"I think we should focus on our own victory, India is a very good team" : Azhar Ali

[Abdullah719]

Azhar Ali speaking after arriving in Pakistan:

"Team management deserves credit for lifting up the team."

"We were in rhythm from the SA game and played good cricket."

"When there's criticism, that gives you motivation to perform well because you know inside you what abilities you have. The boys responded well and when we won the SF, we were confident we would win the final."

(What's your message to the Indian team after such a heavy loss?) "I think we should focus on our own victory, India is a very good team and they performed well also."

(People were saying that Kamran Akmal could've been there instead of you but you performed well.) "I don't see the point of discussing such things. The main thing is that we have won the tournament, I'm happy that I contributed a bit to that. The most important thing is that the country is happy and this is the time to celebrate. It's a great sign that people have celebrated with so much fervour."

 

[msb314]

Azhar had a fine tournament but his SR is still too low for a modern day opener.

 

[Sirris]

(People were saying that Kamran Akmal could've been there instead of you

Who are these people?

 

[Jabo]

Azhar had a fine tournament but his SR is still too low for a modern day opener.

This

And if Fakhar did fall

Him and Babar would both be going slow

But let's look at the positive

 

[MenInG]

Low key arrival for a simple guy! No PCB pics etc. Shameful

 

[sl-fan-of-pak]

Azhar Ali's attempt to up the run rate and keep the scoreboard ticking during the initial overs, actually helped Fakhar to settle..

 

[MenInG]

Azhar Ali's attempt to up the run rate and keep the scoreboard ticking during the initial overs, actually helped Fakhar to settle..

Some short memories here - he was key in the Final game; We cannot forget that.

 

[The intelligent Supporter]

Played an ok innnings in first game but got out to a stupid shot

Then played an good innings in semi but no pressure at all so not special

A really good knock in final but midnset still in 18th century for him usually. Played out a maiden first up with mutliple leaves. Has vitually no power game ( especially outside power play) resorts to ugly slog sweeps to score

We need to get rid of him ASAP especially in UAE and other flat tracks for LOI. Sharjeel or Harris ( Shahibzada maybe) to take his place.

Gun test batsman though

Grossly over rated in LOIs around here IMHO...but honest, hard working player nonetheless

 

[Abdul]

Azhar had a fine tournament but his SR is still too low for a modern day opener.

Guess who. I'll give you some time.

 

[Abdul]

Low key arrival for a simple guy! No PCB pics etc. Shameful

Think that's primarily his own fault as he stayed back in England for a few days.

 

[Ahmed4472]

Guess who. I'll give you some time.
View attachment 75262

Selfie? No one else could be because of T20i 100

 

[wrongun]

In my opinion Azhar Ali is necessary in your team.

Yes, his strike rate is a bit low- but he has shown the ability to play a valuable role in scoring big, modern totals in big tournaments at the CT. He was very solid & consistent- no disastrous starts thanks to him.

On the positive side he is one of the relatively few Pakistani batsmen who has the technique to handle the toughest conditions in English type conditions- he made his name gritting out tough runs in that 2010 (?) tour when it was difficult for batsmen from all nations (Oz & England both struggled too).

He has a calm head and is your defence to at least post a competitive total in the face of what might otherwise be panic-filled collapses. The same cannot be said of all your batsmen.

For now, I would keep Azhar, but like any player, he needs to keep performing. He knows he needs to keep his strike rate 75+ and that is actually fine for an opener when you now have a dasher at the other end and your stroke makers can bat around him. It's still a 50 over game and if you have an opener who can score 50 off 70 or 100 off 115/120 (assuming an acceleration) then that's a valuable player given the way he balances the faults of your other batsmen in foreign condition and when collapsing.

Dropping a guy after he put on a century opening stand, scored a valuable 50 in a big final & was only run out in the end just doesn't make sense.

 

[Abdul]

Selfie? No one else could be because of T20i 100

Yaar... should've let him answer.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

For people saying he's too slow and stuff please go and check what a gun knock Samit Patel played in the Essex vs Notts semi final....

Samit sores a hundred (122) at less than run a ball but his side still chased down 370.

You need a player in the side around whom the entire team plays whilst he holds the innings from going completely haywire.

In the Pakistani lineup I can count on Axhar to be that guy since he puts a massive price on his wicket and is comfortable the most gutsy batsmen with the best temperament, and yes !! That also includes the Golden Boy Babar Azam as well......

 

[JibranAnsari]

Deserves a lot of praise for his innings in the final , he had to go out of his comfort zone and looked a bit funny at times but thats what you do for team and to win. Bravo!

 

[Ahmed4472]

Yaar... should've let him answer.

Oh lol sorry didn't realize

 

[sl-fan-of-pak]

Some short memories here - he was key in the Final game; We cannot forget that.

Exactly, we were actually praising Azhar Ali for his role. His, 57 off 70 odd balls had a profound impact on Fakhar finding his feet on such a tense game.

 

[Haroon786]

who are these people?

[mention=57576]mrsn[/mention]

 

[Arham_PakFan]

We need only one of Azhar and Hafeez in the team.I would take Azhar,simply because he actually tries,and puts a price on his wicket.

 

[Xoib]

For people saying he's too slow and stuff please go and check what a gun knock Samit Patel played in the Essex vs Notts semi final....

Samit sores a hundred (122) at less than run a ball but his side still chased down 370.

You need a player in the side around whom the entire team plays whilst he holds the innings from going completely haywire.

In the Pakistani lineup I can count on Axhar to be that guy since he puts a massive price on his wicket and is comfortable the most gutsy batsmen with the best temperament, and yes !! That also includes the Golden Boy Babar Azam as well......

Before the tourney you said you would prefer shezzy over Azhar funny to see how in hindsight people change their tune.

 

[Poison]

People who do not rate Azhar quite frankly do not know cricket. In LOIs it was horrific to have him and Shehzad opening but as long as we have quick-scorers around him he is necessary for this side.

 

[omcswe]

Before the tourney you said you would prefer shezzy over Azhar funny to see how in hindsight people change their tune.

that's called learning

 

[Hamza_]

Can't believe people want Azhar in ODI Team.

 

[Pak_lover6]

As usual some stupid questions from media guys but very well tackled by Azhar Ali .

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Due to sad incident this morning I have cancelled all the celebrations tonight which was arranged by valancia town</p>— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) <a href="https://twitter.com/AzharAli_/status/878931906187993088">June 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[msb314]

Played an ok innnings in first game but got out to a stupid shot

Then played an good innings in semi but no pressure at all so not special

A really good knock in final but midnset still in 18th century for him usually. Played out a maiden first up with mutliple leaves. Has vitually no power game ( especially outside power play) resorts to ugly slog sweeps to score

We need to get rid of him ASAP especially in UAE and other flat tracks for LOI. Sharjeel or Harris ( Shahibzada maybe) to take his place.

Gun test batsman though

Grossly over rated in LOIs around here IMHO...but honest, hard working player nonetheless

This +1

Spot on regarding all points!

 

[super hitter]

Who are these people?

Shoaib Akhtar

 

[Taarabt]

Played an ok innnings in first game but got out to a stupid shot

Then played an good innings in semi but no pressure at all so not special

A really good knock in final but midnset still in 18th century for him usually. Played out a maiden first up with mutliple leaves. Has vitually no power game ( especially outside power play) resorts to ugly slog sweeps to score

We need to get rid of him ASAP especially in UAE and other flat tracks for LOI. Sharjeel or Harris ( Shahibzada maybe) to take his place.

Gun test batsman though

Grossly over rated in LOIs around here IMHO...but honest, hard working player nonetheless

No pressure in the semi final? I think you are forgetting the batting performance the game before against Sri Lanka with a similar total. He made it easier for the others to chase down the score.

Maiden in the semi final, is better than 2/1 in the first over. If you can remember the final, Fakhar was getting tucked up in the pads and looking edgy. Azhar was the aggressor and he allowed Farkhar to compose himself.

Sometimes people need to forget stick cricket and focus on actual cricket.

 

[blue_champion]

That's how an educated and classy guy speaks....glad he didn't say Indians were buzdil,England were darpok,SA were something else.

Is there a pattern why he isn't very popular?

 

[Billy1999]

Azhar is such a breath of fresh air

Remember PP's when an average of 32 in Tests for an opener was considered good

Remember the days when we used to have these guys

Jamshed,Farhat,Kamran as openers

This guy should be appreciated and given an honour.An average of 47 in Tests and ever getting better,Decent in Odis as well

 

[msb314]

Guess who. I'll give you some time.

View attachment 75262

Either Shehzad or Azhar - cannot tell since they both have the same ODI SR lol

 

[Boi]

Good comments. Top man.

 

[MRSN]

I may not like Azhar Ali the ODI batsman but I have to say he has the best personality. Have not seen such a down to earth guy like him. Mind you he is no show off like some fake saints we have around. Quite selfless and honest man.

He was opening the batting when he was made ODI captain that shows how brave he was. He could have perfectly hide himself in the middle overs like we have seen the trend before him. The way he resigned from the captaincy wae very commendable. Top guy. Full respect for him.

 

[shaz619]

I may not like Azhar Ali the ODI batsman but I have to say he has the best personality. Have not seen such a down to earth guy like him. Mind you he is no show off like some fake saints we have around. Quite selfless and honest man.

He was opening the batting when he was made ODI captain that shows how brave he was. He could have perfectly hide himself in the middle overs like we have seen the trend before him. The way he resigned from the captaincy wae very commendable. Top guy. Full respect for him.

He also delivered an ICC Trophy and played one of the bravest knock I've ever seen in the final against arch rivals India despite his limitations, just goes to show how strong he is mentally, absolutely gutsy/courageous and one hell of a warrior; Azhar Ali would rather die before not giving his 500%. Also one of the most honest and selfless blokes around, genuine role model and inspiration.

 

[theariezman]

I have no doubt on his abilities but yes he has limited capabilities in ODI. But can bring stability in the team and IndvsPak final one example. Should give it a run for sometime.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Good comments there by Azhar.Very down-to-earth type of guy.Honest trier.

 

[The intelligent Supporter]

No pressure in the semi final? I think you are forgetting the batting performance the game before against Sri Lanka with a similar total. He made it easier for the others to chase down the score.

Maiden in the semi final, is better than 2/1 in the first over. If you can remember the final, Fakhar was getting tucked up in the pads and looking edgy. Azhar was the aggressor and he allowed Farkhar to compose himself.

Sometimes people need to forget stick cricket and focus on actual cricket.

I do remember the final and there was no aggressor role played by Azhar his first real aggressive shot was weird mistimed mid on drive that went straight down the ground. He was letting Bhuvi bowl wide a d full and leaving it like test cricket very early on...only after Fakhar no ball did they both got going

And semi final, the pressure was off as 211 is less than 240 and much more in Azhar Zone, Fakhar was going for it too on the other end.

Sometimes people need to focus on intent rather than outdated so called real cricket which cant be continued anymore in LOIs. How hard is it to tap the first ball in covers and run for a single? But Azhar lacks the X factor and is not a long term solution for us at all.

 

[kaifmazhar]

He seems to be the best behaved cricketer around,a true gentleman. The only other name that comes to my mind is Amla. Never ever anyone would see them throwing tantrum or speaking ill of any. We need to appreciate these qualities sometimes in a world where people would stoop down to any level in the name of cut throat competition.

 

[Hawkeye]

Top bloke, world's best Test opener, thorough gentleman.

Very brave knock in the final provided us stability.

However, his ability just isn't there for opening in LOIs and should eventually be replaced by an aggressive opener who can take on pace bowlers.

He's a 10x better upgrade over Shehzad though.

 

[Abdul]

Either Shehzad or Azhar - cannot tell since they both have the same ODI SR lol

Azhar hasn't played any T20Is... take your guess.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Azhar hasn't played any T20Is... take your guess.

Also,his average is much higher than Shehzads in ODI's and also tests.

 

[Hawkeye]

Either Shehzad or Azhar - cannot tell since they both have the same ODI SR lol

Sorry Finch but you gotta be impartial here. Azhar is a lot better and has healthy average too.

Shehzad wouldn't make Afghanistan s team.

 

[Taarabt]

I do remember the final and there was no aggressor role played by Azhar his first real aggressive shot was weird mistimed mid on drive that went straight down the ground. He was letting Bhuvi bowl wide a d full and leaving it like test cricket very early on...only after Fakhar no ball did they both got going

And semi final, the pressure was off as 211 is less than 240 and much more in Azhar Zone, Fakhar was going for it too on the other end.

Sometimes people need to focus on intent rather than outdated so called real cricket which cant be continued anymore in LOIs. How hard is it to tap the first ball in covers and run for a single? But Azhar lacks the X factor and is not a long term solution for us at all.

You mean the short arm jab? I thought it was a great shot, showed as you say 'Intent'.

No ball was in the 3rd over. In the 10th over Ali was 29(32) and Fakhar 16(29). You are giving no credit to Ali at all.

Intent? You are beginning to sound like Nick Knight. Nazir, Afridi, UAkmal all had intent, what were their averages? You can always improve your strike rate as you go on, when you're out you're out. With Shezad his place looked odd, with Fakhar and his aggressive approach which is high risk, Ali gives security.

211 is less than 240, Pakistan up to that point struggled vs Sri Lanka and again South Africa's 220.

 

[hailian]

He also delivered an ICC Trophy and played one of the bravest knock I've ever seen in the final against arch rivals India despite his limitations, just goes to show how strong he is mentally, absolutely gutsy/courageous and one hell of a warrior; Azhar Ali would rather die before not giving his 500%. Also one of the most honest and selfless blokes around, genuine role model and inspiration.

+ 1...you read my mind. Azhar Ali doesnt have any dirt attached with him and no wonder he is the most behated person in our country. Many has less SR than Azhar but they are considered modern ODI batsmen but Azhar remain the villain

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Hopefully Sharjeel will replace him when he is acquitted.

 

[Hasan123]

Azhar is a credit to Pakistan. A gentleman and always gives his best despite his limitations.

Backed him since day one. Love how PP has now fallen in love with him now ).

Credit Waqar, Misbah, and PCB for sticking with him .

 

[shaz619]

Azhar is a credit to Pakistan. A gentleman and always gives his best despite his limitations.

Backed him since day one. Love how PP has now fallen in love with him now ).

Credit Waqar, Misbah, and PCB for sticking with him .

You're a hypocrite, you support Kohli over him so no you're not one of his day one fans. Also, majority of the sentiment is still against him; they want him out of the ODI team, I suppose you do as well.

 

[Hasan123]

You're a hypocrite, you support Kohli over him so no you're not one of his day one fans. Also, majority of the sentiment is still against him; they want him out of the ODI team, I suppose you do as well.

Lol saying Kohli is a better batsmen is the truth and doesn't make me any less of a fan. Being a fan doesn't mean you have to ovverate the player. I have followed his career from ball one so I don't need anyone else's help to assess Azhar's career. If you notice on your thread most people where saying Kohli is a superior batsmen and I'm sure most cricket experts will agree.

It's good to support players but there's no need for blind faith and putting them on a pedestal which they don't belong. Azhar is a world class test batsmen but lacks the shot range for modern LO cricket.

 

[omcswe]

i still feel that he should be the test captain.

captaincy isn't his thing in odi's but in tests he can be a great captain and that will take a lot of pressure off of sarfaraz as well.

 

[shaz619]

Lol saying Kohli is a better batsmen is the truth and doesn't make me any less of a fan. Being a fan doesn't mean you have to ovverate the player. I have followed his career from ball one so I don't need anyone else's help to assess Azhar's career. If you notice on your thread most people where saying Kohli is a superior batsmen and I'm sure most cricket experts will agree.

It's good to support players but there's no need for blind faith and putting them on a pedestal which they don't belong. Azhar is a world class test batsmen but lacks the shot range for modern LO cricket.

Well many of these alleged truths are purely hypothetical. And you're right, people do overly rate Kohli so I agree with you there. Well yeah the sky pundits/experts did repeatedly point out Kohli's lack of awareness outside off stump and his knack for crumbling under pressure, with regards to PP opinion these arm chair experts also predicted Kohli would win the game for his country and out perform Azhar in the final.

Yeah am sure those with an inferior complex and knack for overrating everything non-pakistani agree with you even when they do well.

 

[Macho Mann]

does azhar ali really deserve to be honoured by mentioning his name in threads after thread and his name being taken parallel with sarfraz and other good players?

azhar did good in the final but does he really deserve such an extra ordinary honour, probably reaching a height well beyond his stature?

 

[Arham_PakFan]

does azhar ali really deserve to be honoured by mentioning his name in threads after thread and his name being taken parallel with sarfraz and other good players?

azhar did good in the final but does he really deserve such an extra ordinary honour, probably reaching a height well beyond his stature?

He finished with second most runs for Pakistan in the CT.8th overall.

3 50's in the tourny.

 

[Macho Mann]

He finished with second most runs for Pakistan in the CT.8th overall.

3 50's in the tourny.

and wht was his strike rate? barring the last game

 

[Arham_PakFan]

and wht was his strike rate? barring the last game

Why bar the last game?If you bar the last game,he will be the highest scorer,at a SR higher than Babar Azam and M.Hafeez.Still not high enough. I don't want him in the ODI team,because of his inability to rotate strike.But you need to give credit where it's due.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Azhar is really a poor man's Dravid, as a batsman and as a gentleman.

Azhar = Dravid v2.0

 

[mak36]

He also delivered an ICC Trophy and played one of the bravest knock I've ever seen in the final against arch rivals India despite his limitations, just goes to show how strong he is mentally, absolutely gutsy/courageous and one hell of a warrior; Azhar Ali would rather die before not giving his 500%. Also one of the most honest and selfless blokes around, genuine role model and inspiration.

+ 1...you read my mind. Azhar Ali doesnt have any dirt attached with him and no wonder he is the most behated person in our country. Many has less SR than Azhar but they are considered modern ODI batsmen but Azhar remain the villain

Whatever his faults, one cannot criticise Azhar's commitment and determination to serve his country to the best of his ability. It was evident during the tournament that he was trying to improve his SR and for that he deserves credit.

If he continues to play ODIs, I just hope he can get his SR up and his dot ball percentage down- would be a real asset if he could get it up to 80/85%. That said, how successful he will be also depends on the other batsmen in the line up- if they are all aggressive then he can bat around them. If they are TTFs with poor SRs then it will be difficult.

 

[MenInG]

Azhar is really a poor man's Dravid, as a batsman and as a gentleman.

Azhar = Dravid v2.0

as a gentleman? How did you come to that conclusion? Do you know him personally?

 

[kamz]

He also delivered an ICC Trophy and played one of the bravest knock I've ever seen in the final against arch rivals India despite his limitations, just goes to show how strong he is mentally, absolutely gutsy/courageous and one hell of a warrior; Azhar Ali would rather die before not giving his 500%. Also one of the most honest and selfless blokes around, genuine role model and inspiration.

top post

also shows that our chief selector does have an eye for skills. Inzi indeed selected him for his mental strength and banked on the idea that when it would be tough, this chap would deliver

Everyone on here was rattling on how Inzi has gone mental in selecting Azhar, but his selection did pay off.

 

[shaz619]

top post

also shows that our chief selector does have an eye for skills. Inzi indeed selected him for his mental strength and banked on the idea that when it would be tough, this chap would deliver

Everyone on here was rattling on how Inzi has gone mental in selecting Azhar, but his selection did pay off.

Well said mate, it just burns those who can't look beyond preconceived ideas because Azhar was not meant to do well especially ahead of the legendary choker Sir Virat Kohli.