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Iftikhar Ahmed is Pakistan's best Middle Order LOI Batsman - Should be Playing every match

Bilal Ahmad15

Bilal Ahmad15

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Title says what is needed to be said.

Iftikhar Ahmed is firstly Pakistans best LOI middle batsman, he should be playign eery ODI, every T20.

Secondly, he is also Pakistans best Power Hitter.

Its very confusing as to why he isn't a regular for ODI.

Swap Shan Masood for Him.

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Imam Ul-Haq
3. Babar Azam
4. Muhammad Rizwan
5. Iftikhar Ahmed
6. Agha Salman Ali
 
A lot of people say; This guy is so inconsistent; Let me ask, whether or not he is inconsistent, what about any other middle order batsman, are they consistent

And for people who say he is too old and his reflexes are lost. Well he may be too old, but still is Pakistans best power hitter, or at least lower order power hitter.
 
Can someone remind me: How many games has Ifti Chacha ever won us? (Not gotten close to winning....but actually win us a game?)

I can't remember a single game tbh
 
CricketingMinds said:
Can someone remind me: How many games has Ifti Chacha ever won us? (Not gotten close to winning....but actually win us a game?)

I can't remember a single game tbh
Click to expand...

What about Shan Masood and Agha Salman Ali though?

Iftikhar is better than these two
 
cricketAXEpert said:
I also don't understand Agha Salman, if he is that good why is he not being played in PSL?
Click to expand...

Agha Salman Ali looks a decent middle order batsman to me, I also found it surprising that he didn't get selected by anyone in PSL, he is definitely more than good enough of playing PSL. Back in the days when the mighty Lahore Qalandars would finish bottom of the table, Agha Salman Ali played for them and was also one of their better players, overall had multiple good performances if I remember correctly. But at the same time, Imam Ul-Haq doesn't play in PSL yet he is Pakistans second best all-format batsman behind Babar Azam.

But anyways, Agha Salman Ali has put in some good ODI performances, and because Pakistan just doesn't have that many middle order batsman, he has already secured a Number 6 spot for the ODI WC imo.
 
CricketingMinds said:
Can someone remind me: How many games has Ifti Chacha ever won us? (Not gotten close to winning....but actually win us a game?)

I can't remember a single game tbh
Click to expand...

WC vs SA.if chacha hadnt played that knock we wouldn't have won.chacha started the partnership and then shadab capitalized.

3rd t20 vs bang.pak needed 8 off 3 and chacha hit a first ball 6 and then nawaz finished the match.This also showed his clutch ability to hit a six on the first ball he played.
Lastly he did his best against india in the t20 Wc and the match was won tbh but the last 3 overs lost us the match due to stupid bowling.Not much chacha could do about it.
 
Chacha is criminally underrated in Pakistan.
Not a single middle order batsman in the country has the game to play those two innings he did vs india and southaftica in the worldcup in those conditions. Lol at Agha salman playing a knock remotely similar. Chacha is the best option easily and can power hit on those small indian grounds.
 
Iftikhar vs Masood is a no-contest. Unfortunately, Iftikhar doesn’t have an influential father and cannot speak English.
 
Chacha and imad should be in the odi team we need lower order hitters especially with worldcup around the corner

I don't see any use of agha salman he could be a decent top order or a test batsmen but definitely not a finisher
 
Shafique is a better option to have at 6 instead of Agha if you ask me. He has improved his power hitting game and innovative strokes massively
 
Rana said:
Shafique is a better option to have at 6 instead of Agha if you ask me. He has improved his power hitting game and innovative strokes massively
Click to expand...

Abdullah Shafique was brilliant in PSL8, but its just PSL, the boundaries are so short, and Azam Khan batted like Jos Buttler in PSL8, look how he went in the recent international T20 matches vs Afghanistan.
 
I agree instead of Agha he should be there..he can bowl same offspin too its a no brainer. Shafique should be instead of shan
 
Ifti should also play home test matches, especially on these recent phattas.

However in limited overs one of Babar's major captaincy flaws is that he doesnt know how to handle part timers.

A few ifti overs in a game are worth their weight in gold.

Fakhar
Imam
Bobby
Abdullah/Agha Salman
Chacha
Rizwan
Imad
Shadab
Shaheen
Naseem
Haris

This should be our line up for the WC
 
For me, if Haris Sohail isn't fit and the alternative is Shan Masood, then Iftikhar is a much better option. I personally would have already selected him in the ODI team. Him at No.5 would be a solid power hitter.

I personally also would have liked the idea of Aamer Jamal in the middle/lower order. Usama Mir getting some games in this NZ series would be good and Nawaz at No.7/8 would be "fine" imo. I liked Agha Salman, but he needs to show more intent and stroke play for the No.6 role.
 
Another creation option:
Play Rizwan as a specialist batsman at no4 in ODIs and bring in Haris as WK and no6. That will bring some much needed firepower at no6 and free by Rizwan to concentrate on his batting. He’s usually cramping up and he’s needed at 100% best during CW2023.
 
Mamoon said:
Iftikhar vs Masood is a no-contest. Unfortunately, Iftikhar doesn’t have an influential father and cannot speak English.
Click to expand...

It’s crazy to think Shan English has been running around for 10 years straight on the international team with zero accountability.
 
Waste of spot! Ifthikar should become a umpire and will be selected for every match and even Ipl so his fan base can stop being over hype
 
Ifthikar is useless for odi! One good innings with a lose! Won’t do good in odi! Invest on a youngster
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Should now get a chance

==

Iftikhar Ahmed replaces Haris Sohail in ODI squad

Islamabad, 29 April 2023:

Iftikhar Ahmed will replace Haris Sohail in Pakistan’s One-Day International squad for the last three matches against New Zealand
in Karachi. Iftikhar will join the side in Karachi.

The replacement comes in the wake of a shoulder injury to Haris that he sustained on the eve of the first ODI. The middle-order batter landed awkwardly during a fielding drill that injured his left shoulder.

Pakistan team will fly to Karachi on Sunday.
 
Ifti's uncle passed away today in charsadda.

Good that ifti is added in the teamand can join the team later tomr
 
Ifti can be good enough for number 6 or lower down in ODIs. You need a more accomplished batsman to bat at number 4 or 5 in this format.
 
Ifti and Imad should be in the team. Why the heck is Nawaz still in the team? He lacks the skills needed for competitive cricket. In fact, even Zimbabwe would not pick such a mediocre player.
 
MenInG said:
Should now get a chance

==

Iftikhar Ahmed replaces Haris Sohail in ODI squad

Islamabad, 29 April 2023:

Iftikhar Ahmed will replace Haris Sohail in Pakistan’s One-Day International squad for the last three matches against New Zealand
in Karachi. Iftikhar will join the side in Karachi.

The replacement comes in the wake of a shoulder injury to Haris that he sustained on the eve of the first ODI. The middle-order batter landed awkwardly during a fielding drill that injured his left shoulder.

Pakistan team will fly to Karachi on Sunday.
Click to expand...

He wasn't even in the squad at first??

This is ridiculous, I dont get how Abdullah Shafique merits an ODI spot over Iftikhar Ahmed, when Iftikhar has
a much better strike, power hitting, six hitting and has been playing since 2019.

Abdullah Shafique is a slow player, but unfortunately it seems everyone is being fooled by the ~60m boundary PSL8 matches.
 
It's important they use him well. He'll be best used at #6 during 35-50. Also can adapt to the situation incase Pak lose early wickets.

Hope they don't use him as a nr #4 as that might be tad too early. If sent too early he'll play more dot balls considering there will be many overs left to bat.
 
ZaidTR said:
Ifthikar is useless for odi! One good innings with a lose! Won’t do good in odi! Invest on a youngster
Click to expand...

Unless Pakistan are not participating in 2023 WC, this is not the time to invest, this is the time to play your best XI. I'm not commenting of Oftilhar, but given his recent run of form I won't mind if he makes the squad.

Masood, Shafique haven't don't much tbh. Pakistan desperately needs one good middle order player.
 
Play him at no.4 in ODIs and back him to death!

He can score those blazing 50 ball 70s any day of the week.
 
sam_ahm said:
Unless Pakistan are not participating in 2023 WC, this is not the time to invest, this is the time to play your best XI. I'm not commenting of Oftilhar, but given his recent run of form I won't mind if he makes the squad.

Masood, Shafique haven't don't much tbh. Pakistan desperately needs one good middle order player.
Click to expand...

This!
Although Agha and Shafique have more potential, we don't have the time to experiment. Therefore, I suggest focusing on in form players in the squad, with Imad being a strong contender. Imad and Ifti are sensible, hard-hitting batsmen who excel at building innings, making them ideal for ODI matches. Knowing that these are our two in form players who can provide much-needed explosive hitting when needed, I can sleep well at night.
 
shehz said:
This!
Although Agha and Shafique have more potential, we don't have the time to experiment. Therefore, I suggest focusing on in form players in the squad, with Imad being a strong contender. Imad and Ifti are sensible, hard-hitting batsmen who excel at building innings, making them ideal for ODI matches. Knowing that these are our two in form players who can provide much-needed explosive hitting when needed, I can sleep well at night.
Click to expand...

Agha Salman Ali has done good enough to merit a number 6 imo

But It is too late to do experimentation with Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood, and kind of doesn't make sense when they Have Iftikhar Ahmed who been playing in LOI since 2019, and is a better power hitter than any other middle order batsman.

Iftikhar takes the number 5 spot, and Muhammad Rizwan number 4.

As for Imad, I guess he will be compared with Muhammad Nawaz, so that would be at number 7/8 batting position.
 
He is must for ODI cricket as he is Pakistan's only clean hitter. A much better option than Agha.
 
Seems he is not part of the World Cup ODI roadmap.

Imam in a presser:

“If I tell you honestly, I don’t think so, because we don’t have time to do experiments, and with Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan, we have enough power-hitting options. It's just that we need to give them confidence. Sometimes it is very different to come at number five or six and play only six or seven overs, and it's quite possible that they may not have the stats like Babar, Fakhar and I would have"

"The way Salman Agha made 31, got a wicket and bowled so well so I think they needs to be gven more confidence"

"Nawaz and Shadab are also really good hitters and all-rounders, so I think we need to give these guys confidence. In my view we could have given chance to Mohammad Haris and Iftikhar Ahmed, if we had more matches although Babar might be thinking differently. There aren't that many matches left, in fact we have only two matches left, so it is important to go into a big tournament after giving confidence to your main players"
 
Pakistan's real strength in ODI World Cup will be their excellent new ball attack (Shaheen+Naseem) and the presence of 3 varying spinners who can contribute matchups and 25-30 ovs with ball and bat well at intl stage.

Agha seems a steady player but Ifti has more gears than him. He is clearly the better six hitter
 
This is not imams call and a stupid statement by him.

Why add ifti to the squad than if he is not going for the world cup
 
Major said:
This is not imams call and a stupid statement by him.

Why add ifti to the squad than if he is not going for the world cup
Click to expand...

As a back up - we have a history of carrying drinks carriers in our sides.
 
MenInG said:
As a back up - we have a history of carrying drinks carriers in our sides.
Click to expand...

he should be getting a game atleast, especially the last two.

I doubt Salman Agha would be of much value for us
 
Major said:
he should be getting a game atleast, especially the last two.

I doubt Salman Agha would be of much value for us[/QUOTE]

Bowling has come good hasn't it?

Problem is that his batting isn't that amazing
Click to expand...
 
MenInG said:
Major said:
he should be getting a game atleast, especially the last two.

I doubt Salman Agha would be of much value for us[/QUOTE]

Bowling has come good hasn't it?

Problem is that his batting isn't that amazing
Click to expand...

His usage of bowling depends upon Babar Azam. Last night Babrs captiancy was top notch, bowling 9 overs from your 6th bowler was a very good strategy as it gave Babr option of either using Shaheen, Waseem or naseem in the last 5 overs. He didnt had to bowl their full qoutas and follow a set plan.

However, Iftikhar can also offer the same thing, its their batting that will matter. Salman Agha list A avg is in the 30s which means his performance will go down eventually.
Click to expand...
 
MenInG said:
Seems he is not part of the World Cup ODI roadmap.

Imam in a presser:

“If I tell you honestly, I don’t think so, because we don’t have time to do experiments, and with Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan, we have enough power-hitting options. It's just that we need to give them confidence. Sometimes it is very different to come at number five or six and play only six or seven overs, and it's quite possible that they may not have the stats like Babar, Fakhar and I would have"

"The way Salman Agha made 31, got a wicket and bowled so well so I think they needs to be gven more confidence"

"Nawaz and Shadab are also really good hitters and all-rounders, so I think we need to give these guys confidence. In my view we could have given chance to Mohammad Haris and Iftikhar Ahmed, if we had more matches although Babar might be thinking differently. There aren't that many matches left, in fact we have only two matches left, so it is important to go into a big tournament after giving confidence to your main players"
Click to expand...

Is Imam even aware that they are experimenting with Abdullah Shafique? I truly wonder
 
MenInG said:
He was specifically asked about Iftikhar and Haris.
Click to expand...

Fair enough I guess, still makes no sense to me how Iftikhar Ahmed cant be played when they are literally Trying Abdullah Shafique, who is a slow SR batsman and just started became a regular in international level very recently (~2 years ago I think)
 
Retire already Ifthikar! Go play in USA or something. Is he high school fail or something ? Does he carry any educational degree? There are other jobs he can do like taxi driving beside cricket! His cricket days are over
 
I wouldn't mind giving Ifthikar another run in ODIs leading up to the world cup. What's funny is that he's somehow seen as this ODI savior after one (admittedly pretty good) innings in a T20I against New Zealand B. Had he been out early I doubt anyone would seriously consider him. As if he doesn't average 25 in ODIs
 
Iftikhar should be in team its a no brainer... Ifti can bowl too and finally his bat is settled
 
If news reports are to be believed...

==
Abdullah Shafique's underwhelming performance in the two ODIs could also result in Iftikhar Ahmed being given an opportunity in the fourth ODI.
 
LOL what a performance today! Garbage! Should be kept away from Pakistan Cricket team
 
Horrible, horrible shot.

Playing against the spin, surely someone who has been around for so long, should know better.
 
Ideal situation for him to perform today, and he gave his wicket away.
 
I used to call Iftekhar as underachiever but sorry to say he is totally useless. Timid & meek player, not at all suitable for international cricket. Got so many opportunities but always failed on key occasions. He performs only against minnows or in useless matches
 
He's one of the cleanest hitters of pace in this side, but he just cannot play quality spin.
 
Going through a terrible patch.

Not long ago, he smashed Wahab Riaz (Wabby) for 6 sixes in an over
 
Bhaijaan said:
Going through a terrible patch.

Not long ago, he smashed Wahab Riaz (Wabby) for 6 sixes in an over
Click to expand...

He is not a youngster beauty. Although he is the only one who can really be a massive threat when on song he has to justify his spot by showing some consistency.
 
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He was unlucky today with his dismissal and Pakistan didn't post a total that allowed him to bowl some overs. He can make a handy contribution with both bat and ball so he should be playing every match at least in this World Cup.
 
Markhor said:
He's one of the cleanest hitters of pace in this side, but he just cannot play quality spin.
Click to expand...
Today all was required from him was to stabilize the innings after a minor collapse. Babar and Saud had just been dismissed and India's best bowler was bowling. Smashes a long hop for four, good, the required runs for this over have been attained. Lets play him out. What does the geriatic uncle try to do? Try and slog sweep an outside legstump bowl out of the ground and due to his old age his reflexes were so slow that the bowl had already gone past him before his gloves dragged it on to the stumps.


Mindless batting from someone whose children might be old enough to be in the side.
 
hassan918 said:
He was unlucky today with his dismissal and Pakistan didn't post a total that allowed him to bowl some overs. He can make a handy contribution with both bat and ball so he should be playing every match at least in this World Cup.
Click to expand...
Better bowler than either of the two that bowled today
 
Sorry to say this but chacha is out best batsmen and that says a lot at the ripe age of 42. Pakistan batting is in dire straits
 
How good is he in domestic cricket. He must be some sort of a freak going by people eating him so high here because his international record is quite mediocre.
 
He is making a valuable contribution in almost every match. Today he also played a really important innings of 40 runs off 27 balls and bowled 5 decent overs in which he conceded 27 runs.
 
If I had the authority, I'd appoint Iftikhar as the ODI captain until the 2027 World Cup, considering his current excellent form and the fact that he's just 33 years old
 
Feels like he’s one of the only guys with some power in our team. Fakhar Zaman is the other one.

He should play a floating role. When we get a good platform setup, he should be the one coming in to try to take advantage of it. All of our other players try to up the strike rate with finesse instead of brutality. We need a bit less finesse and a bit more power.
 
He is probably the most effective player for Pakistan in this World Cup.
 
hassan918 said:
He is probably the most effective player for Pakistan in this World Cup.
Click to expand...
Effective players can perform against top team! Where was his performance against Indian and Australia. What’s the point of 100 against Nepal or Afghanistan 40
 
He is clean hitter of the ball. He can play role of Klaasen in PCT, if he will be utilized wisely.
 
Mohraheem said:
Effective players can perform against top team! Where was his performance against Indian and Australia. What’s the point of 100 against Nepal or Afghanistan 40
Click to expand...
He was probably the best bowler against Australia and looking good with the bat before he was LBW on a very close call.
 
Gone for 3 playing a poor shot.

A disastrous World Cup for him where he did absolutely nothing except the 3 sixes vs Aussies
 
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