Batting strike rate remains Pakistan's achilles heel

[W63L35]

As always Pakistan's batting strike rate is the weakest link going into a white ball cricket world cup. Here is the strike rate for top 4 batsmen (combined) when batting after winning the toss since January 2020 which is only better than Afghanistan and Netherlands. Another depressing stats in this screen is ... the number of sixes (14) hit by top 4 batsmen in 8 ODIs when batting after winning the toss. That is less than 2 sixes per match. India has 36 sixes (4 sixes per match).

 

[W63L35]

We go a little higher in the table if I take all matches since 1/1/2022. Still way behind the leader.

 

[emranabbas]

strike rate has always been the issue from the top 4 and captain

play out till 40th over and then ask the middle order to go all out does not work anymore

you need to get going from ball 1 to build pressure on the opposition

 

[pakistani pride]

how was the SR today for all the batters?

 

[Hawkeye]

Good to see you after a long time @W63L35. I still remember our Misbah debates.

Anyways, you’re right and it has always been our issue.

But we’re also more reliant on bowling and back them to win matches, rather than betting.

 

[Technics 1210]

Hello stranger! @W63L35 ! Good to see you posting again!

Always loved your analysis!

 

[Mesozoic]

"Achilles heel" is a phrase used for a formidable entity that has one single minor but a blaring weakness.

Pakistan currently has Achilles shoulder, knees, throat and belly...

 

[Saj]

Great opening post.

Too many people looking at the averages and getting excited by them and not looking at the strike-rates.

 

[Savak]

But But what to do, Misbah is always coming in to rescue us from 30/3. Remember the defense from his fan club

 

[ArabKnight]

As always Pakistan's batting strike rate is the weakest link going into a white ball cricket world cup. Here is the strike rate for top 4 batsmen (combined) when batting after winning the toss since January 2020 which is only better than Afghanistan and Netherlands. Another depressing stats in this screen is ... the number of sixes (14) hit by top 4 batsmen in 8 ODIs when batting after winning the toss. That is less than 2 sixes per match. India has 36 sixes (4 sixes per match).



View attachment 136861

So much of that strike rate is propped up by Azam Khan, Asif Ali, etc. It actually is second worst. Around 72-75 SR.

 

[Bilal7]

Every single batsman in our top seven, with the exception of Imam is capable of scoring 50+ runs at a SR of 150+.

The difference is that most of these guys need to settle in first and get their eye in, which may be annoying at times, but it also ensures that we're not going to be bundled out for a 100 like in the last world cup.

 

[pakistani pride]

Every single batsman in our top seven, with the exception of Imam is capable of scoring 50+ runs at a SR of 150+.

The difference is that most of these guys need to settle in first and get their eye in, which may be annoying at times, but it also ensures that we're not going to be bundled out for a 100 like in the last world cup.

Nah bro, Babar and Rizwan bat at a 80 SR most of the times. Look at Babar today, should at least score 75 of 50 on a pitch like this. They need to understand starting with 10 of 15 and ending with 75 of 80 will mean nothing.

 

[Rana]

Nah bro, Babar and Rizwan bat at a 80 SR most of the times. Look at Babar today, should at least score 75 of 50 on a pitch like this. They need to understand starting with 10 of 15 and ending with 75 of 80 will mean nothing.

They will never understand

They won’t even accept reality if Netherlands chase 350 against them on the same track, as long as Babar and Rizwan get the runs

 

[BunnyRabbit]

So much of that strike rate is propped up by Azam Khan, Asif Ali, etc. It actually is second worst. Around 72-75 SR.

Azam Khan? The guy hasn't debuted in ODIs yet.

 

[DandyFellow]

As always Pakistan's batting strike rate is the weakest link going into a white ball cricket world cup. Here is the strike rate for top 4 batsmen (combined) when batting after winning the toss since January 2020 which is only better than Afghanistan and Netherlands. Another depressing stats in this screen is ... the number of sixes (14) hit by top 4 batsmen in 8 ODIs when batting after winning the toss. That is less than 2 sixes per match. India has 36 sixes (4 sixes per match).



View attachment 136861

@W63L35 Great post. It would be great if you can further break these stats for 8-9 players that have played on top 4 slots for Pakistan. Let's see who are the culprits for lower strike rates.

Can you please also add this in your post?

 

[IAJ]

Welcome back bro. Just sondering how much W63L35 have changed over the years?

Anyways somehow our top order batsmen are way too much worried about the batsmen below them, as if the team will collapse if they get out early. Just worry less and start playing for the team.

 

[Saj]

Sadly too many folk these days are mesmerised by rankings and averages, rather than strike-rates and match-winning knocks.

 

[deltexas]

Personal milestones and records matter to only subcontinental teams. Aus Eng don't care and just focus on winning and being aggressive. No wonder they win tournaments and knock out games

 

[Major]

based on 8 games? ok

 

[ex-q-zit]

I noticed another alarming thing. Since the last world cup in 2019 Pakistan has not posted a single score over 350. Though they did chase 349 againt Australia. This is a worrisome thing as other top teams seem to post such scores effortlessly. Below are the stats for other teams since last world cup.



India
400+ - 1
350+ - 7


England
400+ - 1
350+ - 2

Australia
400+ - 1
350+ - 5

New Zealand
400+ - 0
350+ - 1

South Africa
400+ - 1
350+ - 2

Sri Lanka
400+ - 0
350+ - 1

Another thing to note is even historically all the above teams have posted atleast 1 score of above 400 except Pakistan. With the modern day rules of 2 new balls and only 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle between overs 11-40 Pakistan needs to learn the art of posting scores close to 400. But with the formula of preserving wickets till 35 overs and scoring in last 10-15 overs is not going to allow them to post huge totals.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

"Achilles heel" is a phrase used for a formidable entity that has one single minor but a blaring weakness.

Pakistan currently has Achilles shoulder, knees, throat and belly...

Not that many issues to be honest. Only England and New Zealand are fairly blemish less. They have really intelligent people who understand the needs of a squad and select appropriately.

Australia have a consistent way of selecting for over 35 years and they stick to it , having won 5 World Cups

Problem for teams like India and Pakistan is understanding what needs to be traded off of what risks need to be taken to adopt a particular combination given the resources .


India are absolutely terrible at that - that's how we have somehow allowed the idea that our batsmen need not bowl even a little bit and we want the extra safety in some players of the ilk of Jadeja and Shardul. It's a terrible trade off and weakens everything.


For Pakistan , it's Shadab and Nawaz. Although they can definitely get more out from this squad if they really understand what needs to be given up

 

[saqib.rai]

No regard for opposition as you have brushed all ICC full members under one carpet

No regard for pitch type

Strike rate is not the problem if Fakhar finds form again

 

[W63L35]

@W63L35 Great post. It would be great if you can further break these stats for 8-9 players that have played on top 4 slots for Pakistan. Let's see who are the culprits for lower strike rates.

Can you please also add this in your post?

Thanks. Here you go...

 

[W63L35]

based on 8 games? ok

Based on 19 games .... Still above only 3 three teams.. BD, AFG and NED....

 

[Major]

Based on 19 games .... Still above only 3 three teams.. BD, AFG and NED....


View attachment 136944

and you added filter of batting first.

You have not changed a bit, still manipulate stats in favour of your own argument.

 

[VForVendetta]

Based on 19 games .... Still above only 3 three teams.. BD, AFG and NED....


View attachment 136944

While I don't have the exact data I think the only era when Pak top order used to have good /decent strike rates were when top order consisted of Anwar, Sohel,Afridi & Izaz. Either of the there. That would be roughly around mid 90's to early 00's. Other than that in my nearly three decades' experience as a viewer I have always seen them struggling with this issue. Funny thing is Ind,Sri, Nz & Eng all used to lag behind Pak in this criteria. Yet all of them in different timeliness have sorted out this issue. Somehow Pak can't do that. It's not due to lack of merit or talent. It's the outdated old school timid mentality.

 

[sam_ahm]

The bigger issue is that Pakistan do not have any finishers... Like big hitters lower down... Iftikhar is entrusted with that job but generally you don't leave it to just one man. Moreover Ifti is not a gun player anyways.

At least one opener should be aggressive, they got Fakhar for that, and Fakhar himself is a very inconsistent player.

Babar and Rizwan score runs, so does Imam, you cannot ask them to play differently because this is how they've been successful. At the end you need runs and these two give you those runs, you cannot sacrifice them for 30 (15) and say well played...because you don't have quality in others... If you don't have an attacking opener and a couple of good finishers then that is not Babar and Rizwan's problem... That is the problem of the coaching staff and the think tank who have done nothing to build the team in past 1 year.

 

[MMHS]

As always Pakistan's batting strike rate is the weakest link going into a white ball cricket world cup. Here is the strike rate for top 4 batsmen (combined) when batting after winning the toss since January 2020 which is only better than Afghanistan and Netherlands. Another depressing stats in this screen is ... the number of sixes (14) hit by top 4 batsmen in 8 ODIs when batting after winning the toss. That is less than 2 sixes per match. India has 36 sixes (4 sixes per match).



View attachment 136861

As always Pakistan's batting strike rate is the weakest link going into a white ball cricket world cup. Here is the strike rate for top 4 batsmen (combined) when batting after winning the toss since January 2020 which is only better than Afghanistan and Netherlands. Another depressing stats in this screen is ... the number of sixes (14) hit by top 4 batsmen in 8 ODIs when batting after winning the toss. That is less than 2 sixes per match. India has 36 sixes (4 sixes per match).



View attachment 136861

Welcome back WL - sweet old memories.

The data are there to see for all, but I beg to differ a bit here. This is not 1990s, when every or almost every ODI game stats had a meaning - hardly any “cheap” game from the ICC globalisation curse, and teams used to put at least 9/10 of their available best XI every game. These days, ODI stats at best is indicative, but certainly not conclusive.

I have watched PAK’s every recent game and to be honest, for me SR is one of PAK’s problems. People tend to see PAK’s game in a short span like 5-10 overs, but not looking into the broader picture or end results. Focusing too much on what Babar, Imam or Rizwan are doing in first 10 (or 20) overs will only distract PAK from its core problem- look, at the end, the score after 50 overs is what it matters, not scores after 10 or 15 overs.

I know, PCT tend to start slowly and gradually build momentum, because of the composition of the team - you are not anymore blessed with the likes of Afridi, Razzak, Moin/Latif, Wasim & Saq coming at 6 to 10, means that team had almost bottomless depth. Could have been 57/5 after 20 and still end up 256 because on proper batting technique, I would dare to say Saqlaine had a better defensive technique than Shadab, means when required PAK tail could play out overs and put a total that could give the bowlers a decent chance.

I can’t prove, but trust me if Babar & Rizwan (& Imam) tries to blast early in their innings, 9 times out of 10 current PCT will be booked inside 40 overs, if not 35. It doesn’t work that way - you can’t make a conclusive argument on figures that has Australia, SAF, IND or Kiwis in the mix, not to mention Poms, whose No. 10 might bat at 6 for PTC. Team strategy is built around the players available and be honest with yourself - how many PAK batsmen bat Babar & Rizwan would make the SRL or BD side, let alone the other 5 I mentioned?

Batting isn’t the worst problem for PCT - scoring rate at the start is even less concerning as long as team is putting a decent total. You see, whenever they are chasing a reasonable or may just above par score, they are chasing it - may not be sparkling English way, but clinically indeed.

The biggest problem for PCT to me is 1. The Captaincy - this is my 4th decade into PAK cricket and over the years I have seen …. with due respect some of the dumbest captains around - MoYo, WY, Saeed…. but this guy Babar is making even Misbah Ian Chappel - extremely defensive, reactive, scared and always protective. PCT was never tactfully astute operator, therefore don’t expect them to win many playing a cat & mouse game - for a team like that, a timid captain like Babar is probably the last man to lead, despite being head & shoulders above individually among his mates.

2. The big elephant in the room - bowling. Apart from Shaheen’s opening spell, which can’t give 2/22 every game, there is nothing special. And, there is no plan B if Shaheen doesn’t take wickets with new ball or Haris/Naseem has a good game. Besides, this is probably the worst PAK pace attack with out ball and in last power play. And, the day it goes wrong, it floods…. like 352/2 ….

3. This is the killer - with so many T20s around, we have successfully killed the batting technique, particularly the art of spin play. Every team that’s successful in recent times have done it through the 20-25 overs of spin between over No. 11 to 40 and this is where every time PCT is gifting the 50/50 (even 65/35) games - absolutely to wicket taking threat, added to that some friendly full tosses here & there, horrible bowling line according to field setup …. I can’t recall when last time I have seen PAK spinners putting any pressure in Second PP, let alone dominate that. Add to that, extremely defensive & reactive captaincy, basically those 25 overs are the biggest handicap for PCT - we tend to see it the other way unfortunately (that batsmen are not doing enough).

This I wrote long back many times and I hope it makes sense now - this is the outcome systematically selecting so called “spin all-rounders”, over classical spinners by the white (no offence) coaching staffs that PAK had been managed by. Every specialist spinner had been side lined for those few runs by the likes of Malik, Afridi, Hafeez, Shadab, Nawaz (which for some years indeed worked on those mud beds of UAE) ….. it first started with Woolmer picking Malik & Afridi over Mushi/Danish and that continued to the level that today probably most threatening PAK spinner is Iftekhar, for a country that had Qadir, Saq, Tauseef, Mushi, Ajmal not so long back!!!!.

Ideal case, 100 on board after 15 overs sounds great, even if it doesn’t end at 250 all out, but trust me, even 350 won’t work unless, bowlers, particularly spinners don’t take a control of the game in middle overs. You can do it two ways - either take 2-3 key wickets and damage the middle order, or choke the scoring to a level that batting side slogs out from suffocation- it can’t happen that you give 4/5 singles every overs complemented with a full toss or long hop!!!

PCT as a team will never & I repeat never make it with the batting heroics - better not try that. It has to be bowling and that too wicket taking bowling, not by score board pressure or suffocation.

 

[Rana]

“Only Babar and Rizwan will get into all other sides”

Based on what?

 

[Rana]

Right now.

Ask all other teams…You can have Babar and Rizwan, but two of your players will have to sit out for them…

Who will take up this offer besides Netherlands?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Even stevie wonder can see Pakistan are biggest culprits when it comes to wasting PP, poor strike rate etc..

Imam likes playing his selfish risk free cricket and usually takes 35+ overs or even 40 overs to get a hundred. But you get the bhangra dancers getting excited over his average.

Even fakhar wastes the PP with length of time he takes to get going. So stats presented ain't a shock

 

[TheSultan]

1992 NZ used Greatbatch as a pinch hitter

1996 SL threw caution to the wind and put in both Jaya and Kalu up top.

From then you either had at least one opener who can be aggressive or you used a pinch hitter

Over time, the role of a white ball opener has included as one of their main characteristics, the ability to hit big and have a high strike rate.

Even Pakistan followed that line of thinking for a long time.

But we have a new age who feel they are pioneers - the age of the pinch anchors. Give me strength

 

[Saj]

3 anchors in the top 4 and the hitter badly out of form.

Doesn't bode well does it.

 

[mominsaigol]

Pakistan has always been obsessed with stats over actually performing and playing match winning knocks.

It's sad they we value a 50 average and scoring soft runs over playing Gilchrist type innings.

 

[W63L35]

and you added filter of batting first.

You have not changed a bit, still manipulate stats in favour of your own argument.

But you have definitely changed. At least, in the past, you used to read carefully before blindly criticizing or accusing me of manipulating stats. This time, you did not even notice that I used exactly the same (winning the toss and batting) for the 8 games stats (that you companied about) and the 19 games stats. Read again, please.

 

[MenInG]

@W63L35

Please see this from @gazza619

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[emranabbas]

Pakistan has no chance of reaching semi finals at the strike rate they play at

 

[hassan918]

If Pakistan need to go deep into this World Cup, the strike rate should be over 85.

 

[VForVendetta]

3 anchors in the top 4 and the hitter badly out of form.

Doesn't bode well does it.

Apparently stating this simple crystal clear fact doesn't bode well with a lot of people. They just want to stay at their own merry land & refuse to accept the limitations of certain idols.

 

[Farabi]

I noticed another alarming thing. Since the last world cup in 2019 Pakistan has not posted a single score over 350. Though they did chase 349 againt Australia. This is a worrisome thing as other top teams seem to post such scores effortlessly. Below are the stats for other teams since last world cup.

View attachment 136875

India
400+ - 1
350+ - 7


England
400+ - 1
350+ - 2

Australia
400+ - 1
350+ - 5

New Zealand
400+ - 0
350+ - 1

South Africa
400+ - 1
350+ - 2

Sri Lanka
400+ - 0
350+ - 1

Another thing to note is even historically all the above teams have posted atleast 1 score of above 400 except Pakistan. With the modern day rules of 2 new balls and only 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle between overs 11-40 Pakistan needs to learn the art of posting scores close to 400. But with the formula of preserving wickets till 35 overs and scoring in last 10-15 overs is not going to allow them to post huge totals.

India and Eng play their cricket on Mickey Mouse grounds and highways.
One cannot compare stats like that directly without context.
In any case, WC will be a pressure tournament. I doubt 350+ will be scored in the business end of the tour

 

[Saj]

Batting first Pakistan look a stronger side.

No scoreboard pressure, bowlers there to defend a good total.

However when chasing big scores, I don't fancy this Pakistan line-up to be successful very often.

 

[Mockingbird]

Batting first Pakistan look a stronger side.

No scoreboard pressure, bowlers there to defend a good total.

However when chasing big scores, I don't fancy this Pakistan line-up to be successful very often.

True, but you haven’t accounted for the dew factor which will be prominent in the 2nd half of the tournament.

 

[ex-q-zit]

India and Eng play their cricket on Mickey Mouse grounds and highways.
One cannot compare stats like that directly without context.
In any case, WC will be a pressure tournament. I doubt 350+ will be scored in the business end of the tour

India has scored 350+ against Australia in 2019 WC at the Oval. India has posted 350+ scores in India, SL, Pakistan, Bangladesh, SA, NZ, West Indies and ENG. Even Pakistan plays on roads as we saw 240+ scores being chased in last PSL but hardly ever scores above 350. If Pakistan has not managed a single 350 score in past 4 years then the problem lies with them no matter how many excuses you give.

 

[W63L35]

@W63L35

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@gazza619

 

[jnaveen1980]

I noticed another alarming thing. Since the last world cup in 2019 Pakistan has not posted a single score over 350. Though they did chase 349 againt Australia. This is a worrisome thing as other top teams seem to post such scores effortlessly. Below are the stats for other teams since last world cup.

View attachment 136875

India
400+ - 1
350+ - 7


England
400+ - 1
350+ - 2

Australia
400+ - 1
350+ - 5

New Zealand
400+ - 0
350+ - 1

South Africa
400+ - 1
350+ - 2

Sri Lanka
400+ - 0
350+ - 1

Another thing to note is even historically all the above teams have posted atleast 1 score of above 400 except Pakistan. With the modern day rules of 2 new balls and only 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle between overs 11-40 Pakistan needs to learn the art of posting scores close to 400. But with the formula of preserving wickets till 35 overs and scoring in last 10-15 overs is not going to allow them to post huge totals.

India should have scored a few more 400s. But their tail is so woeful that INdia had a wimpy finish in quiet a few games. India relies top 6 to click massively to get to 350 plus. Luckily guys like Rohit/Kohli/Gill/Rahul once set can go nuts. Iyer is the only one who goes after bowling from the get go. England/Australia have no such problem. They can reach 350 simply with 4 or 5 cameos.

 

[W63L35]

@W63L35

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@gazza619 - filtering by "winning the toss and batting first".

 

[mominsaigol]

Everyone should read this post and understand the problems with rizzu and imam lol.

Imam can't go beyond 80 ever, and rizzu plays at a position where its required to eventually up the ante to a 130-140 SR at the back end but rizzu can't go beyond 110.

Besides fakhar(Assuming he performs which he likely wont) no one can get that quick fire 25 ball 50 or score 90 to 100 runs in the final 10 overs for Pakistan.

It's why we usually leave world cups empty handed. Our saving grace use to be bowling especially ct 2017 but thats no longer the case. Our bowling is the worst its ever been this cup.

 

[gazza619]

@gazza619 - filtering by "winning the toss and batting first".

View attachment 136985

Thanks. That is an incredible stat and proves that Pakistan was an exciting unit to watch.

 

[Farabi]

India has scored 350+ against Australia in 2019 WC at the Oval. India has posted 350+ scores in India, SL, Pakistan, Bangladesh, SA, NZ, West Indies and ENG. Even Pakistan plays on roads as we saw 240+ scores being chased in last PSL but hardly ever scores above 350. If Pakistan has not managed a single 350 score in past 4 years then the problem lies with them no matter how many excuses you give.

See attached 340+ scores for India and Pakistan in the last 5 years. I've colored yellow the away grounds. A few insights are pretty clear from this:
1. Pakistan's biggest scores have come in England vs England, which are known for micky mouse grounds and highways. Pakistan seems to do better in England than home grounds.
2. India's best scores have come in their own home grounds. Only 3 350+ scores have come away and those too against Bangladesh and WI C team.
3. India scored 350+ only once against a top side (Aus) away back in 2019. They scored 347 vs NZ but lost the game.

For these reasons, the Strike rate of Indian players is totally overinflated nowadays.
In Pakistan, only Pindi ground is comparable to the highways in India.

 

[Firebat]

Nasser Hussain's take on Pakistan's batting:

I just think they need to get par and above with their batting. Sometimes Babar and Rizwan bat time because they're worried about the length of their batting [order] and 50 overs becomes a long time.

It's not like England - Bairstow and Buttler and everyone can go hard because you have Livingstone, Curran, Woakes, Moeen, even Wood as we saw in the Ashes - you have so much batting down the order, so England can go hard and recover.

Sometimes I think [Pakistan's mindset is] "50 overs is a long time, we'll get to a par score and then our bowlers will be able to defend that". Fakhar Zaman for example, he's a fabulous player, if he can get him off to a flyer and then Rizwan and Babar just knock it around to get an above par score. If they get an above par score against any team in that World Cup, you're in trouble.

 

[Farabi]

We consistently hear from some fans that Pakistan's batting strike rate is too low, day in and day out. To stay competitive, there's a call to push the boundaries and aim for scores of 350+, 400+, and some even suggest 450+.

Let's analyze the batting performance of teams in the last 5 years, focusing on matches between SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) and Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. To ensure fairness and eliminate the advantage of home grounds, I considered matches played on away and neutral venues. This is crucial as most teams, except India, will be playing away games in the upcoming World Cup. Morever, conditions vary accross the world.

The data reveals that these teams have crossed the 340+ mark only 13 times:

Australia: 4 times
Pakistan: 4 times
India: 3 times
England: 2 times
South Africa: 0
Sri Lanka: 0
New Zealand: 0

Given these statistics, can we still believe that scores exceeding 340 are common? Is the notion that reaching 340+ is necessary for success in the World Cup still valid?

 

[jnaveen1980]

Imam ul Haq

Power play overs strike rate 68.34/49.89 avge
2023 - same stat 72.26/34.40 avge

Middle over strike rate 91.52/65.20 avge
2023 83.38/46.00 avge

Death overs strike rate 95.23/8.57 avge
2023 N/A

Babar Azam

Power play overs strike rate 71.93/57.50avge
2023 - same stat 58.20/26.00 avge

Middle over strike rate 88.40/69.42 avge
2023 84.11/64.11 avge

Death over strike rate 140.08/31.45 avge
2023 173.07/30.00 avge

Fakhar Zaman

Powerplay overs strike rate 81.69/38.91 avge
2023 - same stat 78.13/32.55 avge

Middle overs strike rate 97.64/51.40 avge
2023 - 88.15/76.25 avge

Death over strike rate 166.99/86.00 avge
2023 - 153.33/46.00 avge

Disclaimer: This is against all oppositions. No filters.


Seems like Imam is unable to touch 100 by any metric.

 

[jnaveen1980]

For COmparison for the year 2023

Among some of the highest run getters

Shubman Gill strike rates - 98/104/180 (PP/MO/DO)
Rohit sharma strike rate - (105/116/NA)
Warner strike rate - (128/108/NA)
Bavuma strike rate - ( 99/105/126)
Virat Kohli strike rate - (69/98/198)

 

[Farabi]

Imam ul Haq

Power play overs strike rate 68.34/49.89 avge
2023 - same stat 72.26/34.40 avge

Middle over strike rate 91.52/65.20 avge
2023 83.38/46.00 avge

Death overs strike rate 95.23/8.57 avge
2023 N/A

Babar Azam

Power play overs strike rate 71.93/57.50avge
2023 - same stat 58.20/26.00 avge

Middle over strike rate 88.40/69.42 avge
2023 84.11/64.11 avge

Death over strike rate 140.08/31.45 avge
2023 173.07/30.00 avge

Fakhar Zaman

Powerplay overs strike rate 81.69/38.91 avge
2023 - same stat 78.13/32.55 avge

Middle overs strike rate 97.64/51.40 avge
2023 - 88.15/76.25 avge

Death over strike rate 166.99/86.00 avge
2023 - 153.33/46.00 avge

Disclaimer: This is against all oppositions. No filters.


Seems like Imam is unable to touch 100 by any metric.

The World Cup is in India, so I have selected "home" conditions only because Pak/India conditions are similar. Selected SENA, Pakistan, India and SL only. Here is the output for last 4 years:

Averages:
Babar, Imam, Fakhar, and Iftikhar are averaging 60+, with Imam and Babar averaging 70 at home.
On the other hand, only Gill and KL are averaging 60+ from India. (Pant is out of the WC).
Safe to conclude here that Pak batters are more consistent in home conditions.

SR: All of Indian batters Strike in 100s except KL. However, Pak batters mostly strike in the 90s. Safe to conclude that Indian batters score more quickly.

Below is the overall team view, which confirms the said analysis:

 

[jnaveen1980]

Pakistan has a lot of all rounders. Pakistan's gamble seems to be one all rounder will click in every match with the support of Rizwan.

 

[jnaveen1980]

View attachment 136990

The World Cup is in India, so I have selected "home" conditions only because Pak/India conditions are similar. Selected SENA, Pakistan, India and SL only. Here is the output for last 4 years:

Averages:
Babar, Imam, Fakhar, and Iftikhar are averaging 60+, with Imam and Babar averaging 70 at home.
On the other hand, only Gill and KL are averaging 60+ from India. (Pant is out of the WC).
Safe to conclude here that Pak batters are more consistent in home conditions.

SR: All of Indian batters Strike in 100s except KL. However, Pak batters mostly strike in the 90s. Safe to conclude that Indian batters score more quickly.

Below is the overall team view, which confirms the said analysis:

View attachment 136991

Acceleration skills will be tested. IF you have a deep batting line up you don't have to worry about acceleration You just play a cameo and pass the baton to the middle order like England does. To heavy sides will have to build and accelerate.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Hope imam, fakhar and babar watched how NZ batsmen made use of the PP and also scored 100s way before the 35th over.

Top order players now should be getting ODI 100s within 25-30 overs

None of this selfish nonsense you see from Pakistan players

 

[Saj]

I hope we don't adopt the let's hope we can score 100 in the last 10 overs theory.

It rarely works and is a recipe for disaster.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I hope we don't adopt the let's hope we can score 100 in the last 10 overs theory.

It rarely works and is a recipe for disaster.

Pakistan will use the tactics the always do. Won't be shocked if Pakistan are the worst team in the PP in this world cup

 

[GLORY OF '92]

NZ literally took 0 risks. Just played good shots.

But I don't think anyone in Pakistan can match those innings by NZ today sadly.

 

[shokz1408]

Yeah good batting pitches means our average batting line up can get par or slightly above par scores. But scary to think what good batting line ups will do to us on these pitches. We might not make semis on NRR again if we get that close.

 

[shamaan]

Pakistan should not try and play the way New Zealand did but they must show intent in the first 15 overs.

 

[big_pappa_cricket99]

Pakistan has a great chance of winning this thing...

 

[Nasty Naz]

It's the same issue in T20's when batting first. Pakistan always aim for par score and not, how much can we score.

The most egregious example of this is the T20's in Pakistan vs England where Babar every time just says we think par score is 160-170 and then you see England chase that in 14-15 overs. In ODI's, aim is always for 275-300 instead of 350+.

In fairness, a lot of these issues over the years have stemmed from a weak middle order and it's what makes teams like Australia/England/India so dangerous. They have endless amount of batsmen who can win you the game single handedly and be crazy destructive. Pakistan simply doesn't. As a result, you get the top order always being careful early on and taking it slow.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

I have never seen so many batsmen averaging 40+ as there are coming into this world cup.

That 40+ average to me seems like the equivalent of a 34-35 average in the 90s. That was considered good. The great batsmen back then averaged between around 37-42.

Babar averages around 58. That is an insane average and he is ranked no. 1 in the world. Somehow though I don't remember him winning that many matches for Pak single-handedly. I remember many matches Afridi won with his paltry 20 odd average though. you would think that with an average of 58, I should remember what a huge hero Babar is in ODIs.

I hope Babar plays fearless cricket his world cup and inspires the team to do the same. Otherwise, we'll just be going through the motions. Babar is key to us winning. He needs to fire and do it at a good strike rate. Not 80 off 84 business. More like his last innings. 90 off 59. (I know they had crappy bowlers bowling).

 

[MenInG]

I hope Babar plays fearless cricket his world cup and inspires the team to do the same. Otherwise, we'll just be going through the motions. Babar is key to us winning. He needs to fire and do it at a good strike rate. Not 80 off 84 business. More like his last innings. 90 off 59. (I know they had crappy bowlers bowling).

Totally agree.

Babar's batting will set the tone.

 

[W63L35]

Totally agree.

Babar's batting will set the tone.

Lately for th top ODI teams, the opener have been setting the tone... with the S/R of 92+.

 

[Amjid Javed]

2 SA batsmen (top 3) getting hundreds between 30th and 35th overs.

This is modern day ODI batting

Something Pakistan snails will never do

 

[W63L35]

So far in this world cup.... that low S/R pattern continues..
Total number of runs by top 4 are the lowest also.

 

[Amjid Javed]

So far in this world cup.... that low S/R pattern continues..
Total number of runs by top 4 are the lowest also.

View attachment 137208

I think also in last 2 or 3 years if you look at how long it takes most openers or number 3s to score hundreds for Aus, eng, NZ, India etc.. its lies between 25 overs and less than 35.

Whilst the like of babar, fakhar, babar take 35+ overs

Pakistan simply haven't got with the times

 

[MenInG]

 

[W63L35]

When I used to appreciate Afridi for him been about 20 years ahead on the times in terms of S/R, the whole PP public used to go after me... because most the fans were too in awe and love with Misbah's ODI batting for stablizing and anchoring the ODI innings. The guy is still 16 points ahead of the modren day best who play on more patha pitches and much smaller boundries! I loved have loved to see him play his peak years between 2020-2030 in the era where 350-450 runs are not uncommon.

Among 7 ODI 100s scored in 45 or less balls until today, he is still the only one who has 2 100s.

 

[W63L35]

I think also in last 2 or 3 years if you look at how long it takes most openers or number 3s to score hundreds for Aus, eng, NZ, India etc.. its lies between 25 overs and less than 35.

Whilst the like of babar, fakhar, babar take 35+ overs

Pakistan simply haven't got with the times

Our batsmen have learned extremely well from Misbah's school of thought.... scoring the runs will keep you in the team, S/R does not matter. Imam is a classic example.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Imam ul Haq

Power play overs strike rate 68.34/49.89 avge
2023 - same stat 72.26/34.40 avge

Middle over strike rate 91.52/65.20 avge
2023 83.38/46.00 avge

Death overs strike rate 95.23/8.57 avge
2023 N/A

Babar Azam

Power play overs strike rate 71.93/57.50avge
2023 - same stat 58.20/26.00 avge

Middle over strike rate 88.40/69.42 avge
2023 84.11/64.11 avge

Death over strike rate 140.08/31.45 avge
2023 173.07/30.00 avge

Fakhar Zaman

Powerplay overs strike rate 81.69/38.91 avge
2023 - same stat 78.13/32.55 avge

Middle overs strike rate 97.64/51.40 avge
2023 - 88.15/76.25 avge

Death over strike rate 166.99/86.00 avge
2023 - 153.33/46.00 avge

Disclaimer: This is against all oppositions. No filters.


Seems like Imam is unable to touch 100 by any metric.

As I suspected imam is a waste of time at top of order. A strike rate of less than 70 is just utter disgraceful. For this alone he shouldn't be in the team.

 

[Farabi]

I have never seen so many batsmen averaging 40+ as there are coming into this world cup.

That 40+ average to me seems like the equivalent of a 34-35 average in the 90s. That was considered good. The great batsmen back then averaged between around 37-42.

Babar averages around 58. That is an insane average and he is ranked no. 1 in the world. Somehow though I don't remember him winning that many matches for Pak single-handedly. I remember many matches Afridi won with his paltry 20 odd average though. you would think that with an average of 58, I should remember what a huge hero Babar is in ODIs.

I hope Babar plays fearless cricket his world cup and inspires the team to do the same. Otherwise, we'll just be going through the motions. Babar is key to us winning. He needs to fire and do it at a good strike rate. Not 80 off 84 business. More like his last innings. 90 off 59. (I know they had crappy bowlers bowling).

Pakistan must have reached no1 without any performances from Babar

 

[shamaan]

2 SA batsmen (top 3) getting hundreds between 30th and 35th overs.

This is modern day ODI batting

Something Pakistan snails will never do

Let's see if they score that against Pakistan.

 

[TheSultan]

Imam and Fakhar are a very poor combination.

Fakhar is as bad as Imam when out of touch when it comes to strike rate. No problem, some teams may have that strategy to play things out for the big guns at 3 and 4.

But 3 we have accumulator no3

And at 4 we have accumulator no4

Mind numbing how this is allowed to continue

 

[W63L35]

As I suspected imam is a waste of time at top of order. A strike rate of less than 70 is just utter disgraceful. For this alone he shouldn't be in the team.

You are on PP long enough to remember me making exactly the same comment about Misbah .... and getting bashed to the limit?

 

[Amjid Javed]

You are on PP long enough to remember me making exactly the same comment about Misbah .... and getting bashed to the limit?

You were right about misbah and right again here

 

[BouncerGuy]

Fakhar's strike is not a problem but his form is the actual problem here. Imam is also out of touch and his strike rate is also low soo he needs to improve asap. Babar and Rizwan are doing the best they could do. They are the top batters currently on this team and they should be supported. strike rate is also not an issue when it comes to these two players.