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

[Hamza_]

won't be watching the match honestly

I have exam on 7th so me neither

 

[Encounter_Specialist]

1) Safraz Ahmed
2) Fakhar Zaman
3)Badar Azam
4)Harris Sohail
5)Shoaib Malik
6)Imam Wasim
7)Fahim Ashraf
8)Shadab Khan
9)Hassan Ali
10)Muhammad Amir
11)Junaid Khan

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] Shadab is a very fine prospect. You cannot say that any player will be TTF of future, He is hard working and seems to have a bright future ahead of him. His variations are very good with sharp googly.

2-3 good players doesn't make much of a difference. The system is rotten and it will produce rotten players in bulk, we will remain a mediocre team.

 

[Syed1]

Will only tune in if we are doing well. This minnow team doesn't deserve our support.

 

[-=Umair=-]

Only Hope For Pakistan To Qualify For The Semi-Finals Is That

Pakistan Beat South Africa And Sri Lanka

We Have Got A Pretty Poor Net Run Rate -3 After The Match Against Indian Pakistan Team Is Sitting At The Bottom Of The Table Now

Now For That Pakistan Must Be Hoping India To Beat South Africa As Well

But I Don't Think South Africa Will Choke.But You Never Know We Defeated Them In CWC 2015.

Lets See What Happens On 7th June. Hoping For A Competitive Match.

 

[Chrish]

Wouldn't be surprised if Saffas pull out another blinder.

 

[super hitter]

I have exam on 7th so me neither

AS chemistry?

 

[Speedster777]

If hafeez, azhar, shehzad are playing then I won't bother to watch the match. Need to get rid of TTFs and Sarfraz has to lead from the front.

 

[Rayyman]

Don't have much hope for this match.

I think Pakistan will lose, barring a no-result due to rain or a choke from South Africa.

I will be satisfied with the result, as long as it's a competitive match, and Pakistan show a lot of effort.

If Pakistan manage to somehow destroy SA, then I would be pleasantly surprised.

 

[Hamza_]

2-3 good players doesn't make much of a difference. The system is rotten and it will produce rotten players in bulk, we will remain a mediocre team.

But atleast we can win some matches like we used to do from 2005-2015, Here we are absolutely hopeless of winning anything.

 

[Hamza_]

as chemistry?

ACCA P5, Advanced Performance Management.

Did AL back in 2015.

 

[Macho Mann]

this should be the combo for next game

hafeez
B. azam
azhar
sarfraz
malik
haris
shadab
hasan ali
sohail/rumman/abbas
junaid
amir

 

[Asif321]

1.Azhar
2.Hafeez
3.Babar
4.Sarfraz
5.Malik
6.Fakhar
7.Fahim
8.Imad
9.Amir
10.Shadab
11.Hassan

 

[imranyounus]

the only reason i will be watching the match will be inclusion of new players i.e. Fahim Fakhar Shadab and Haris otherwise it a don deal we will lose it either way.
but at least by including new players well can hope for some future

 

[Optimistic XI]

Watch us enter with the same top 6. Not expecting more than one change at most

 

[MMHS]

To me, the biggest failure against IND was the 4 young players, who had performed way below their celling. Babar should have scored at least 52 at 90 SR, Shadab should have taken at least 3 wickets, Hasan should have bowled last 3 overs for 15, may be 18 at most, while least said about Imad is better.

It's obvious that these inexperienced players have performed way below their celling on big match, which actually shows the value of experience, because, as great Saqline once explained - "qu -ke, jaab ek experienced player kat - ti Hai, to uuo cha jati hai - unki celling badia hoti Hai".

For example, MoHa scored 33, which is very similar to his career average, actually much better in non Asian comparison, while Azhar bettered his overall stats & Wahab didn't do much worse than what he is doing in last 2/3 years - this is in an IND-PAK match, so obviously the value of experience is evident here - senior players could overcome the pressure to perform at usual level.

Inzi did a mishtek by not picking Gul for this CT, but he has got a fantastic chance to rectify himself - but that's till SRL match. For SAF match, I think Babar, Imad & Shadab should be dropped for Fakhar, Haris & Fahim, while JK obviously should replace injured Wahab - by next match Gul should arrive to replace Hasan.

For his experience & big tournament exposure, I am sure, MoHa won't do much worse than his track record against SAF, outside Asia - chances are high that he might improve his stats & that's actually the proof that experience is the key - players can cope up pressure & perform at their usual level with experience, which younger players can't. Umar's fitness issue also cost PAK big time, because he also had lots of experience, compared to Fakhar & Haris.

My two cents....

 

[Markhor]

Hate saying this but if we win, it'll paper over the cracks and the deadwood will continue getting a free ride.

 

[adil_909]

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 is the right team. let's see if they have enough sense to play it. either way, it likely won't be enough. but SAF is a good team to play right now. if we can put them under a bit of pressure, they might do what they do best...CHOKE

 

[adil_909]

Hate saying this but if we win, it'll paper over the cracks and the deadwood will continue getting a free ride.

unless we win with fahim, fakhar, babar, and haris sohail in the team. then it will send the right message.

 

[gkb101277867]

This is certain to be a washout. Met office showing a 90 percent probability of rain from 8pm

 

[Amirforpresident]

what if the match of tomorrow is washed out and we win against Sri Lanka, will we have a chance of going through to the SF.

 

[Yatoo]

Another thrashing on the cards.

And Hafeez and Shehzad are going nowhere.

There simply in lack of talent inPakistan .

I see Pakistan reaching the level of Afghanistan in a year or two.

 

[gkb101277867]

what if the match of tomorrow is washed out and we win against Sri Lanka, will we have a chance of going through to the SF.

Basically impossible because our net run rate is so bad. We need to win the next 2 matches.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Bat first. Score 300. Take the first three wickets. Game over.

 

[Saaqibhat.01]

What has imad done to justify his place in this side?

 

[SameerK]

What has imad done to justify his place in this side?

He's got swagger and style

 

[khurram39]

you may change everything but result will remain the same.

 

[Azlan Khan]

1) Fakhar Zaman
2) Azhar Ali
3) Babar Azam
4) Haris Sohail
5) Shoaib Malik
6) Sarfarz Ahmed
7) Shadab Khan
8) Faheem Ashraf
9) Hasan Ali
10) Muhammad Amir
11) Junaid Khan

Play Hafeez in place of Faheem Ashraf if the conditions are suitable to spin. DO NOT play Hafeez just as a batsman.

 

[Hamza_]

1) Fakhar Zaman
2) Azhar Ali
3) Babar Azam
4) Haris Sohail
5) Shoaib Malik
6) Sarfarz Ahmed
7) Shadab Khan
8) Faheem Ashraf
9) Hasan Ali
10) Muhammad Amir
11) Junaid Khan

Play Hafeez in place of Faheem Ashraf if the conditions are suitable to spin. DO NOT play Hafeez just as a batsman.

I think you wanted to say Faheem Ashraf instead of Hafeez. Pretty decent line up, I would add Rumman in place of Junaid if he is available.

 

[Vorador]

It's gonna be a run fest if Saffers bat first. Pakistan's only hope is to win the toss, bat first, post at least 280 and pray to god Saffers choke.

 

[Azlan Khan]

I think you wanted to say Faheem Ashraf instead of Hafeez. Pretty decent line up, I would add Rumman in place of Junaid if he is available.

Na, that's my XI. I would only play Hafeez if you're going to bowl him. Or else I would drop him. Rumman wouldn't reach on time. So our pacers will surely be Hasan, Amir, Junaid.

 

[Optimistic XI]

Sarfaraz has just announced 2 changes at the presser.
Fakhar for Shezad
Junaid for Wahab
and apparently Ruman Raees has been requested as replacement

 

[SameerK]

Sarfaraz has just announced 2 changes at the presser.
Fakhar for Shezad
Junaid for Wahab
and apparently Ruman Raees has been requested as replacement

Good Raees is getting calleld instead Abbas. Hafeez should be replaced for Haris but at least Shehzad is out.

 

[aniket1911]

I don't know, but I feel Pakistan will win this one. Ever since that Pakistan win against them in WC15, I started feeling of SA as a very meek team who triturate under pressure. If Pakistan score anything over 280; rest assured Pakistan will be within fair shout to topple no. 1 side in the world.

 

[Macho Mann]

To me, the biggest failure against IND was the 4 young players, who had performed way below their celling. Babar should have scored at least 52 at 90 SR, Shadab should have taken at least 3 wickets, Hasan should have bowled last 3 overs for 15, may be 18 at most, while least said about Imad is better.

It's obvious that these inexperienced players have performed way below their celling on big match, which actually shows the value of experience, because, as great Saqline once explained - "qu -ke, jaab ek experienced player kat - ti Hai, to uuo cha jati hai - unki celling badia hoti Hai".

For example, MoHa scored 33, which is very similar to his career average, actually much better in non Asian comparison, while Azhar bettered his overall stats & Wahab didn't do much worse than what he is doing in last 2/3 years - this is in an IND-PAK match, so obviously the value of experience is evident here - senior players could overcome the pressure to perform at usual level.

Inzi did a mishtek by not picking Gul for this CT, but he has got a fantastic chance to rectify himself - but that's till SRL match. For SAF match, I think Babar, Imad & Shadab should be dropped for Fakhar, Haris & Fahim, while JK obviously should replace injured Wahab - by next match Gul should arrive to replace Hasan.

For his experience & big tournament exposure, I am sure, MoHa won't do much worse than his track record against SAF, outside Asia - chances are high that he might improve his stats & that's actually the proof that experience is the key - players can cope up pressure & perform at their usual level with experience, which younger players can't. Umar's fitness issue also cost PAK big time, because he also had lots of experience, compared to Fakhar & Haris.

My two cents....

i have been telling this again and again

 

[MMHS]

i have been telling this again and again

PAK Captain also agrees with us - as he mentioned in press conference : "It was a big occasion and we had some youngsters playing so we missed a few chances because of that"

 

[ar2020]

Sarfaraz has just announced 2 changes at the presser.
Fakhar for Shezad
Junaid for Wahab
and apparently Ruman Raees has been requested as replacement

That's BS that Haris Sohail isn't playing. Dude was the best batsman on the Pakistan team in the 2015 WC.

 

[MMsheikh2000]

1-azhar
2-Zaman
3-babar
4-sarfaz
5-malik
6-imad
7-fahim
8-shadab
9-amir
10-hassan
11-junaid

This wy we have a hitter in fahim and imad can bat as he showed last time in england. This way we bat deep and have plenty of bowling plus last time sarfraz and malik batted best together at 4 and 5 no need to force another acumilator in there.

 

[ar2020]

That's BS that Haris Sohail isn't playing. Dude was the best batsman on the Pakistan team in the 2015 WC.

Oh and also no Fahim? BS again. Would much rather have him than Junaid. The batting is too thin...too many bowlers who can't bat.

 

[gishy]

Pakistan matches in England especially the day nighters were always sold out with amazing atmosphere. I remember the 2001 Natwest series for example.

Tomorrow's game, well there are plenty of tickets available...sad.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

To me, the biggest failure against IND was the 4 young players, who had performed way below their celling. Babar should have scored at least 52 at 90 SR, Shadab should have taken at least 3 wickets, Hasan should have bowled last 3 overs for 15, may be 18 at most, while least said about Imad is better.

It's obvious that these inexperienced players have performed way below their celling on big match, which actually shows the value of experience, because, as great Saqline once explained - "qu -ke, jaab ek experienced player kat - ti Hai, to uuo cha jati hai - unki celling badia hoti Hai".

For example, MoHa scored 33, which is very similar to his career average, actually much better in non Asian comparison, while Azhar bettered his overall stats & Wahab didn't do much worse than what he is doing in last 2/3 years - this is in an IND-PAK match, so obviously the value of experience is evident here - senior players could overcome the pressure to perform at usual level.

Inzi did a mishtek by not picking Gul for this CT, but he has got a fantastic chance to rectify himself - but that's till SRL match. For SAF match, I think Babar, Imad & Shadab should be dropped for Fakhar, Haris & Fahim, while JK obviously should replace injured Wahab - by next match Gul should arrive to replace Hasan.

For his experience & big tournament exposure, I am sure, MoHa won't do much worse than his track record against SAF, outside Asia - chances are high that he might improve his stats & that's actually the proof that experience is the key - players can cope up pressure & perform at their usual level with experience, which younger players can't. Umar's fitness issue also cost PAK big time, because he also had lots of experience, compared to Fakhar & Haris.

My two cents....

)

 

[Pete Rose]

Ladies and gentlement:
steaming in from this corner we have messrs rabada, parnell, and morkel
and in the other corner we have azhar ali, hafeez, and malik to blunt this snarling attack

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Hope I'm able to watch/follow tomorrow. Apparently a huge storm on its way. Got off work and the schools in my province closed in preparation. I still think they're exaggerating though.

Going to be a comfy day if everything still works

 

[ar2020]

I don't understand Azhar Ali. His S/R is 75. We can all agree he is a great batsman who is consistent and his only short coming is his S/R. Kane Williamson is as consistent with a S/R of 85. Can Azhar not work on taking more singles instead of blocking to get his S/R to 85? I mean it does not require crazy hitting...

 

[Nikhil_cric]

In all honesty though, Pakistan should stop thinking out of box with left field decisions like bowling first and then opening with Imad. Just bat first and put on 300 and watch SA crumble under the pressure of runs. Put them in to bat and you might as well pack your bags.

 

[ar2020]

In all honesty though, Pakistan should stop thinking out of box with left field decisions like bowling first and then opening with Imad. Just bat first and put on 300 and watch SA crumble under the pressure of runs. Put them in to bat and you might as well pack your bags.

It wasn't a left field decision to bowl first. With rain in the forecast every team would have bowled first in the last match. And regardless 300 is a crap score India would have chased it down, easily. I have no doubts in that.

 

[MMHS]

In all honesty though, Pakistan should stop thinking out of box with left field decisions like bowling first and then opening with Imad. Just bat first and put on 300 and watch SA crumble under the pressure of runs. Put them in to bat and you might as well pack your bags.

As if scoring 300 against World's No. 1 & No. 2 bowler is just like walk in the park for that dynamic batting line up. For a day, IND conceded almost 80 in field, otherwise that 84 of our practice match won't have been sold so much in PP. Also, Azhar has played his innings of the year against IND - wait & see his next 2 innings.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

It wasn't a left field decision to bowl first. With rain in the forecast every team would have bowled first in the last match. And regardless 300 is a crap score India would have chased it down, easily. I have no doubts in that.

It is a left field decision for a team like pakistan who are notoriously poor chasers and have chased 300+ successfully only once i think.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

As if scoring 300 against World's No. 1 & No. 2 bowler is just like walk in the park for that dynamic batting line up. For a day, IND conceded almost 80 in field, otherwise that 84 of our practice match won't have been sold so much in PP. Also, Azhar has played his innings of the year against IND - wait & see his next 2 innings.

I never said it was a walk in the park bro. But realistically that is their best chance. If somehow Sarf/Babar/Malik fire there is a slight chance they can win. But chasing there is no chance at all for Pakistan.

 

[MMHS]

I don't understand Azhar Ali. His S/R is 75. We can all agree he is a great batsman who is consistent and his only short coming is his S/R. Kane Williamson is as consistent with a S/R of 85. Can Azhar not work on taking more singles instead of blocking to get his S/R to 85? I mean it does not require crazy hitting...

A little difference - Ken might take his first 35 balls to reach 25, but he would reach 50 in 55 & 100 in 100 - overall 47/85 stats. Azhar scored 35 of 36, then 24 of 36,once he was set & Indian top 2 bowlers finished their spell. ...........

This happens, when you play a ZERO back lift player, with maximum bat speed of a tail-ender in top 3 of ODI. I won't say modern ODI, rather ODI of any era. People uses "modern", because hardly anyone have absolutely any idea of what his SR would have been with his core game, in an era when Grineedge & Hayens had SR around 64/65 - because most people look at direct stats, not comparative stats.

 

[MMHS]

I never said it was a walk in the park bro. But realistically that is their best chance. If somehow Sarf/Babar/Malik fire there is a slight chance they can win. But chasing there is no chance at all for Pakistan.

If it's an used track, I do agree. But, if it's a fresh Edgbaston track, with a little bit of cloud covering - SAF will bat before lunch, if PAK bats first.

 

[dauntless]

Hopefully we bat first and score around 280 which is enough to restrict this mediocre team! Even 250 is enough for them. With Hafeez Azhar shoaib and sarfraz they stand no chance of scoring more than 240 at max.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Hopefully we bat first and score around 280 which is enough to restrict this mediocre team! Even 250 is enough for them. With Hafeez Azhar shoaib and sarfraz they stand no chance of scoring more than 240 at max.

Not very "South African" of you.

 

[On_the_up]

2 changes announced for the team to face South Africe.

Fakhar Zaman and Junaid in for Ahmed Shehzad and Wahab.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

If it's an used track, I do agree. But, if it's a fresh Edgbaston track, with a little bit of cloud covering - SAF will bat before lunch, if PAK bats first.

Yeah that's also true.

 

[Hamza_]

Wishing good luck to debutant Fakhar for tomorrow. Although I'm not a fan and don't think he will get success, But hopefully he does well.

 

[dauntless]

Not very "South African" of you.

I m no south African but supporting them with heart! Hoping they win the CT this time around.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

I m no south African but supporting them with heart! Hoping they win the CT this time around.

Nice. It will be glorious to finally win something though. So many humble pies I hope to dish out on here.

Have to reach the final first...

 

[Speedster777]

Hafeez should sit out. He'll be out on a duck.

 

[srh]

Hafeez should sit out. He'll be out on a duck.

He is a senior and blessed so he cannot sit out.

 

[Adnan_Ilyas]

Fakhar will be replacing Shehzad and Junaid will be replacing Wahab. Confirmed by captian

 

[wasimjunior]

Hafeez should sit out. He'll be out on a duck.

Professor Gonna cash in with no steyn tomorrow.

 

[shaz619]

The ideal XI given the circumstances:

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Azhar Ali
3. Babar Azam
4. Sarfraz Ahmed (c) (wk)
5. Shoaib Malik
6. Fahim Ashraf
7. Imad Wasim
8. Shadab Khan
9 .Mohammad Amir
10. Hassan Ali
11. Ruman Raees (if he arrives in England in time given that we have picked him, if not then Junaid by default I guess)

Out: Wahab Riaz, Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez

 

[Square Drive]

Hope I'm able to watch/follow tomorrow. Apparently a huge storm on its way. Got off work and the schools in my province closed in preparation. I still think they're exaggerating though.

Going to be a comfy day if everything still works

There sure is, and it's green.

 

[Poutine]

There sure is, and it's green.

This dosent really work when we are playing South Africa, they wear green as well.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Criminal to drop Haris for blessed in all facets.
This guy has changed the approach of whole middle order.

 

[Optimistic XI]

weather improving too