If Imam-ul-Haq is our future, then we are not going to become a modern ODI outfit

[Rana]

We need to be ruthless and get rid of guys who are not up to the mark with modern batting requirements. An intention to score at a strike rate of 100 is a bare minimum on all kinds of tracks. Having the shots to evade the inner circle is a realistic requirement. I do not see these qualities in Imam ul Haq although his record suggests we are being harsh on him. England could have rebuilt their ODI side with Alistair Cook as their opener considering how solid of a player he is, but it was clear that his limitations to not be able to score freely besides a couple of go to shots was not going to allow them to play the modern game like the other teams.

Something needs to be done now or after the wc as it may be too late. This guy will keep us in the 90s forever otherwise. Its a shame because hes an honest, hardworking lad but we simply cannot move out of this weak mentality if players like him are our ODI stars. A strike rate of 50 on a track like this an opener is criminal!

 

[aukhan]

Imam's selfishness reminds me of Shehzad.

 

[angrypathan]

If Fakhar was performing at the other end it would've been an easy swap for Imam with Shan

 

[Shandarchowka]

Imam is a necessary evil. Pakistan always requires a solid rock at the top of the order to catapult to decent totals. We often have good bowlers to defend targets and the other batsmen can propel the team to such totals with Imam's solidity.

 

[Mainul]

At least he provides stability to this brittle line up. Fakar is a swashbuckling opener. Both should compliment ech other. Pakistan is a all time failure Hafeez in this line up. Why Hafeez is here? At least Imam can improve.

 

[PerfectionPersonified]

still more dependable than the hack Fakher

 

[Rana]

still more dependable than the hack Fakher

You can argue that Alistair Cook was more reliable than Michael Lumb, but England new that Cook isnt the modern recipe

 

[Shandarchowka]

You can argue that Alistair Cook was more reliable than Michael Lumb, but England new that Cook isnt the modern recipe

Where is our Lumb?

 

[Cheetah99]

And yet again another stupid threat. Sometimes I feel do you guys get paid to publish stuff like this.
Imam is providing good starts in almost every match and still people like you have thrash to talk about him. Shame

 

[Rana]

Where is our Lumb?

Talay Hussain says hi

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Talay Hussain says hi

Really?

 

[Cheetah99]

Talay Hussain says hi

I like Talat but furst let him play atleast, even ie he he's not able to perform in first few games, people like you will be the first ones to ask for a change, so relax man

 

[ExpressPacer]

Where is our Lumb?

sAhIbZaDa fArHaN )

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Imam's selfishness reminds me of Shehzad.

He seems a lot more level headed. I'm not a fan of Imam, thought his performance against the short bowling was pathetic in recent games, but he's stuck in there so deserves some credit for that.

While he's limited in flair and shot making capacity, he is fairly well organised and doesn't gift his wicket, for now that will have to do I guess.

 

[Titan24]

Who is 23 year old or less modern opener playing cricket?

Guptill, Rohit, Dhawan, Roy are experienced and at the peak of their game

 

[Rana]

Who is 23 year old or less modern opener playing cricket?

Guptill, Rohit, Dhawan, Roy are experienced and at the peak of their game

You are suggesting Imam will mature into this mould of a cricketer. Im afraid I disagree. All of the guys that you mentioned were not intent to play a boundary shot after 15 balls. This is the way Imam wants to bat

 

[Hyperion66]

Hating on a kid who is improving with each game!! Pakistani fans deserve hacks like Fakhar.

 

[Titan24]

You are suggesting Imam will mature into this mould of a cricketer. Im afraid I disagree. All of the guys that you mentioned were not intent to play a boundary shot after 15 balls. This is the way Imam wants to bat

Not saying that but just saying that the modern openers you are referring to were never that good when they were 23. If they were I would love to see there stats. QDK is an anomly.

 

[Titan24]

You are suggesting Imam will mature into this mould of a cricketer. Im afraid I disagree. All of the guys that you mentioned were not intent to play a boundary shot after 15 balls. This is the way Imam wants to bat

There is a difference between playing on merit and playing boundary shots. Imam just plays on merit now as he doesnt have the skillset to hit boundary at will. But, surely he can develop such skills as he has the technique.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Watching imam bat here now is like watching rameez raja bat in odis in the 1980s.

 

[Birdman]

It’s a funny thread. You have some kind of confirmational bias on this Kid. At least let him finish his innings before hating on him. He is in a tough position because his uncle is a selector, because every time he fails People are going to say he is in the team because of nepotism.

My kid pays ball and have seen may good honest and hard working coaches get blamed for playing “daddy ball” by some parents whose kids don’t work hard and improve, whereas the coaches kid is working hard and getting better,but people always accuse them of playing “daddy ball.”

G

 

[Majid Khan]

Who knows, if some of us stop calling him bhatija after every failure and his place is assured, he might start playing more freely — he definitely has the shots, if anyone saw THAT six in the last game.

 

[aukhan]

His negative approach just like Shehzad rubbed off on his partner as well. Thanks for killing the momentum. This is how Shehzad played in 2014/2015.

 

[aukhan]

This same role was being played by Azhar Ali as well but Imam will get away from criticism because he is 22.

 

[Abdullah719]

This same role was being played by Azhar Ali as well but Imam will get away from criticism because he is 22.

In what world does it look like Imam will get away from criticism? 90% of the people on PP and social media appear to despise him and want him dropped.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

This same role was being played by Azhar Ali as well but Imam will get away from criticism because he is 22.

Depends if he can go on to pick up the strike rate as the innings progresses. He is in a great position to kick on now, assuming he has the shots to do it.

 

[big_gamer007]

He is a good player in the making his biggest enemy is Pakistani fans and society.. If he can overcome the challenges of Pakistani faninhe will be second best ODI opener for Pakistan after Anwar by the time he finishes his career

 

[aukhan]

In what world does it look like Imam will get away from criticism? 90% of the people on PP and social media appear to despise him and want him dropped.

Not really. In his defense his age is always brought in to divert criticism from his strike rate. Azhar and Shehzad were vilified for the same approach.

 

[Bilal7]

Lol. No, an intention to score at a SR of 100 in all situations and conditions is not the bare minimum. This is not T20 cricket.

 

[Rana]

Lol. No, an intention to score at a SR of 100 in all situations and conditions is not the bare minimum. This is not T20 cricket.

OK mate if you say so

 

[Banter]

Imam is a necessary evil. Pakistan always requires a solid rock at the top of the order to catapult to decent totals. We often have good bowlers to defend targets and the other batsmen can propel the team to such totals with Imam's solidity.

Don't understand why home team fans don't recognize such obvious facts. I mean, its not as if there are Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan sitting on the bench for Pakistan.

 

[Gullycricket]

So lets bash the guy who is scoring runs while we stay quiet over Fakhar who has been exposed as mediocre and has not performed at all on this tour.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Hating on a kid who is improving with each game!! Pakistani fans deserve hacks like Fakhar.

yes they are always fans of afridi where they think 600 should be the SR for every batsman that plays even for a NO.11...

they dont realise that their bowling is strong enough to defend good to decent targets but need solid batsmen at the top to put some runs on the board to defend and make a match...

 

[b.lesner]

didn't Inzamam say Sami Aslam plays too slow for modern odi game i guess that does apply to relatives

 

[ask_analyse_act]

if he makes an 86 (100) like that he did in the 1st ODI then his job as an budding opener in SA conditions from an asian team is well done...

 

[ask_analyse_act]

didn't Inzamam say Sami Aslam plays too slow for modern odi game i guess that does apply to relatives

yes too slow compared to imam

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Imam fulfilling Shehzad or Azhar's role in the ODI team.

Is that want Micky wants? If that's the case then he is doing brilliantly well.

But do we want another Shehzad/Azhar in modern day cricket?

 

[aukhan]

Imam fulfilling Shehzad or Azhar's role in the ODI team.

Is that want Micky wants? If that's the case then he is doing brilliantly well.

But do we want another Shehzad/Azhar in modern day cricket?

Killed the whole momentum for Babar. Not everyday he will get away with this approach. Azhar and Shehzad were playing the same way as well.

 

[Shaka81]

Imam guarantees runs in ODIs and every team needs a player like that to allow the rest of the team to play around him. You can't fill your team with only attacking players like Fakhar or you will get a team that on a good day scores huge but just as likely to fold for under a hundred.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Killed the whole momentum for Babar. Not everyday he will get away with this approach. Azhar and Shehzad were playing the same way as well.

It's the reason we also lost a few games in the Asia Cup. Imam tuk tuking to a fifty and killing the whole momentum. Pak doesn't have power hitters who can compensate.

 

[Mainul]

This thread is now a history.

 

[Buffet]

He at least has game to score runs.

 

[Rana]

This thread is now a history.

Why because two batsman came and scored at a run a ball around him to make it look as if he is batting well?

 

[Gullycricket]

It's the reason we also lost a few games in the Asia Cup. Imam tuk tuking to a fifty and killing the whole momentum. Pak doesn't have power hitters who can compensate.

Providing momentum is not Imam's job.He is there to stay long which also we lack.Momentum provider Fakhar is failing non stop and not a word about him.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Imam fulfilling Shehzad or Azhar's role in the ODI team.

Is that want Micky wants? If that's the case then he is doing brilliantly well.

But do we want another Shehzad/Azhar in modern day cricket?

when did shehzad avg 64+ with a SR of 80+... well when did that happen lol... atleast azhar was little closer avg 40+ but never really maintained a SR of 80+

 

[Titan24]

Its difficult to develop Technique in Sahibzada Farhan while its much easier to develop shots in someone who has a good technique. Williamson is a prime example who just started as a test batsman.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

A century here is going to shut down the doubters. He's scored fairly heavily against a decent attack in South Africa, that is no small feat, you only have to look at Fakhar's struggles to see that.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Its difficult to develop Technique in Sahibzada Farhan while its much easier to develop shots in someone who has a good technique. Williamson is a prime example who just started as a test batsman.

Exactly,,, people bashing imam knows only fakhar type players and they cant distinguish (shehzad,azhar) and imam tbh

 

[Titan24]

Exactly,,, people bashing imam knows only fakhar type players and they cant distinguish (shehzad,azhar) and imam tbh

Afridi and Imran Nazir style of batting has effected a lot of fans and players

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Afridi and Imran Nazir style of batting has effected a lot of fans and players

True. I agree.. And that is why they are still searching for a batsman like Yousuf, Inzi, Anwar and Sohail

 

[iRfaN_LA]

He is doing well I feel. Made 86 in first ODI at good pace. Right now, he is 88 off 106, anchoring the innings. If the other end is attacking, he needs to anchor the innings.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

when did shehzad avg 64+ with a SR of 80+... well when did that happen lol... atleast azhar was little closer avg 40+ but never really maintained a SR of 80+

Shehzad used to be one of our main in ODI till 2015 something. The reason he got in the Test side as well. After that he became the king of dot balls.

The thing being that we want to improve as an ODI side and Imam will have to improve his SR as well. Pak does not have those big bashers to compensate the slow start. It could even lead to a collapse if a Hafeez doesn't ciick.

 

[srh]

I can never support an opener who always bat really slow at the start of the inning (around 50 strike rate ) and then may catch-up later to end with 100 strike rate. Its because you never know a bowler bowled an unplayable delivery and you get out while your strike rate is still in 50s. Pakistan has to set a minimum strike rate bar for openers and anybody who does not attain it should be dropped.

The selfish way Imam is playing, Fakhar could have also played the same selfish way and score runs slowly but its not in his genes to be selfish. We should not be encouraging selfish play. Otherwise we will remain a bad team.

 

[Wahid1234]

We need to select players like nauman anwar and zeeshan malik who are modern one day openers. These pakistan selectors can't think outside the box. Team is filled with accumulators.

 

[Titan24]

Shehzad used to be one of our main in ODI till 2015 something. The reason he got in the Test side as well. After that he became the king of dot balls.

The thing being that we want to improve as an ODI side and Imam will have to improve his SR as well. Pak does not have those big bashers to compensate the slow start. It could even lead to a collapse if a Hafeez doesn't ciick.

Ahmed Shehzad deteriorated a lot after he got hit by the ball of Corey Andersen in test and technically he was never as good as Imam and had a lot of weaknesses.

 

[Titan24]

I can never support an opener who always bat really slow at the start of the inning (around 50 strike rate ) and then may catch-up later to end with 100 strike rate. Its because you never know a bowler bowled an unplayable delivery and you get out while your strike rate is still in 50s. Pakistan has to set a minimum strike rate bar for openers and anybody who does not attain it should be dropped.

The selfish way Imam is playing, Fakhar could have also played the same selfish way and score runs slowly but its not in his genes to be selfish. We should not be encouraging selfish play. Otherwise we will remain a bad team.

If you were right we would have been scoring 300 in every other match, we don’t score that usually shows the importance of Imam's knock. We didn’t have anyone who was consistent enough with scoring.

 

[GreenKhan]

Some pure haters on here. The disgusting bias against Imam, makes me wonder what he has ever done to them either in this life or maybe even in a another universe somewhere.

The guy is doing well. He is a not a fluent stroke maker, but one thing he does have is resilience, an ability to learn and adapt and he is an honest trier. His innings today has been very good irrelevant of whats been happening at the other side. He will mostly bat around the 80 SR, and maybe even less in the ealry part of the innings, but he is vital at this moment in our top order as he values his wicket and brings stability.

Also who else is out there?? If he averages 45 at an 80 SR and i will take it any day in this brittle batting line up, where our seniors still cant avoid gettign out in the same way despite having played at this level for 15 years.

 

[RehanG]

nearing a 100.. and converted his strike rate beautifully. Pakistani fans want 5 Haydens and Shewags at the top. Its simply not gonna happen. You also need some one to steady the ship.

 

[srh]

If you were right we would have been scoring 300 in every other match, we don’t score that usually shows the importance of Imam's knock. We didn’t have anyone who was consistent enough with scoring.

how can we score 300+ every other match when we are playing selfish opener like Imam in every single match?

 

[Shaka81]

I can never support an opener who always bat really slow at the start of the inning (around 50 strike rate ) and then may catch-up later to end with 100 strike rate. Its because you never know a bowler bowled an unplayable delivery and you get out while your strike rate is still in 50s. Pakistan has to set a minimum strike rate bar for openers and anybody who does not attain it should be dropped.

The selfish way Imam is playing, Fakhar could have also played the same selfish way and score runs slowly but its not in his genes to be selfish. We should not be encouraging selfish play. Otherwise we will remain a bad team.

Imagine if Imam hadn't played this "selfish" way and played like Fakhar instead we would've been about 5 for 2 when Hafeez and Babar came in. With Hafeez having to face Steyn in his first spell with a new ball, it would likely to have been about 20 odd for 3 very soon.

 

[Titan24]

Spoiler alert:

You just need your top 3 scoring regularly even with the SR of 80 by the time they finish their innings. Even if your top 3-4 play with SR of 80 in first 40 overs you would still be scoring 192 and with 7,8 wickets in hand you will be scoring 270-300 more often than not.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Century scored.

Critics silenced.

 

[Titan24]

how can we score 300+ every other match when we are playing selfish opener like Imam in every single match?

Its not because of slow scoring of someone we don’t get to 300, its because of lack of scoring and gifting wickets. Scoring runs is what is making a difference in this match. Eliminate Imam's 100 at SR of 87 from current total, who you think would have scored these runs?

 

[Tyler Durden]

The luck has run out for the poor kid after so many missed chances and the over the top celebrations for the most ugliest hundreds ever!

 

[Bilal7]

Imam asked OP to shut it.

 

[Majestic_Inzi]

he didnt need to slog play the way he was playing..

 

[PerfectionPersonified]

You can argue that Alistair Cook was more reliable than Michael Lumb, but England new that Cook isnt the modern recipe

talk now

completely backfired thread

 

[j_kazmi]

Century scored.

Critics silenced.

And then a wonderful way to get out after his little hissy fit.

He is a good player but he doesn’t need to get so emotional. This sort of comments happen when your the nephew of a big player he doesn’t need to get too upset by it.

 

[Mainul]

Why because two batsman came and scored at a run a ball around him to make it look as if he is batting well?

He has just hit a century in South Africa with a good SR. Because of him Pakistan is now in a strong position. Aren't you still satisfied?

 

[Hitman]

Looking at the response of some of the posters, Pak fans truly deserve players like Imran Farhat, and the Akmal brothers. No inch of gratitude whatsoever.

 

[Titan24]

Avg of 59 SR of 82, 19 matches 1000+ runs and 5 100s. If only his name was Sahibzada Farhan, he would have been hyped to moon.

 

[Titan24]

Looking at the response of some of the posters, Pak fans truly deserve players like Imran Farhat, and the Akmal brothers. No inch of gratitude whatsoever.

Agreed, some Pak fans do

 

[CricketingMinds]

Watching imam bat here now is like watching rameez raja bat in odis in the 1980s.

Not really. Rameez would score a 100 off 150 balls. Imam does it in 110-115

 

[Cheetah99]

The one who opened this thread is back in his closet, Goodnight mate, just sleep it off
Terrible stuff

 

[Gotham Cronie]

And then a wonderful way to get out after his little hissy fit.

He is a good player but he doesn’t need to get so emotional. This sort of comments happen when your the nephew of a big player he doesn’t need to get too upset by it.

yawn.

Whiners gonna whine.

 

[basitmian]

This is not T20, he did his job. 80+ SR is okay from the Top in ODI.

 

[Gullycricket]

Imagine if Imam hadn't played this "selfish" way and played like Fakhar instead we would've been about 5 for 2 when Hafeez and Babar came in. With Hafeez having to face Steyn in his first spell with a new ball, it would likely to have been about 20 odd for 3 very soon.

This

 

[Wonderwoman]

Its simply too early to judge Imam... He has literally feasted on minnows all his games. He fizzled against India and NZ and is coming good against SA for a change. He is an above average batsman thats all!

 

[Gotham Cronie]

Its simply too early to judge Imam... He has literally feasted on minnows all his games. He fizzled against India and NZ and is coming good against SA for a change. He is an above average batsman thats all!

Yup above average batsman, that's all.

The rest of the batsmen in the lineup must be all time greats, then.

 

[Rana]

The one who opened this thread is back in his closet, Goodnight mate, just sleep it off
Terrible stuff

I’m right here