ICC CT 2017 | South Africa v Pakistan | 7th June, 2017 | Birmingham | Pre-Match Thread

[msb314]

So here we are - another ICC tournament another defeat...

For our next game - we need to make a last roll of the dice and force some changes.

As Wahab is injured - send him back to Pakistan and have Junaid replace him.

Drop Hafeez immediately and replace him with Haris.

Babar at 3
Haris at 4
Malik at 5

That is the best we can do for now.

I would also drop Imad who is neither good with the bat or ball and play Fahim Ashraf.

Despite our defeat today - I would still insist that we should chase if we win the toss. It is the only way to give ourselves a sniff of a chance.

Atleast after the defeat to India - we have gotten the pressure of our back and can play with more freedom vs SAF and SL.

 

[chinaman00]

Drop Shehzad and Wahab. Open with Hafeez and bring Harris at number 4

 

[Pete Rose]

depends on if they want to send a message for the future or continue to lose.
the right thing would be to drop hafeez, malik, shehzad, and wahan
azhar plays one more match but with stipulation he gets dropped if his strike rate is rubbish

 

[Hasan123]

Harris for Hafeez. Junaid for Wahab.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Fakhar Zaman and Fahim Ashraf have to play. Tbh doesnt matter anymore since such a heavy defeat has all but knocked us out.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

1, Fahkar - don't care how ******** his technique is, do people rather want to watch selfie?
2. Azhar - no better option in the squad
3. Babar
4. Hairs
5. Sarfraz
6. Malik
7. Faheem - if imad can't bat what's the point ? His bowling has been found out
8. Shadab
9. Amir
10. Hasan
11. Junaid - better than AGRESSIVE

 

[Square Drive]

Don't care. Not gonna bother with it.

 

[Lynx]

Fakhar for Shahzad
Haris for Hafeez
Faheem for Imad
Junaid for Wahab

Having said that, absolutely no hope from this team to do anything at this tournament. We're simply horrible and play outdated cricket, no two ways about it.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Fakhar in for Shehzad
Haris in for Hafeez
Junaid in for Wahab

 

[Ami]

Sarfaraz
Azhar
Babar
Haris (only play hafeez if he wants to bowl)
Malik
Fakhar
Imad or fahim
Shadab
Amir
Hasan
Junaid

No place for wahab, shehzad, hafeez

 

[ar2020]

Fakhir
Azhar Ali
Sarfraz
Babar Azam
Haris Sohail
Shoaib Malik
Hafeez
Fahim Ashraf
Imad Wasim
Shadab
Amir

Why are we playing so many bowlers?

 

[msb314]

1, Fahkar - don't care how ******** his technique is, do people rather want to watch selfie?
2. Azhar - no better option in the squad
3. Babar
4. Hairs
5. Sarfraz
6. Malik
7. Faheem - if imad can't bat what's the point ? His bowling has been found out
8. Shadab
9. Amir
10. Hasan
11. Junaid - better than AGRESSIVE

Although I still back Shehzad.

This squad is fair game.

Although in a must-win game now - I would make Malik bat at 4 and Haris at 5. Although a clear upgrade over Hafeez - it is unrealistic to have too high expectations from Haris who is returning from injury.

 

[nextover666666]

Drop Wahab Hafeez and Imad and bring in Faheem Fakhar and Harris

 

[msb314]

Fakhar Zaman and Fahim Ashraf have to play. Tbh doesnt matter anymore since such a heavy defeat has all but knocked us out.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

If we win against SAF - we will have a chance.

But yea things are looking very bleak now.

 

[bluevision]

As much as I am happy with India's win, I feel real bad for you die-hard fans. Don;t get me wrong, I am not trying to troll or rub salt in your wounds, just a genuine feeling. I would have stopped following my team, it's turning out to be a bigger joke than anticipated; occasional inspiring one odd performance and your find your solace on those, like Wahab's spell during CWC 15, don't remember any as I don't follow much cricket these days.
I am stating the obvious, but you need a big shake up in the system, like a gigantic one!
It's not good for eco system of the cricketing world, with only 8-10 teams around and only 5 of those are competitive.

Hope your team fights back in the rest of the matches and kick some major a** . Win or lose..show some character.

Over and out!

 

[prince77]

Malik is our best player and has been for a while now. He needs to bat at 4 and the batting should revolve around him. He was the only one ready to go and it unfortunate how he got out bc we would have had a sniff as he was on point.

Shehzad needs to go for good. This guy is just pathetic, I would take anyone over him. His fielding was also atrocious. Hafeez should open if he's going to be in the team instead of Shehzad. Junaid needs to be given a long-term run now, for at least 10-15 games. Wahab's time is up...

 

[HinderTheJinder]

Why people think Junaid will do better? He was pathetic in PSL and I remember he conceded 20 odd runs per over in death in PSL as well as OD Cup

 

[Syed1]

Fakhar for Shehzad
Haris for Hafeez
Fahim for Imad
Junaid for Wahab


Team will still play like garbage tho

 

[JibranAnsari]

Fakhar
Haris
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Sarfraz
Shadab
Fahim
Amir
Hassan
Junaid


Hafeez should bowl his 10 overs.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Although I still back Shehzad.

This squad is fair game.

Although in a must-win game now - I would make Malik bat at 4 and Haris at 5. Although a clear upgrade over Hafeez - it is unrealistic to have too high expectations from Haris who is returning from injury.

Shezhad is too selfish to be backed anymore as is professor. Azhar is crap but at least he tries

I agree to much pressure on Harris, I felt this was to soon, but this is the squad we have

 

[prince77]

Junaid hasn't been given a long run. He's not too far behind Amir. Just has never been given a long run. He played all his cricket on wickets in UAE and SL. Needs a long run and he will deliver.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Fakhar
Haris
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Sarfraz
Shadab
Fahim
Amir
Hassan
Junaid


Hafeez should bowl his 10 overs.

For how much longer we will reward for being selfish? He along with Shezhad should be dropped on principle

 

[Billy1999]

Future 11
Azhar
Khurram
Babar
Usman salahuddin
Sarfraz
Saif Badar
Bilal asif
Fahim
Amir
Shadab
Hassan ali/Rumman raees

 

[JimmyGetsBuckets]

I promise to not watch Pakistan play until hafeez and shezad are out of the team.

 

[SARJ_BD]

Fakhar Zaman
Azhar Ali
Babar Azam
Shoaib Malik
Haris Sohail
Sarfraz Ahmed
Fahim Ashraf
Shadab Khan
Mohammad Amir
Hasan Ali
Junaid Khan

 

[-=Umair=-]

Against South Africa

Azhar Ali
Fakhar Zaman
Babar Azam
Harris Sohail
Shoaib Malik
Sarfaraz Ahmed (C+WK)
Shahdab Khan
Fahim Ashraf
Hasan Ali
Mohammad Aamir
Junaid Khan

 

[LordEddardStark]

All four benched players need to be included. Lose but at least die trying.

Fakhar for Shehzad
Azhar
Babar
Haris for Hafeez
Malik
Sarfaraz
Faheem for Imad
Shadab
Aamir
Hassan
Junaid for Wahab

Let's see if Arthur & Sarfaraz have b***s to drop these untouchable names.

 

[Rayyman]

Drop Shehzad, bring in Haris.

Drop Wahab, bring in Junaid.

 

[JibranAnsari]

So here we are - another ICC tournament another defeat...

For our next game - we need to make a last roll of the dice and force some changes.

As Wahab is injured - send him back to Pakistan and have Junaid replace him.

Drop Hafeez immediately and replace him with Haris.

Babar at 3
Haris at 4
Malik at 5

That is the best we can do for now.

I would also drop Imad who is neither good with the bat or ball and play Fahim Ashraf.

Despite our defeat today - I would still insist that we should chase if we win the toss. It is the only way to give ourselves a sniff of a chance.

Atleast after the defeat to India - we have gotten the pressure of our back and can play with more freedom vs SAF and SL.

Drop shezzy. Bring fakhar

Drop. Azhar. Bring. Haris

Drop. Imad. Bring fahim


Make hafeez bowl 10 , he is a better bowler than imad

 

[asma_cricfan]

I think its time to try something new

Openers
Sarfraz
Fakhar

Haris
Malik
Babar
Imad
Fahim
Shadab
Hasan
Amir
Junaid

 

[RagingJ]

Best batsmen play at 3, 5 & 6 then you aren't gonna win a game.

Sarfraz needs to open, Malik needs to be at 4 and Haris at 5.

Replace, Azhar for Fakhar Zaman, drop Hafeez for Sohail, Junaid and Faheem for Wahab and Shehzad and move Shadab and Imad Wasim up the order by one.

Fakhar/Azhar
Sarfraz
Babar
Malik
Sohail
Shadab
Imad
Faheem
Amir
Hasan
Junaid

Malik and Sarfraz work well together, but need to be separated so there's some flow at the top of the innings.

 

[the SHA]

Sarfraz has to open. Shehzad needs to go away. Such a frustrating player.

Fahim should've played today. Wahab needs to go home. Probably Hafeez too if he's not bowling or captaining.

 

[DrUzairHafeez]

Fakhar
Azhar
Babar
Haris
Malik
Sarfaraz
Faheem
Shadab
Aamir
Hasan
Junaid

 

[Speedster777]

Fakhar
Azhar
Babar
Haris Sohail
Malik
Sarfraz
Fahim
Shadab
Junaid
Amir
Hassan

 

[superman]

Fakar for shezad
Haris for hafeez (hafeez is not all rounder but a batsman wth?)
Fahim for imad
Junaid for wahab

 

[IM NOT YOU]

Fakhar
Sarfraz
Babar
Haris
Malik
Imad
Shadab
Fahim
Hassan Ali
Amir
Junaid


OUT: wahab, azhar ali, shehzad, hafeez IN : fakhar, haris, fahim, junaid



there is nothing more to say. this is the only and appropriate answer. kick out the 4 who don't belong.

 

[hadi123]

3 changes. Drop Wahab Riaz bring in Junaid Khan. Drop Imad Wasim bring in Fahim Ashraf. Drop Ahmed Shehzazd bring in Haris Sohail and open with Hafeez

 

[sadida97]

Will Haris Sohail play in the next match?

Will Mickey Arthur and Sarfaraz Ahmed be brave enough to drop hafeez, and include Haris ?

Do you see Haris playing in this tournament ?

This can be a very big, but at the same time a very good decision...

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

more so than haris we need to give fahkar a go and let him slog , ideally both but we shouldnt expect much from haris this early

 

[Rayyman]

Hopefully. Drop Shehzad and expose Hafeez as an opener.

 

[Syed1]

Haris can have arm tied behind his back but can't do worse than what Hafeez did today. Yet our "think tank" will continue with Hafeez for his "experience"

 

[hadi123]

Don't drop Hafeez. He should replace Shehzad and professor can open with AA

 

[AJM-Q]

Drop shehzad and hafeez. Haris opening and fakhar at 6. Malik sarfraz move up.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Haris has to play. Shehzad should be dropped and Hafeez should open.

 

[htariq25]

Drop hafeez, Shehzad, wahab and imad. Play fakhar, haris, fahim and junaid

 

[MMHS]

Babar out, Fakhar in
Shadab out, Haris in.
Hasan out, JK in

Rest are fine with lots of experience.

 

[IM NOT YOU]

Babar out, Fakhar in
Shadab out, Haris in.
Hasan out, JK in

Rest are fine with lots of experience.

cant take this post seriously. the four obvious problems are hafeez, shehzad, wahab and azhar ali and you didn't identify even 1.

I suppose opinions are just that, opinions. but seriously what ????

 

[TahirFan]

South Africa vs Pakistan... my Protea squad

HM Amla
Q de Kock
F du Plessis
AB de Villiers
DA Miller
JP Duminy
CH Morris
WD Parnell
K Rabada
Andile Phehlukwayo
Imran Tahir

The only change I would make from the side that beat SL is to replace Morkel with Andile Phehlukwayo


Please select your ideal Pakistani team

 

[Veteran]

With some exceptions there seems to be a general consensus that Shehzad, Hafeez, Wahab, and Imad should be replaced. Trouble is that the thinking of our selectors is unlikely to coincide with the general consensus.

 

[GullyCricketFlop]

Fakhar
Azhar(no other option)
Babar
Haris
Malik
Sarfraz
Fahim
Shadab
Amir
Hassan
Junaid.


This is the XI I will go with against South Africa.

 

[HinderTheJinder]

Morkel is much better than Phelulkawayo

 

[Sarfarazian92]

Wahab was in crutches after the match. He looked in pain.

 

[Markhor]

At a minimum Hafeez, Shehzad and Wahab have to go. I'd replace them with Fakhar, Haris and Fahim or Junaid.

Imad won't be dropped as he's the golden boy AR who we're investing in despite being increasingly worked out by opposition batsmen.

Malik and Sarfraz need to move up to 4 and 5 as they're wasted down the order.

 

[Belawal2014]

Boot out Hafeez, Wahab and Shahzad out of the team for good please.

 

[Sarfarazian92]

Rabada probably can't wait for Wednesday.

Azhar, shezzy, hafeez, wow wow wow

 

[ads101]

1. Fakhar
2. Sarfraz
3. Babar
4. Haris Sohail
5. Malik
6. Imad
7. Fahim
8. Shadab
9. Amir
10. Hasan Ali
11. Junaid

Really weak batting line up, but not much to pick from. Yeah Imad at 6 is too high for him, but he could be of use in LOI future, so I might as well play him as we have few batsmen in the squad to choose from. If you have to pick a batsman for 6 instead of imad, i guess Hafeez. Shehzad and Azhar I can't see batting middle order, and we need our best batsmen batting up, we can't have our worst batsmen at the top anymore, we won't be able to set big scores. Hafeez's time seems clearly up though, you can see he struggles every time now at the beginning. He can potentially accelerate/score big more than Azhar and Shehzad when he's got his eye in as in WI, domestic, but it's not going to be likely he'll stay in, he'll need luck/poorer bowling. But as I said, think for now better to go with Imad, with future plans in place.

 

[Pete Rose]

He will play and his fitness will be there for all to see.

 

[Pete Rose]

At a minimum Hafeez, Shehzad and Wahab have to go. I'd replace them with Fakhar, Haris and Fahim or Junaid.

Imad won't be dropped as he's the golden boy AR who we're investing in despite being increasingly worked out by opposition batsmen.

Malik and Sarfraz need to move up to 4 and 5 as they're wasted down the order.

The thing with Hafeez is that he was getting hustled by the Indian Pacers as well (no disrespect meant). So he definitely has to go. As for Malik, I know he should be dropped but his deceptive good form means he will play again. Personally speaking I think Imad should bat higher.

 

[hadi123]

Amla and de Kock compared to Ahmed Shehzad and Azhar Ali potentially


^^^World's shortest horror story.

 

[ads101]

1, Fahkar - don't care how ******** his technique is, do people rather want to watch selfie?
2. Azhar - no better option in the squad
3. Babar
4. Hairs
5. Sarfraz
6. Malik
7. Faheem - if imad can't bat what's the point ? His bowling has been found out
8. Shadab
9. Amir
10. Hasan
11. Junaid - better than AGRESSIVE

I agree with you that at least Azhar seems to be trying, but like you I don't think he's capable and I don't like starting with him at the top if we're trying to move forward as a team. I'd bat him at 6 so at least can let the other 5 batsmen try and do the job first who have greater chances of scoring bigger at higher SRs, but I can't honestly see Azhar doing anything at 6 at all, he's so unsuited. Hence as bad as it sounds, would rather play Imad at 6.

I kind of feel that our best batsmen should bat up the order. While they did get out (and it was their own fault today), don't feel it's a good strategy for our in form batsmen like Sarfraz and Malik to come in when it's really too late. Much better for us if our better batsman play more of the innings.

 

[Lynx]

Can't do worse than Hafeez but he is another accumulator, albeit much better at his job. Plays at a decent-ish strike rate of around 80. We really are short on options but at least pick the best team out of the available squad.

 

[Billy1999]

My pak squad available options
Azhar
Shehzad
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Sarfraz
Imad
Shadab
Amir
Hassan
Junaid/Fahim

 

[HinderTheJinder]

He should play the next match

 

[superman]

Whats the pont of hafeez, shezad should be replaced with fakhar and hafeez with harris dont need these two wastemen wasting 2 spaces

 

[HateKiller]

So here we are - another ICC tournament another defeat...

For our next game - we need to make a last roll of the dice and force some changes.

As Wahab is injured - send him back to Pakistan and have Junaid replace him.

Drop Hafeez immediately and replace him with Haris.

Babar at 3
Haris at 4
Malik at 5

That is the best we can do for now.

I would also drop Imad who is neither good with the bat or ball and play Fahim Ashraf.

Despite our defeat today - I would still insist that we should chase if we win the toss. It is the only way to give ourselves a sniff of a chance.

Atleast after the defeat to India - we have gotten the pressure of our back and can play with more freedom vs SAF and SL.

Bowling is Pakistan's strong point - right? Or you have changed your opinion after today's performance?
I think Pakistan's bowling is stronger than Pakistan's batting. So they should defend and not chase.
They made this mistake today also and suffered greatly.

 

[big_gamer007]

Don't care. Not gonna bother with it.

Come on man don't give up on your team, you are a very passionate fan and every team needs more fans like you.. [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION] you gotta motivate this guy don't let him give up..

 

[Hasan123]

No he won't play.

 

[aks123]

Fakhar/shazaib
Babar (if the best batting tlnt pak got)
Shoaib malik (shuld take respnsblty vast exp)
Sarfaraz( for me jst a avrge btsmn no specl)
Harris
Faheem
Shadab
Umar
Amir
Hasan
Junaid/abbas/rumman

best 11

 

[Khwaja]

No most likely he won't even be selected... our management loves 12 off 38

 

[aks123]

Fakhar/shazaib
Babar (if the best batting tlnt pak got)
Shoaib malik (shuld take respnsblty vast exp)
Sarfaraz( for me jst a avrge btsmn no specl)
Harris
Faheem
Shadab
Umar
Amir
Hasan
Junaid/abbas/rumman

best 11

 

[wasimjunior]

1, Fahkar - don't care how ******** his technique is, do people rather want to watch selfie?
2. Azhar - no better option in the squad
3. Babar
4. Hairs
5. Sarfraz
6. Malik
7. Faheem - if imad can't bat what's the point ? His bowling has been found out
8. Shadab
9. Amir
10. Hasan
11. Junaid - better than AGRESSIVE

This team will beat the Saffers. I think Fakhar is awful but Shahzad is even worse, so no competition. On a flat road which we are going to get Fakhar might pull off..

Hafeez and Wahab single handedly lost us the game and were the difference, so those 2 being replaced and I think we're fine.

Hasan, Amir ,Shadab were all outstanding and thought Malik, Azhar looked decent with the bat. Imad also did his role really well so I would keep him- his role isnt to bowl the last over.

We will beat South Africa.

 

[MMHS]

No, not experienced enough. Also, if he plays & score some runs, it'll be difficult for Inzi to manage his relationships in future.

 

[ExplicitAI]

Come on man don't give up on your team, you are a very passionate fan and every team needs more fans like you.. [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION] you gotta motivate this guy don't let him give up..

My first Ind vs Pak game was the one in Mohali 2011 given my age and who I grew up watching. This match today killed me as a fan.

 

[Madplayer]

Wahab was in crutches after the match. He looked in pain.

So were the Pakistani fans due to his garbage bowling.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Wahab was in crutches after the match. He looked in pain.

Welcome to the World of a Pakistani Cricket Fan......

 

[Sheraz]

Changes for south africa

I was at the game today and pakistan were as poor as I have ever seen them. It honestly looked like men vs boys. On one occasion Ahmed shahzad wasnt even backing up a throw. The dropped catches. Not even doing the basics right. Even the indian fans were feeling sorry for us! There is too much to discuss but frankly I dont think we have the skills to compete at this level with this current team. We are simply not good enough. From the openers, to the poor middle order (over reliant on babar azam) to the lack of power hitters down the order. Dont even get me started on Imad wasim opening the bowling. Right from the moment Sarfraz put them in I was worried as we cant chase! Anyways I have tickets for the S Africa game so may aswell make the best of a bad job.. Right changes I would make..I would swap Ahmed Shahzad for Fakhar (hes left handed and may play some shots or atleast face less dot balls). F Ashraf comes in for Imad wasim to provide some power and extra seamer all rounder (aka pandya). Imad is simply a bits and pieces cricket (jack of all trades and master of none). I would be tempted to open with Hafeez and move Azhar and rest down to solidify middle order but that wont happen. Heck even sarfraz is a better opening choice then current lot. Shadab was the only shining light today btw. Also I would drop Wahab for obvious reasons and bring in Abbas or Junaid. Batting order Hafeez, Fakhar, Azhar, Babar, Malik, Sarfraz, Ashraf, Shadab, Amir, Abbas/Junaid, Hassan. You could leave Ashraf and play extra batsman (Harris) but if top 6 dont do it doubt anyone else will.

 

[hitthestump]

Drop Shehzad and Wahab. Open with Hafeez and bring Harris at number 4

This. It's not fair to throw Fakhar in against Rabada, Morkel, Parnell and Morris because he will fail.

 

[Sarfarazian92]

Welcome to the World of a Pakistani Cricket Fan......

Brother believe me, I am in PAIN lol. My first international cricket experience after a decade was a 124 run loss.

I am in lots of PAIN

 

[Farhansk]

The only way forward is to play all the boys we benched today. I proposed the same team before our match with India and will stick to the same team as this is the only best possible combination with this team.

Fakhar
Sarfraz
Babar
Haris
Malik
Imad
Fahim
Shadab
Amir
Hasan
Junaid

 

[Madplayer]

more so than haris we need to give fahkar a go and let him slog , ideally both but we shouldnt expect much from haris this early

Fakhar is not a slogger. At number 6 or 7 even kohli would look like a slogger.