Misbah-ul-Haq's team selection for the Zimbabwe series

[Xoib]

Seriously it was possible to experiment while at the same time keep a strong enough side to dispose zim at home.
He could have played his 3 core bat's in Imam, Haris and Babar who gets him the most runs and just replaced Abid with Haider and in place of chacha he could have slotted Khusdil at 6.

Imad vs Zimbabwe proves nothing he could have easily played zafar and made faheem bat at 7 to see can he handle more responsibility.

Wahab in odi makes no sense when he will be 38 come next WC could have easily played Musa who himself is not great but atleast is young. Shaheen should not even have been in the squad could have let him play 4 day FC in preparation for NZ but since he's in the squad it's OK to let him play to keep him in bowling rhythm, this would have been my side for first odi

Imam
Haider
Babar
Haris
Rizwan
Khushdil
Faheem
Zafar
Musa
Rauf
Shaheen

Even this is not ideal for Zimbabwe at home but atleast it gives some youngsters some opportunities while keeping the core (Babar, Haris, Imam, Rizwan, Shaheen) to fall back on if you find yourself in trouble but the team selection today is totally farcical and I don't know how long can WK and Mani can let Misbah get away with this.

 

[Mir jibran]

A failed statistician who should have been coaching a regional association right now

 

[Shafi]

Too much power makes him tyrant. We have to wait 3-5 years before new MD/ PCB boss with strong personality can sack him.

 

[Xoib]

Apart from Rauf their is not one positive selection when he could have had 3-4 without jeopardising the result of the game.

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

Disgusting to say the least.

The second best batting talent in Pakistan is Haider Ali and he’s sitting on the bench watching OLDIES play against Zimbabwe.

If this isn’t the series to introduce him then when is?!

Pakistan didn’t play him in the T20s against England and learned their lesson the hard way. The same thing is happening now.

 

[Hasan123]

Awful selection as always. We have seen enough to see he isn't upto the job as coach and selector.

 

[kingusama92]

Today might have been the worst XI he's selected as a coach.

Just bad.

 

[RyanRyan10]

Maybe he is not confident about his team beating Zimbabwe without it's main players that's why he has picked the strongest XI.

 

[aukhan]

Not shocking at all. What are you guys expecting from Misbah?

Misbah has been more damaging to Pakistan cricket than match fixing.

 

[Sir-fraz]

Hes just a clown. Everyone fell for his tabdeli garbage.

He literally has no idea whats going on in cricket at the moment, he gave the job to his relative based on zero merit.

Ik has made pakiatan look bad internationally with his stupid statements

 

[Glen Durrant fan]

I was disappointed with the team but then I realised something. The team is only two changes away from being ideal. I think Fakhar needs to open with Imam, Khushdil needs to replace Iftikhar and Faheem is only is because Shadab is injured. So let's not get annoyed over one player, Iftikhar.

 

[Rana]

Today might have been the worst XI he's selected as a coach.

Just bad.

Besides Shadab, this is probably Pakistan's 1st XI

Im not defending him though. He had no right to be picking Harris, Imam and a maybe Imad instead of 3 new players.

Very dull brand of cricket on display here

 

[Usman]

The decision to pick grandad Ifti - whether her performs here or not - is utterly shocking. I mean you've got Haider, Abdullah Shafiq, Kushdil Shah to choose from. Heck if you had to pick a grandad, Hafeez is sitting on the bench for goodness sake.

Faheem is another questionable selection to say the least. I thought we already learnt the hard way that he simply isn't good enough?

On what planet Abid gets into the odi team ahead of Fakhar, God only knows.

This was a golden opportunity to try the young talent which, for the first time in a long time, is really exciting. The strategy if playing your old pals is just inexcusable.

 

[Markhor]

Have little interest in this series but just seen the XI. What an absolute disgrace from Misbah.

I'm afraid Babar is another captain who'll fail due to his deference to seniors.

 

[Shafi]

Ik is clueless.

 

[Glen Durrant fan]

I can explain why Misbah picked this team, although I disagree.

Premise 1: Abid and Iftikhar have been in good ODI form.
Premise 2: He should pick the strongest XI for points which means the best form players.
Conclusion: He should pick Abid and Iftikhar.

I'm pretty annoyed he picked them two but that's his logic. Where it goes wrong is the clear drop in form for Iftikhar and lack of balance or spark in the two accumulating openers. Misbah's head is still at the last ODI series, which does not work. Fakhar should be ahead of Abid (although anyone who says Imam shouldn't be in the team has not been watching) and Khushdil should walk into the XI ahead of Iftikhar. Aside from that, the team is fine though once Shadab is back in for Faheem.

 

[Xoib]

I can explain why Misbah picked this team, although I disagree.

Premise 1: Abid and Iftikhar have been in good ODI form.
Premise 2: He should pick the strongest XI for points which means the best form players.
Conclusion: He should pick Abid and Iftikhar.

I'm pretty annoyed he picked them two but that's his logic. Where it goes wrong is the clear drop in form for Iftikhar and lack of balance or spark in the two accumulating openers. Misbah's head is still at the last ODI series, which does not work. Fakhar should be ahead of Abid (although anyone who says Imam shouldn't be in the team has not been watching) and Khushdil should walk into the XI ahead of Iftikhar. Aside from that, the team is fine though once Shadab is back in for Faheem.

If you don't check bench vs Zimbabwe then when will you do it?
Imad, wahab, Haris, chacha all will be 35 and near about come next world Cup why would you have them in your plans when they might not even make to that tourney it's all mind boggling

 

[JibranAnsari]

Why is ik being blamed here , who chooses the coach? Isnt it the job of board chsirman?

 

[in_cutter]

Things will change under IK they said

 

[Glen Durrant fan]

I would agree but the answer to your question is premise 2. Misbah says he wants the points towards the next World Cup, so that's his reason. It isn't crazy, it's just not what we agree with.

 

[Glen Durrant fan]

Unfortunately, from an outsider's perspective, you've all really ruined your own team selection. The Pakistan fans are mostly extremely short-tempered, pessimistic and ungrateful so almost every player gets ripped on a regular basis, meaning when a guy who really should be ripped comes into the team, it goes unnoticed and the management feel no pressure. The Pakistan fan collectively have really took away their credibility.

 

[Shafi]

Why is ik being blamed here , who chooses the coach? Isnt it the job of board chsirman?

I think Mani is a good boy and Wasim Khan is all talk. Misbah is the distant cousin of IK and got the job without have any skill or qualification.

 

[Zaz]

Maybe he is not confident about his team beating Zimbabwe without it's main players that's why he has picked the strongest XI.

So what if they lose ? Id rather we lose playing with some fresh new faces than win with a grandad eleven

Whats a win with a tuk tuk eleven going to prove?

 

[Ertugrul_Bey]

154 Dot balls (25.4 overs).
Means half of our innings was Wasted. This is our main issue. Batsmen unable to rotate strike!

 

[Titan24]

Maybe he is not confident about his team beating Zimbabwe without it's main players that's why he has picked the strongest XI.

Fakhar over Abid would have made it the regular XI, Abid is not a regular opener in LOIs and also Haris is debuting while Amir and Shinwari are rested.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Too many similar batsmen at the top of the order using up deliveries, afraid to take risks, reluctant to take on the bowling and just creating pressure on the middle and lower order <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvZIM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvZIM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1322130992388284417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Zaz]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Too many similar batsmen at the top of the order using up deliveries, afraid to take risks, reluctant to take on the bowling and just creating pressure on the middle and lower order <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvZIM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvZIM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1322130992388284417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Summed up nicely

 

[Rana]

Let’s be fair to Zimbabwe. Their fielding wasn’t amateur by any means especially inside the 30 yard circle. You can’t just take risky singles against them because of their minnow status, our overweight batsmen (Harris, Imam and Abid) have no chance against proper athletes in the field.

Wasim Khan needs to look at this seriously. Yes he’s done well to secure some big deals for Pakistan in terms of broadcasting. But there may not be any renewals after 3 years If the Product is bland as we saw today.

 

[Zaz]

154 Dot balls (25.4 overs).
Means half of our innings was Wasted. This is our main issue. Batsmen unable to rotate strike!

Too many shots being placed straight to fielders and batsmen showing no urgency with no intent to look for potential singles off every ball

Horrible lazy cricket

 

[Amjid Javed]

Horrible squad selections, poor final 11 selected, the fact we are opening with Imam and Abid Ali in ODIs says it all.

Misbah is the worst selector in history of pakistani cricket!

 

[b.lesner]

heard on game on hai that clueless Ehsan mani isn't accepting misbah's resignation he is saying to misbah to keep all jobs. He wants misbah to complete 3 year tenure as Chief selector and coach.

 

[Shafi]

heard on game on hai that clueless Ehsan mani isn't accepting misbah's resignation he is saying to misbah to keep all jobs. He wants misbah to complete 3 year tenure as Chief selector and coach.

Mani himself is a guy with lack of strong personality. He likes to hibernate most of his time.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

I think Misbah's thinking behind bowling is the same that every Pakistan captain has had for the last 20 years - including in 2003 World Cup - Pakistan has 4 fast bowlers and they will blow the opposition away.

Unfortunately, Pakistan does not have the blow opposition away kind of bowlers. ODI pitches are also not the same as they used to and batsmen are much more used to 140 speed bowlers.

Misbah is living a few decades behind - as he was when he was Pakistan's white ball captain.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

A failed statistician who should have been coaching a regional association right now

Should be nowhere in Pak cricket. Such a coward, sluggish persona for a person to be in the gaming arena.

Not any sport would allow that. The more he works for PCT the more I feel he doesn’t want PC to succeed in any way.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

154 Dot balls (25.4 overs).
Means half of our innings was Wasted. This is our main issue. Batsmen unable to rotate strike!

Wasn’t this Mickey worked upon and get it reduced , Pak we’re scoring 320+ quite often after this was addressed seriously. Now Misbah is taking that backwards and I see gradual decline of that scoring rate, strike rotation and reducing the overall team score from 320+ to now struggling to reach 280s. We will see more decline because the tuk tuk master is now in charge of the proceedings and will bring this team back to where they were which is Scoring 230s or struggling to reach even 200s

 

[Kroll]

Come on guys, Misbah was the knight in shining armour that came and rescued Pakistan cricket.

 

[Third Man]

If you don't check bench vs Zimbabwe then when will you do it?
Imad, wahab, Haris, chacha all will be 35 and near about come next world Cup why would you have them in your plans when they might not even make to that tourney it's all mind boggling

It's Misbah we're talking about here. In his world, those guys still have two world cups in them.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Horrible squad selections, poor final 11 selected, the fact we are opening with Imam and Abid Ali in ODIs says it all.

Misbah is the worst selector in history of pakistani cricket!

No they both played together before as well, under Mickey and Inzi and they did well even against Aus

I strongly believe that they were told to preserve wickets in the power play and approach towards their game changed significantly.

 

[Syed1]

No they both played together before as well, under Mickey and Inzi and they did well even against Aus

I strongly believe that they were told to preserve wickets in the power play and approach towards their game changed significantly.

Were they playing Zimbabwe at home or 80s Windies in Trinidad?


Ajeeb baqwas hai. Have to support shameless Misbah's pathetic decisions no matter what. Other teams are employing two aggressors as openers with a high SR player at 3. Instead we went with Tuk tuks from 1-5. All thanks to Misbah.

 

[Shafi]

Were they playing Zimbabwe at home or 80s Windies in Trinidad?


Ajeeb baqwas hai. Have to support shameless Misbah's pathetic decisions no matter what. Other teams are employing two aggressors as openers with a high SR player at 3. Instead we went with Tuk tuks from 1-5. All thanks to Misbah.

Don't forget Waqar as well. People give credit to him for our bowling.

 

[unemployedgm]

This is not a Misbah problem it's a Pakistan Cricket problem.

1. In Pakistan We Don't Know How to Identify Talent.
2. We Don't Know How to Evaluate or Analyze Talent.
3. We Don't Know How to Project Talent.
4. We Don't Know How to Develop Talent.
5. We Don't Know How to Integrate Talent.

As a Result We Don't How to Construct a Roster.
We Don't Know How to Construct a Lineup.
We Don't Know How to Optimize or Manage a Lineup Over the Course of a Season, Series, or Game.

For anyone interested these are complex subject matters that require extensive research and analysis. This includes the compilation and use of data along with deep subjective analysis of an individual and a collective analysis of a team.

Finally, I think as need to stop discussing the concept of selection and instead move into the 21st century to discuss the concept of Building an Organization and a Team.

 

[Kroll]

This is not a Misbah problem it's a Pakistan Cricket problem.

1. In Pakistan We Don't Know How to Identify Talent.
2. We Don't Know How to Evaluate or Analyze Talent.
3. We Don't Know How to Project Talent.
4. We Don't Know How to Develop Talent.
5. We Don't Know How to Integrate Talent.

As a Result We Don't How to Construct a Roster.
We Don't Know How to Construct a Lineup.
We Don't Know How to Optimize or Manage a Lineup Over the Course of a Season, Series, or Game.

For anyone interested these are complex subject matters that require extensive research and analysis. This includes the compilation and use of data along with deep subjective analysis of an individual and a collective analysis of a team.

Finally, I think as need to stop discussing the concept of selection and instead move into the 21st century to discuss the concept of Building an Organization and a Team.

Misbah could still have selected Fakhar, Abdullah and Haider.

 

[Syed1]

Misbah could still have selected Fakhar, Abdullah and Haider.

Don't think attacking batsmen will find a spot in a team selected by shameless Misbah.


Also funny how his buddy Chacha Ifti continues to get selected despite failure after failure.

 

[naseem]

Certainly has no calibre of coaching a national team..... His appointment is a blunder and is one of
The 7 wonders of world......even a 5 6 yr old will
Select better team..... I m worried about the
NZ SERIES

 

[moghul]

Looking at Faheem Ashraf's selection, can't believe Pakistan has no better fast bowler for national team, are we really such a poor cricketing nation.

 

[Usman Chadda]

It's high time Misbah stops being this shameless useless piece of waste in Pakistan cricket, and actually thinks about where he is taking this team. We have gone five steps back since he took over. Nowhere in the world, does a head coach push players under the bus with alarming consistency as Misbah does. His 'fitness' regime is a joke, evident with players pulling up with cramps midway through their innings. Add to that, the vice-captain going missing due to a side strain on the eve of the series.

He should ask himself, what is he really achieving as either a coach or selector right now? If he does, I'm sure he will know what to do next rather than leech off Pakistan cricket as he usually does.

 

[GreenKhan]

So all this fuss about testing the bench strength and we should to a certain extent but ultimately it’s the result that matters . This team , with a few minor changes . Let’s say khushdil for ifti, and fakhar for abid Ali , and fit in Shadab is close to our best and we are struggling today .

I think we have underestimated Zimbabwe here.

 

[ahmedzee]

Few weeks ago I predicted a full strength senior squad for Zimbabwe, and after the failure there a young team would be sent to fail to nz. So far I am 100% correct. Misbah did it again.

 

[Mamoon]

We are closer to Zimbabwe level than India/England/Australia.

Our fans need to lower their expectations and stop pretending that Misbah is holding this rubbish team back.

With or without Misbah, we are complete garbage.

 

[hitthestump]

We are closer to Zimbabwe level than India/England/Australia.

Our fans need to lower their expectations and stop pretending that Misbah is holding this rubbish team back.

With or without Misbah, we are complete garbage.

People need to consider what Aus, Eng, India, NZ or SA would do to this Zimbabwe team at home.

This current performance isn't an embarassment, it's a wake up call.

 

[Syed1]

So all this fuss about testing the bench strength and we should to a certain extent but ultimately it’s the result that matters . This team , with a few minor changes . Let’s say khushdil for ifti, and fakhar for abid Ali , and fit in Shadab is close to our best and we are struggling today .

I think we have underestimated Zimbabwe here.

Those are literally three critical changes lmao


In place of Imam I'd add Zeeshan. I thought the days of bhanja hogging the strike were gone once Inzi was booted out, little did I know that Misbah doesn't even need a sifarish to make garbage selections.

 

[hitthestump]

It has taken us ages to identify young talented batsmen. Prior to Babar who was there?

Then when we finally find a few we don't play them.

Yes there's a dearth of ability in this Pakistan team. But Misbah IS holding us back by refusing to allow youngsters to reshape how we approach batting in LOI's.

Playing Abid Ali and Chacha Ifti should be a sackable offence in itself.

 

[unemployedgm]

You can develop players and win games at the same time.

 

[Rayyman]

For the next game I would consider resting Haris Sohail and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Abdullah Shafique could be tried in the middle-order. He has the potential to be an excellent ODI batsman.

 

[Kroll]

Don't think attacking batsmen will find a spot in a team selected by shameless Misbah.


Also funny how his buddy Chacha Ifti continues to get selected despite failure after failure.

It has taken us ages to identify young talented batsmen. Prior to Babar who was there?

Then when we finally find a few we don't play them.

Yes there's a dearth of ability in this Pakistan team. But Misbah IS holding us back by refusing to allow youngsters to reshape how we approach batting in LOI's.

Playing Abid Ali and Chacha Ifti should be a sackable offence in itself.

The irony, given the team today, Misbah considers Chacha Ifti the most attacking batsman at his disposal.

 

[Zaz]

Wasn’t this Mickey worked upon and get it reduced , Pak we’re scoring 320+ quite often after this was addressed seriously. Now Misbah is taking that backwards and I see gradual decline of that scoring rate, strike rotation and reducing the overall team score from 320+ to now struggling to reach 280s. We will see more decline because the tuk tuk master is now in charge of the proceedings and will bring this team back to where they were which is Scoring 230s or struggling to reach even 200s

Mickey worked hard to get it down Even the likes of imam and harris were trying to play at a run a ball showing urgency under him

Its early days yet to judge but it definetly did look like there was no urgency or intent

Our batters for the most part were simply not looking to rotate the strike at every opportunity or minimise the dot balls

If misbahs told them to preserve wickets n go hard at the end he needs to be held accountable and told its not good enough If its the players he needs to tell them pick it up or pack up n stay at home

This is the year 2020 not 2000

 

[naseem]

Zimbos may win one match the match Saheen and Babar is rested..

 

[naseem]

Misbah will definitely eat up any hope winning at least one ICC event till 2023..... pathetic coach planner mentor captain ........

 

[GreenKhan]

Those are literally three critical changes lmao


In place of Imam I'd add Zeeshan. I thought the days of bhanja hogging the strike were gone once Inzi was booted out, little did I know that Misbah doesn't even need a sifarish to make garbage selections.

Imam averages 50 plus with 7 centuries and he is not even 25. His SR still can be Improved no doubt but any body who has an issue with him being in the team clearly has issues with him beyond cricket . This sifarash rhetoric really needs to stop now as it holds no weight .

A opener averaging 50 with a SR between 80-85 is the perfect foil for the likes of Fakhar , babar, Haider Ali etc .

Stop the hate .

 

[Zeshan547]

In ideal world this should be our 15 member squad for next year specially in Asian conditions,
1_Fakhar (Aggressive opener +leftie)
2_Haider (Aggressive opener +rightie)
3_Babar (Anchor)
4_Rizwan (can't bat him anywhere else)
5_Hafeez (can up the anti, good vs both spin and fast in middle and end overs)
6_Khushdil ( proper hitter for finishing)
7_Imad (hard hitting all rounder)
8_Shadab (handy bowling all rounder)
9_Wahab ( good death bowler plus no mug with bat)
10_Shaheen ( strike new ball bowler)
11_Rauf ( till we find better replacement)

12_Zafar (back up spinner)
13_Abdullah Shafiq (back up batsman)
14_Fahim (back up seem all rounder)
15_Hasnain (back up fast bowler)
this team can hold its own vs the best in business provide they are given full backing and license to play the modern game, [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] and others what's your take, it's not even any out of the box selection, just a little vision and understanding of modern game and any sector worth his salt would pick these guys. But with misbah this will just remain pipe dream.You can swap Amir Yamin or ammad but with Fahim as well, these guys are the closest thing we have as pace all rounder. Fakhar is also on borrowed time but we ain't spoilt for choices for aggressive opener, maybe we can bring back sharjeel,

 

[shamaan]

Horrible squad selections, poor final 11 selected, the fact we are opening with Imam and Abid Ali in ODIs says it all.

Misbah is the worst selector in history of pakistani cricket!

Attacking cricket like babar said

 

[shamaan]

This whole line up was wrong in the top 5 batters thier wasnt one aggressive Bateman and after this thier wasnt no game plan and no defining roles for players.lets go to the bowling why wasnt a spinner played against Zimbabwe they are not very good at playing spin.

 

[RyanRyan10]

Wahab bowled a game changing spell. Masterstroke from Misbah

 

[Energy]

Since we have won the first match, we will stick with the 'winning combination'.

Boys played well, and Abid and Iftikhar are young to the game and need to be groomed. Faheem is our match-winner 'on the day'.

Need to keep wickets in hand in 50 overs cricket, so Imad, Wahab and Shaheen can smash in the end.

- Misbah aka Aristotle in philosophy of cricket.

 

[aloo paratha]

Shambolic selections today. Need to move past Abid Ali in ODIs, he'll be too old in 2023. Either Fakhar or Haider should've opened with Imam. Faheem Ashraf is so bad he should stick to 2nd XI domestic but somehow finds himself in a pakistan shirt. Seriously, he averages 13 with the bat and 40 with the ball in ODIs. Zafar should have played over Faheem, we needed 2 spinners. Even a mediocre spinner like Imad was troubling the Zimbabwe batsmen (barring Taylor). Also Khushdil should've played over Iftikhar. Khushdil averages 47 with the bat at a Sr of 99 in list A cricket, he really deserves a long run at #6.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

For the next game I would consider resting Haris Sohail and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Abdullah Shafique could be tried in the middle-order. He has the potential to be an excellent ODI batsman.

Replace anyone, if they are told to follow the 80s and 90s Model (play with caution, preserve wickets) play shots after the 40th over then you will see the same results.

The change needed is to replace Misbah and Waqar. The failures that have taken Pakistan to no.9 in ODIs and made them to likely play qualifiers for 2019 WC at one stage. Under this guy, Pak will surely go bac to those days , not very far.

 

[hitthestump]

In ideal world this should be our 15 member squad for next year specially in Asian conditions,
1_Fakhar (Aggressive opener +leftie)
2_Haider (Aggressive opener +rightie)
3_Babar (Anchor)
4_Rizwan (can't bat him anywhere else)
5_Hafeez (can up the anti, good vs both spin and fast in middle and end overs)
6_Khushdil ( proper hitter for finishing)
7_Imad (hard hitting all rounder)
8_Shadab (handy bowling all rounder)
9_Wahab ( good death bowler plus no mug with bat)
10_Shaheen ( strike new ball bowler)
11_Rauf ( till we find better replacement)

12_Zafar (back up spinner)
13_Abdullah Shafiq (back up batsman)
14_Fahim (back up seem all rounder)
15_Hasnain (back up fast bowler)
this team can hold its own vs the best in business provide they are given full backing and license to play the modern game, [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] and others what's your take, it's not even any out of the box selection, just a little vision and understanding of modern game and any sector worth his salt would pick these guys. But with misbah this will just remain pipe dream.You can swap Amir Yamin or ammad but with Fahim as well, these guys are the closest thing we have as pace all rounder. Fakhar is also on borrowed time but we ain't spoilt for choices for aggressive opener, maybe we can bring back sharjeel,

Yep. These selections are superb but it's not rocket science. Get some youngsters in the mix for the future and allow them to bring the modern style of cricket into Pakistan.

Misbah continues to lean on the oldies who were never outstanding in their prime, let alone with how much the game continues to adapt and change as batsmen get more and more innovative.

 

[ads101]

Pretty rubbish. Fahim alone dunno why he's playing let alone alongside Imad too, only one is needed and it should be Imad hands down. Haider not even in the team is extremely disappointing, and I would have liked Abdullah too but I expected at least Haider.

I get why Iftikhar and Abid were picked, they have good records. I wouldn't mind leaving them out for others but I get it. But Haider has to play, whether he has to leave out other batsman. Fahim honestly have no words, why waste a spot on a guy who won't make the first XI when we play against strongest sides.

Rizwan is becoming a real issue. His keeping is fine, and there's a batsman in there, but he's awful lower down. Has to play up the order, and if we have to drop one of the slower paced accumulators do so, then fine.

Really rubbish. Can't understand the fascination with Fahim, I mean seriously he is not good at any discipline. He's on track to have the worst record of all time, just let the guy focus on getting good in domestic first.

 

[Saj]

Is it Misbah's selection or should the skipper take a share of the blame for the team that was picked?

 

[Kroll]

Is it Misbah's selection or should the skipper take a share of the blame for the team that was picked?

We all know its Misbah picking the bulk or all of the team, you can see that from the selections and the way the team played. Its the same with Azhar and the test team.

It had all the hallmarks and characteristics of a Misbah team. It would be naive to think otherwise.

Babar hasn't developed the authority yet to pick his own team.

 

[Rayyman]

Replace anyone, if they are told to follow the 80s and 90s Model (play with caution, preserve wickets) play shots after the 40th over then you will see the same results.

The change needed is to replace Misbah and Waqar. The failures that have taken Pakistan to no.9 in ODIs and made them to likely play qualifiers for 2019 WC at one stage. Under this guy, Pak will surely go bac to those days , not very far.

Top 4 of Imam, FZ, Babar and Haris is proven and will do well under any coach.

 

[Rohan_97]

To Basically have 26 Maiden overs against Zimbabwe is an absolute disgrace. Pak cricket going backwards

 

[taqi]

Absolutely rubbish selections first for the series he missed few of top performers of National T20 then now with team selection of first ODI shows that we have hit a major mental block with our batting approach.

Need to replace Iftikhar, Abid/Imam and Faheem Ashraf.

But knowing Misbah’s attitude nothing will happen they’ll play this series with same XI almost and then in NZ he’ll play youngsters because his fav will be exposed there badly.

If he is kept Head Coach we’ll be soon number 10 in ODIS and T20s

Mickey and Sarfraz combo was best should have continued with that.

 

[Mr Crickekter]

For Misbah talent doesn't matter....
For him its age which matters the most.. And the age to be eligible to play for Pakistan is above 35

 

[TeymurBlake]

Misbah should have utilised the National T20 Cup to pick upcoming players to strengthen the bench ahead of big series against NZ & SAF but hasn't done that and has relied on the TTFs again as he has belief in them despite there constant failures.

 

[MenInG]

Haider Ali - enforced change due to injury to Haris. Apart from that - expect the same.

 

[Kashur_Kalkharab]

I seriously feel these guys are only interested in keeping their job, there is zero effort/intend given to understand the new dynamics of the modern game. I don't think misbah & come even watch others teams perform(I mean they are not interested in watching cricket played between other team). With misbah it appears if its all about him, I mean any body watching england, newzeland and india playing the game at the moment will feel that the brand of cricket played by Pakistan under this management is unacceptable. The only reason our management isn't understanding it could be possibly them not watching other teams play. May be!!! Dumbfounded!!

 

[shamaan]

Top 4 of Imam, FZ, Babar and Haris is proven and will do well under any coach.

Haris is a good place but hes not fit and always gets injuired

 

[shamaan]

Is it Misbah's selection or should the skipper take a share of the blame for the team that was picked?

It is all misbah selection if it was babar selection he would have picked qadir

 

[MMHS]

In ideal world this should be our 15 member squad for next year specially in Asian conditions,
1_Fakhar (Aggressive opener +leftie)
2_Haider (Aggressive opener +rightie)
3_Babar (Anchor)
4_Rizwan (can't bat him anywhere else)
5_Hafeez (can up the anti, good vs both spin and fast in middle and end overs)
6_Khushdil ( proper hitter for finishing)
7_Imad (hard hitting all rounder)
8_Shadab (handy bowling all rounder)
9_Wahab ( good death bowler plus no mug with bat)
10_Shaheen ( strike new ball bowler)
11_Rauf ( till we find better replacement)

12_Zafar (back up spinner)
13_Abdullah Shafiq (back up batsman)
14_Fahim (back up seem all rounder)
15_Hasnain (back up fast bowler)
this team can hold its own vs the best in business provide they are given full backing and license to play the modern game, [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] and others what's your take, it's not even any out of the box selection, just a little vision and understanding of modern game and any sector worth his salt would pick these guys. But with misbah this will just remain pipe dream.You can swap Amir Yamin or ammad but with Fahim as well, these guys are the closest thing we have as pace all rounder. Fakhar is also on borrowed time but we ain't spoilt for choices for aggressive opener, maybe we can bring back sharjeel,

I believe, MoHa is retired in ODI - let's not call him back otherwise he'll plan to stick around 2027. I'll take Haris (Sohail) for that.

In batting order, I think I'll play Babar as opener - he is the most complete batsman in the side, should be availed the maximum numbers of balls to play. Also, both Haider & Fakhar are a bit rash player - the day it works, it'll land PAK to 100/1 after 10-12 overs may be; but often it might result 20/2 in 5. Problem is, that 100/1 will be often against opponents against whom PAK can recover from 20/2 while often it'll be 20/2 against opponents against whom PAK will struggle to bat out 50 overs.

Till mid 2021, I can take this squad, but beyond that PAK has to look for 3-4 changes considering 2023 WC, in India.

1. Fakhar has very little to nil chance to carry his touch to that WC - his refelx & eye sight will start to match his technique - I'll introduce Saud here
2. Haris (Replacement of MoHa), has everything but a pair of knees to be trusted - he'll be in & out for alternate series, if not game. Too risky to invest - sad but you have to be ruthless here - I'll fit Abdullah Shafique here
3. Imad - not sure if he can work against top sides on Indian tracks, may be with bat but not with ball. In India, you need genuine wicket taking spinners for overs between 15-45, not darters for economy. I'll take Gohar for that, Imad can stay in squad
4. No Wahab - I have successfully predicted for last two PAK wins that Wahab will be the determining factor with his last spell, but every good thing has a shelf life. PAK have to bring Hasan Ali to his former level at 9, otherwise this is the biggest hole to plug.
11. Don't know who, but not a single option is good with new ball - find someone who can get a proper grip of that white new ball first. This is the only reason that I'll keep Amir's door open for one more WC - he is officially 28, you add some considerable buffer, still he should have enough fuel left in tank for one more WC. Otherwise, just recall PAKs bowling starts in 2019 WC, in UK - first 10-12 overs ..... those will look decent to excellent start after 2023 show in India.
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