 
Another loudmouth who is the worst player to represent Pakistan in cricket. He does not even deserve a place in Hong Kong’s team.
 
Everything I said was correct, people just realize it later than I do.

Asif is, was and always will be a garbage batsman. The World T20 was a fluke.

But but he’s better then Babar and Rizwan and he should open. Asif Ali is the worst player to play for Pakistan and there has been many.
 
One more key point to remember - Asif Ali despite being played as a proper batsman comes after the likes of bowling allrounders such as Nawaz and Shadab. This tells us that the management and Asif Ali have zero confidence in AA’s abilities.
 
[MENTION=147292]RedwoodOriginal[/MENTION] will tell us what we are missing about asif Ali
 
You can fault him for not picking up googly last game but today he had no choice but go for shots from word go with 20 rpo. Very high chances of not coming off in these situations.
 
Other than the four sixes against Afghanistan in the T20 World cup, what has Asif Ali ever done? I can't remember him doing anything before and since that Afghanistan game. Pathetic batsman.
 
He can hit sixes but man he is wayyyy too one dimensional.
He needs to improve vs spin if he is not to be a complete liability nost of the time.
 
It’s a difficult one because unlike Khushdil, he was never selfish and didn’t look to waste balls. Against India and Afghanistan his sixes were crucial.

His stats aren’t great but he really does come in with very few balls left. The question is whether you should have a specialist batsman for the role he plays. Ideally it should be covered by an all rounder who adds more utility to the team.
 
Considering that Pakistan's overall power hitting game is still a big question mark to say the least, I'd still keep Asif Ali. You can't expect him to know how to build an innings as that's just not his role. For me, I'd keep him in the XI for the sole reason of tonking the ball and have low expectations. And with this kind of role, he's most likely to fail more than succeed. I'd say keep him till the end of the World T20 and if he's still failing then drop him.
 
You can fault him for not picking up googly last game but today he had no choice but go for shots from word go with 20 rpo. Very high chances of not coming off in these situations.

Interested to know how many times did it actually come. He needs to learn how to bat first before hitting sixes
 
Considering that Pakistan's overall power hitting game is still a big question mark to say the least, I'd still keep Asif Ali. You can't expect him to know how to build an innings as that's just not his role. For me, I'd keep him in the XI for the sole reason of tonking the ball and have low expectations. And with this kind of role, he's most likely to fail more than succeed. I'd say keep him till the end of the World T20 and if he's still failing then drop him.


Can’t waste a spot for that role alone. Losing strategy. Better play someone who can score runs with better strike. I would keep him if his strike rate is 170+ , he wouldn’t even get selected for associate teams tbh
 
He can hit sixes but man he is wayyyy too one dimensional.
He needs to improve vs spin if he is not to be a complete liability nost of the time.

He can’t , that’s a myth. He can hit sixes in domestics or PSL against local bowlers but always be a rabbit caught on headlights in intl arena.

He is the find of Misbah lol :inzi2
 
It’s incredible that some fans remind us about 4-5 sixes he hits in a tournament to justify his selection. A total hack who can’t play the game situation to save his life. Atrocious against spin. Courtney Walsh level defence.
Of the three hacks ifti khush and Asif I would pick none but if forced to choose a ‘power hitter’ I would go for Ifti who too can hit a six or two every now and then and can bowl a few overs
 
It’s a difficult one because unlike Khushdil, he was never selfish and didn’t look to waste balls. Against India and Afghanistan his sixes were crucial.

His stats aren’t great but he really does come in with very few balls left. The question is whether you should have a specialist batsman for the role he plays. Ideally it should be covered by an all rounder who adds more utility to the team.

This. Pretty much sums up my view on Asif too. Can we actually afford a full place for this guy?

In a team lineup of more proper batters eg. Haider, Shan, Kamran for ifti, Khushdil, Asif perhaps Nawaz can play a similar role.
 
Asif Ali needs to come when there are 6-7 overs left at least . He’s coming with 3-4 overs left and expected to go from ball one . All batsman and no matter how great a finisher you are need a bit of time to get in .

Not fair on him and he is being totally underused.
 
Can’t waste a spot for that role alone. Losing strategy. Better play someone who can score runs with better strike. I would keep him if his strike rate is 170+ , he wouldn’t even get selected for associate teams tbh

We'd be better off playing an allrounder like Imad or Yamin for that role. Its farcical to play a specialist batsman whose entire role is to hit one or two sixes every third or fourth game and who needs to be shielded till the 18 or 19th over as he just doesn't have the defence to play more than 2-3 overs.
 
[MENTION=147292]RedwoodOriginal[/MENTION] will tell us what we are missing about asif Ali

Umm how about the fact that he is the only finisher in the T20 side and the only one who has the capability to hit clean sixes against pace? How about the fact that he has a SR of 150 against 140+ kph bowling or that he has one of the highest SR in the world in the death overs? Or maybe the fact that he played crucial knocks and or won matches in run-chases against Afghanistan, New Zealand, West Indies and India.

But then again, what do I know? Especially compared to a genius such as yourself who is only interested in judging this team based on two bad performances in a country whose conditions will literally be diametrically opposite to the conditions in Australia.
 
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If Asif really is that good, then why don't the skipper and coach trust him to bat in a position that a proper batter should be batting at.

Instead they hide him down the order in the hope that he can hit 3 or 4 sixes from the 5 or 6 balls he faces.

Again clueless tactics.
 
If Asif really is that good, then why don't the skipper and coach trust him to bat in a position that a proper batter should be batting at.

Instead they hide him down the order in the hope that he can hit 3 or 4 sixes from the 5 or 6 balls he faces.

Again clueless tactics.

Because that's the best position for him and the position that allows Pakistan to capitalize on his SR of 189 in the death overs.

Asif Ali is not a great batter by any stretch of the imagination. But he's a clean hitter who has outstanding numbers against pace-bowling and during the last overs. This is the only position he should be batting in because in this format even those 4 or 5 sixes have their weight in gold. Especially during the death overs.
 
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Asif Ali needs to come when there are 6-7 overs left at least . He’s coming with 3-4 overs left and expected to go from ball one . All batsman and no matter how great a finisher you are need a bit of time to get in .

Not fair on him and he is being totally underused.

He needs kicked out if that's all there is to his game. Very high risk and usually holes out or gets bowled more times than he actually fires. We've already seen other batters can hit sixes, even the so called accumulators if got their eye in.

Hitting sixes isn't just the domain of Asif Ali, if you're a batsman in the T20 side, you should be able to hit them. Ali is a one trick pony and teams will know what he is all about. The sooner the team gets rid of trash like this the better.
 
If Asif really is that good, then why don't the skipper and coach trust him to bat in a position that a proper batter should be batting at.

Instead they hide him down the order in the hope that he can hit 3 or 4 sixes from the 5 or 6 balls he faces.

Again clueless tactics.

Because unlike Khushdil, Iftikhar, Fakhar, Babar, Nawaz, etc he showed an ability to hit sixes almost from the first ball. So now he's pushed down because he has the ability to hit sixes straight away while others need a couple more overs.

Ofcourse that's the riskiest form of batting and its not surprising he's not consistent.

However he has contributed significantly to a number of wins over the last couple of tournaments so I believe he deserves to be retained for the England series.
 
I have no idea why the Asif Ali not being the second coming of Tendulkar is somehow breaking news to certain posters. But if you guys really think that we can find anyone better than him (in 1 day) to play that finisher role effectively than quite frankly, you have no idea what you are talking about.

The position and role that Asif Ali plays in and inherently high-risk meaning most times he will fail. That's not to say he does not have glaring flaws in his game even as a hitter. He does. He is truly pedestrian against spin. But guess what? The World Cup is in Australia. And here's a niche Asif Ali stat for you: he has a SR of 150+ against bowling over 140 kph. He has also won you multiple games in the finisher role which makes him more of a proven commodity than just about anyone else in the country.

Whether you want to admit it or not, Asif Ali is your only hope in the finisher role at the World Cup. Not because he is the best finisher in the world, but because he is the best finisher in Pakistan and someone whose selection makes logical sense given the conditions.
 
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I always thought you judge a player on what they actually do in terms of performance and not what people dream they might do.
 
I always thought you judge a player on what they actually do in terms of performance and not what people dream they might do.

He’s in the team to win you games from a losing position. You can’t expect him to average 20+, he’s not playing for himself which many of the others are doing. He’s playing for the team. Asif Ali is a dream player for any captain, he’s a mercenary, he’ll sacrifice himself for Pakistan. He goes out to score, to take pressure of the other batsman.

It’s not going to work every game, attacking cricket = higher risk of failure.

Tuk Tuk RizBar cricket = lose by 40 runs with 6 wickets in hand.
 
Right, When so called batsmen eat up 80 balls and produce 87 runs its best to get after a guy who is actually doing what he has been chosen for. Asif role is similar to that of Dinesh kartik an expert finisher who can hit from the word go and doesn't play selfish inning something Khushdil did and almost lost the game against India.

This guy has weakness against short ball and spinner, but I would still take him
 
If he is the best hitter Pakistan have got, then he has to bat at No.5 in Australia for me. We need a power hitter in the two or three spots of the top 5. Specially if Shadab & Nawaz are likely to No.6-7 in Australia.
 
He’s in the team to win you games from a losing position. You can’t expect him to average 20+, he’s not playing for himself which many of the others are doing. He’s playing for the team. Asif Ali is a dream player for any captain, he’s a mercenary, he’ll sacrifice himself for Pakistan. He goes out to score, to take pressure of the other batsman.

It’s not going to work every game, attacking cricket = higher risk of failure.

Tuk Tuk RizBar cricket = lose by 40 runs with 6 wickets in hand.

Saj is right, you can't dream about what someone is going to do or could have done. This is his record (runs/balls) since he had that purple patch at WC. One comparable inns 21(7) and two okay inns 16(8) but these two inns could be expected from any lower order hitter.

He's barely surviving a full over and I don't think he's been getting in when there's only been 8 or 9 balls left of the innings for a majority of those matches.

I was in the Asif Ali camp but when garbage is staring you right in the face, it needs to be chucked out.

27 (12) vs NZ at WC
25 (7) vs Afg at WC
5 (4)
0 (1)
1 (4)
9 (7)
21 (7)
3 (5)
9 (7)
16 (8)
16 (8)
0 (1)
0 (1)
 
If he is the best hitter Pakistan have got, then he has to bat at No.5 in Australia for me. We need a power hitter in the two or three spots of the top 5. Specially if Shadab & Nawaz are likely to No.6-7 in Australia.

Asif’s best chance to make an impact is when there are only 15-20 balls left in the game.

He doesn't have the awareness or skill to do anything else unfortunately.
 
Saj is right, you can't dream about what someone is going to do or could have done. This is his record (runs/balls) since he had that purple patch at WC. One comparable inns 21(7) and two okay inns 16(8) but these two inns could be expected from any lower order hitter.

He's barely surviving a full over and I don't think he's been getting in when there's only been 8 or 9 balls left of the innings for a majority of those matches.

I was in the Asif Ali camp but when garbage is staring you right in the face, it needs to be chucked out.

27 (12) vs NZ at WC
25 (7) vs Afg at WC
5 (4)
0 (1)
1 (4)
9 (7)
21 (7)
3 (5)
9 (7)
16 (8)
16 (8)
0 (1)
0 (1)

5 off 4 he was not out.

0 vs Aus, came in the 18th over. Pakistan had Malik, Hafeez, Shadab and Imad still to come in. If he was a selfish player, he would’ve scored 12 off 11 balls, instead he tried to go big to help Pakistan get a decent total. It wouldn’t have mattered if he got out because we had wickets in hand.

Apart from the 21 off 7, he had a poor series against WI.

Here’s where I stand on Asif Ali. He’s not going to win you every game, nor should he. I can’t remember the last time one of the top 3 took Pakistan over the finishing line since the WT20, since 2 of them are meant to play as “anchors”.

Asif Ali could very easily do what Rizwan, Babar and Ifthikar do, going at a run a ball whilst everyone else around him take risks.

He’s a game changer, he’s not going to be consistent, he’s going to win you 2 out 5 games, but what Babar and Rizwan expect from him is just unrealistic. They both play their wee selfish little innings, get to their 50’s, throw their wicket away and leave the team in a big hole. Just because he won you a game from a previous game from a difficult position it doesn’t mean he’ll do it every single game. That’s what Babar and Rizwan expect. They expert him to come in the 16th over and chase 40+ off the last 3-4 overs every single game. They’re putting too much faith into their lower order, it’s time they step up and take risks.
 
Can’t waste a spot for that role alone. Losing strategy. Better play someone who can score runs with better strike. I would keep him if his strike rate is 170+ , he wouldn’t even get selected for associate teams tbh

No one in domestic averages 170+ strike rate.
 
He’s in the team to win you games from a losing position. You can’t expect him to average 20+, he’s not playing for himself which many of the others are doing. He’s playing for the team. Asif Ali is a dream player for any captain, he’s a mercenary, he’ll sacrifice himself for Pakistan. He goes out to score, to take pressure of the other batsman.

It’s not going to work every game, attacking cricket = higher risk of failure.

Tuk Tuk RizBar cricket = lose by 40 runs with 6 wickets in hand.

Exactly he doesnt play for himself.
 
5 off 4 he was not out.

0 vs Aus, came in the 18th over. Pakistan had Malik, Hafeez, Shadab and Imad still to come in. If he was a selfish player, he would’ve scored 12 off 11 balls, instead he tried to go big to help Pakistan get a decent total. It wouldn’t have mattered if he got out because we had wickets in hand.

Apart from the 21 off 7, he had a poor series against WI.

Here’s where I stand on Asif Ali. He’s not going to win you every game, nor should he. I can’t remember the last time one of the top 3 took Pakistan over the finishing line since the WT20, since 2 of them are meant to play as “anchors”.

Asif Ali could very easily do what Rizwan, Babar and Ifthikar do, going at a run a ball whilst everyone else around him take risks.

He’s a game changer, he’s not going to be consistent, he’s going to win you 2 out 5 games, but what Babar and Rizwan expect from him is just unrealistic. They both play their wee selfish little innings, get to their 50’s, throw their wicket away and leave the team in a big hole. Just because he won you a game from a previous game from a difficult position it doesn’t mean he’ll do it every single game. That’s what Babar and Rizwan expect. They expert him to come in the 16th over and chase 40+ off the last 3-4 overs every single game. They’re putting too much faith into their lower order, it’s time they step up and take risks.


Whilst I agree Asif is a game changer but I don't agree that he can do Rizwan Job and visa versa.
 
5 off 4 he was not out.

0 vs Aus, came in the 18th over. Pakistan had Malik, Hafeez, Shadab and Imad still to come in. If he was a selfish player, he would’ve scored 12 off 11 balls, instead he tried to go big to help Pakistan get a decent total. It wouldn’t have mattered if he got out because we had wickets in hand.

Apart from the 21 off 7, he had a poor series against WI.

Here’s where I stand on Asif Ali. He’s not going to win you every game, nor should he. I can’t remember the last time one of the top 3 took Pakistan over the finishing line since the WT20, since 2 of them are meant to play as “anchors”.

Asif Ali could very easily do what Rizwan, Babar and Ifthikar do, going at a run a ball whilst everyone else around him take risks.

He’s a game changer, he’s not going to be consistent, he’s going to win you 2 out 5 games, but what Babar and Rizwan expect from him is just unrealistic. They both play their wee selfish little innings, get to their 50’s, throw their wicket away and leave the team in a big hole. Just because he won you a game from a previous game from a difficult position it doesn’t mean he’ll do it every single game. That’s what Babar and Rizwan expect. They expert him to come in the 16th over and chase 40+ off the last 3-4 overs every single game. They’re putting too much faith into their lower order, it’s time they step up and take risks.

Is this not exactly the situation everyone is talking about? - to come in and make an impact but does nothing. If he's going to sacrifice himself on zero balls then what is the point?

Playing against a big team, 2 overs to go but fails.
 
Whilst I agree Asif is a game changer but I don't agree that he can do Rizwan Job and visa versa.

My point is, Rizwan doesn’t take a lot of risks, so his chances of getting out are lower than someone who takes risks. If Asif Ali doesn’t take risks he could easily average 30 with a strike similar to Rizwan and Babar’s.
 
Is this not exactly the situation everyone is talking about? - to come in and make an impact but does nothing. If he's going to sacrifice himself on zero balls then what is the point?

Playing against a big team, 2 overs to go but fails.

Yes, it is. Unfortunately he failed to put anything on the board, but him getting out first ball in the 18th over whilst posting a target with 3-4 batsmen still to come in had no negative impact on the score/result.
 
Yes, it is. Unfortunately he failed to put anything on the board, but him getting out first ball in the 18th over whilst posting a target with 3-4 batsmen still to come in had no negative impact on the score/result.

Okay dude, whatever you say, not making much of an impact seems to be happening in a lot of the other matches.
 
Honestly, he should be opening. He loves to play in the air, and he could take advantage of the powerplay with only 2 fielders outside. Struggles with spin and it's unlikely he'll face it early.
 
Asif ali took the game close against India. He pretty much won the game needing 29 off 12…he got out lbw when 2 off 3 was needed

Against Afghanistan same 16 off 8

I firmly believe that we would have lost those two games also if it wasn’t for asif ali

Afghanistan win was a naseem shah fluke
 
Honestly, he should be opening. He loves to play in the air, and he could take advantage of the powerplay with only 2 fielders outside. Struggles with spin and it's unlikely he'll face it early.

Teams will easily open with spinners if he opens the innings. There is no place to hide in international cricket.
 
My point is, Rizwan doesn’t take a lot of risks, so his chances of getting out are lower than someone who takes risks. If Asif Ali doesn’t take risks he could easily average 30 with a strike similar to Rizwan and Babar’s.

Yes i agree he doesn't take risks but then the management should tell him that.
 
5 off 4 he was not out.

0 vs Aus, came in the 18th over. Pakistan had Malik, Hafeez, Shadab and Imad still to come in. If he was a selfish player, he would’ve scored 12 off 11 balls, instead he tried to go big to help Pakistan get a decent total. It wouldn’t have mattered if he got out because we had wickets in hand.

Apart from the 21 off 7, he had a poor series against WI.

Here’s where I stand on Asif Ali. He’s not going to win you every game, nor should he. I can’t remember the last time one of the top 3 took Pakistan over the finishing line since the WT20, since 2 of them are meant to play as “anchors”.

Asif Ali could very easily do what Rizwan, Babar and Ifthikar do, going at a run a ball whilst everyone else around him take risks.

He’s a game changer, he’s not going to be consistent, he’s going to win you 2 out 5 games, but what Babar and Rizwan expect from him is just unrealistic. They both play their wee selfish little innings, get to their 50’s, throw their wicket away and leave the team in a big hole. Just because he won you a game from a previous game from a difficult position it doesn’t mean he’ll do it every single game. That’s what Babar and Rizwan expect. They expert him to come in the 16th over and chase 40+ off the last 3-4 overs every single game. They’re putting too much faith into their lower order, it’s time they step up and take risks.

What games has he really changed since the world cup?

Those stats are awful since the world cup Granted his role is to hit from ball one but he should be doing better than that The only score that looks half decent are the 21 off 7

Those telephone numbers are no game changing stats Those are tailenderish and id back the likes of naseem and rauf to score better than that

Hes a fraud and a spot wasted since he doesnt bowl either Time to get rid
 
Asif Ali is fine for T20 - you can afford having a hit and miss player down the order. However this is the only format he should feature in for Pakistan.
 
I have no idea why the Asif Ali not being the second coming of Tendulkar is somehow breaking news to certain posters. But if you guys really think that we can find anyone better than him (in 1 day) to play that finisher role effectively than quite frankly, you have no idea what you are talking about.

The position and role that Asif Ali plays in and inherently high-risk meaning most times he will fail. That's not to say he does not have glaring flaws in his game even as a hitter. He does. He is truly pedestrian against spin. But guess what? The World Cup is in Australia. And here's a niche Asif Ali stat for you: he has a SR of 150+ against bowling over 140 kph. He has also won you multiple games in the finisher role which makes him more of a proven commodity than just about anyone else in the country.

Whether you want to admit it or not, Asif Ali is your only hope in the finisher role at the World Cup. Not because he is the best finisher in the world, but because he is the best finisher in Pakistan and someone whose selection makes logical sense given the conditions.

No one’s asked him to put on Bradman-esque numbers. But it isn’t too much of an ask for him to demonstrate *some* game awareness. He has a habit of trying to hit out straight away. Against SL, he could have taken a couple of balls before he started going big. How many times have we seen him get caught in the first three balls he faces? This is an experienced international at this point.

I fully expect him to go the Aus because the cupboard is bare. But post WC, we’re better off taking a young prospect and giving him a long run in the role, because that way that lad can atleast develop in the role.
 
He would be an absolute JINN if he opens the batting

Never going to happen under Babar/Saqlain
 
Pakistan should try playing practice matches within themselves

Have a 6 over power play practice session of Shaheen, Rauf, Naseem and Dahani v Babar+Rizwan

Then have the same bowlers bowl to Khushdil+ASIF in a powerplay scenario

Experiment more, maybe try Nawaz and Asif Ali as a combo.
 
The only guy who can go from ball 1. He is not going to score fifties. But I'd take 20 off 10 if it comes in a winning cause. Should bat at no. 7.
 
The only guy who can go from ball 1. He is not going to score fifties. But I'd take 20 off 10 if it comes in a winning cause. Should bat at no. 7.

He has no shame if he gets out for a golden duck if he knows he has to go from ball 1. Selfless player who has improved drastically in the field as well.

Love this guy! His hits seem effortless
 
He has no shame if he gets out for a golden duck if he knows he has to go from ball 1. Selfless player who has improved drastically in the field as well.

Love this guy! His hits seem effortless
I think it’s also because his role is clearly defined and the management backs him in his role. Haider Ali was also striking from ball 1 in his debut PSL season (SR over 160) but since he’s gotten into the national setup he’s become super cautious (SR around 120) obviously because he’s afraid to fail on a low score. He needs to be given the same backing to bat freely like Asif. Let him play as a finisher and see if he has what it takes, you already know he can bat long.
 
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Everything I said was correct, people just realize it later than I do.

Asif is, was and always will be a garbage batsman. The World T20 was a fluke.

The irony of all this is, that you're incorrect again.
 
The only guy who can go from ball 1. He is not going to score fifties. But I'd take 20 off 10 if it comes in a winning cause. Should bat at no. 7.

You mean he goes back to the hut from ball one? His walk to the middle then back again is longer than his stay at the batting crease.
 
Again as I mentioned, his 16 off 8 vs India was the main difference in winning. He basically would have hit the winning runs but got out LBW to a very good ball by arshdeep.

Against Afghanistan again, he took the game close and we won because of Naseem Shah miracle.

You cannot expect Asif Ali to bat like Rizwan and Babar, but believe me that 10-15 balls he faces are the game. He wont us the game against NZ and Afghanistan in World T20.

He will win you 1 in 4/5 games. That is more than some.

What has Fakhar done?

What has Hasan Ali done?
 
Again as I mentioned, his 16 off 8 vs India was the main difference in winning. He basically would have hit the winning runs but got out LBW to a very good ball by arshdeep.

Against Afghanistan again, he took the game close and we won because of Naseem Shah miracle.

You cannot expect Asif Ali to bat like Rizwan and Babar, but believe me that 10-15 balls he faces are the game. He wont us the game against NZ and Afghanistan in World T20.

He will win you 1 in 4/5 games. That is more than some.

What has Fakhar done?

What has Hasan Ali done?

Hassan and Fakhar have been usless too. Doesnt make Asif Any less worthless. Vs India he had a brain **** and had lost us the game if not for the easiest drop

Vs Afg. His low IQ lead to a dismissal right after a 6

Vs SL he was bowled the same first balls TWICE. He is a hack and will remain a hack and will lose us a lot of games with his sub primal IQ
 
I have no idea why the Asif Ali not being the second coming of Tendulkar is somehow breaking news to certain posters. But if you guys really think that we can find anyone better than him (in 1 day) to play that finisher role effectively than quite frankly, you have no idea what you are talking about.

The position and role that Asif Ali plays in and inherently high-risk meaning most times he will fail. That's not to say he does not have glaring flaws in his game even as a hitter. He does. He is truly pedestrian against spin. But guess what? The World Cup is in Australia. And here's a niche Asif Ali stat for you: he has a SR of 150+ against bowling over 140 kph. He has also won you multiple games in the finisher role which makes him more of a proven commodity than just about anyone else in the country.

Whether you want to admit it or not, Asif Ali is your only hope in the finisher role at the World Cup. Not because he is the best finisher in the world, but because he is the best finisher in Pakistan and someone whose selection makes logical sense given the conditions.

Nawaz can finish better
 
The irony of all this is, that you're incorrect again.

No.

I can only laugh at the misery of Pakistan team where Asif Ali is the designated finisher. That sums up the lack of talent in the country.

He wouldn’t even be the finisher of the C team of a proper cricket team that is not short of options.
 
No.

I can only laugh at the misery of Pakistan team where Asif Ali is the designated finisher. That sums up the lack of talent in the country.

He wouldn’t even be the finisher of the C team of a proper cricket team that is not short of options.

More content for us to bump :)))
 
More content for us to bump :)))

I love the misery of Pakistani fans. The lack of talent and professionalism of their cricket continues to force them into desperation.

They find a mediocre player for a role and then they want the world to praise and accept that player because there are no better options than him in the country for that role.

It is hilarious. They don’t seem to understand the difference being a good player and being the least worst of the lot.

If Asif Ali is the best finisher in Pakistan, then it is an indication of talent crisis in Pakistan. It does not mean Asif Ali is not crap.

I would be lying if I said I don’t enjoy the frustration and desperation of Pakistani fans.
 
I love the misery of Pakistani fans. The lack of talent and professionalism of their cricket continues to force them into desperation.

They find a mediocre player for a role and then they want the world to praise and accept that player because there are no better options than him in the country for that role.

It is hilarious. They don’t seem to understand the difference being a good player and being the least worst of the lot.

If Asif Ali is the best finisher in Pakistan, then it is an indication of talent crisis in Pakistan. It does not mean Asif Ali is not crap.

I would be lying if I said I don’t enjoy the frustration and desperation of Pakistani fans.
I’m sorry but nothing you say is credible

It’s just quality content for comic purposes just like Pakistan’s fielding in the Asia cup
 
I think the below mentioned cricketers are definitely international standard from Pakistan, no reason to demean them:

Babar Azam
Shaheen Shah
Shadab Khan
Mohammad Rizwan
Naseem Shah
Haris Rauf
Mohammad Nawaz
Asif Ali
Fakhar Zaman( just about international level)

Won't say anything about Iftikhar or Khushdil for now .
 
I love the misery of Pakistani fans. The lack of talent and professionalism of their cricket continues to force them into desperation.

They find a mediocre player for a role and then they want the world to praise and accept that player because there are no better options than him in the country for that role.

It is hilarious. They don’t seem to understand the difference being a good player and being the least worst of the lot.

If Asif Ali is the best finisher in Pakistan, then it is an indication of talent crisis in Pakistan. It does not mean Asif Ali is not crap.

I would be lying if I said I don’t enjoy the frustration and desperation of Pakistani fans.

Have to agree with what u say about Asif ali and the lack of batting talent in country
 
No.

I can only laugh at the misery of Pakistan team where Asif Ali is the designated finisher. That sums up the lack of talent in the country.

He wouldn’t even be the finisher of the C team of a proper cricket team that is not short of options.

Great.

Another comedic and foolish response.

Tell me Mamoon, how come 80-90% of commentators including Ian Bishop and Scott Styris etc consider Asif Ali an important asset in T20s?

Besides Pandiya and Pollard, who else can hit 90+ meter sixes without effort?

That in itself is a rare talent and Pakistan had searched for this type of player for a very long time.
 
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Hassan and Fakhar have been usless too. Doesnt make Asif Any less worthless. Vs India he had a brain **** and had lost us the game if not for the easiest drop

Vs Afg. His low IQ lead to a dismissal right after a 6

Vs SL he was bowled the same first balls TWICE. He is a hack and will remain a hack and will lose us a lot of games with his sub primal IQ

Its about opportunity. Look at where Fakhar bats vs where Asif bats.

Look at the presusure situations they have to face. Asif Ali ALWAYS comes under pressure.

Hassan Ali is the greatest 12th man I have seen. He really needs to stay out of the team.

When Shaheen returns, he will take Hasnani's spot and we will have a pace attack of Rauf, Naseem and Shaheen with Dahani as back up.

Thats the merit based and appropriate bowling attack.

Unless and until you can find a replacement for Asif Ali, dont mess with him.


Secondly, people who keep saying "there is no talent in Pakistan" are foolish. What is talent? Talent is nothing. Hard work and skill development is the main thing.

That is why SL and Australia and NZ despite having a much smaller pool of players are able to create effective cricketers.

For instance, Rajapaksa's mother did not give him birth with a bat and said here you go son - youre talented. He is a product and most importantly, he has taken responsibility to work on his game.

Thats what needs to happen.

I am a firm believer of all Pakistan players going to BBL to play - thats the only league I would send our players simply so they can learn on bouncy pitches and get used to big grounds.

This is all about management of players. The talent is there.

It would be incorrect to say "we lack talent".

The issue is far more nuanced.
 
Case in point - Haris Rauf - he was a tape ball bowler, and then a net bowler, then BBL, then now. I would say he is as skilled as any in T20s.

he has markedly improved his fielding also.

That needs to happen - especuially players like Khushdil and Haider Ali.

They just need to play more cricket in challenging situations along with Asif Ali.

infact Asif Ali should continue to play 4-day cricket and first class cricket so he can develop temperament and skills to bat long and learn some defense. This will make him a better T20 cricketer overall.
 
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