"Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are the backbone of our team" : Sarfaraz Ahmed

[Abdullah719]

Sarfaraz Ahmed at a presser before Pakistan team's departure to England:

"Our team is very good, the guys have all worked hard. We have a balanced lineup and we'll try to do well in the World Cup"

"We will try to forget what happened in the past, and we'll try to perform beyond our capability"

"We have a different batting order, I'll be batting higher up the order, Shoaib Malik will bat at #6 and there's Imad Wasim and others"

"There is no compromise on fitness. There was just one guy Imad Wasim who struggled due to his knee but he has usually cleared the tests. Abid and Hasnain were new to the setup and they didn't know how much effort was required but they improved and passed the tests"

"Imad had an injury. He is a good player for our team combination so we gave him a little margin but he's passed his tests previously"

"The team is based on mutual consultation between the selectors and the coach and captain, everyone's advice is taken on board"

"Hafeez bhai and Shoaib bhai are our key players, we will try to get the most benefit out of their seniority. They are the backbone of our team and I am hopeful that they will both play and perform"

"We get into trouble if we go as favourites so we're going as underdogs, we have a good team"

"Many thanks to Imran bhai for inviting us, he said a lot of motivational things and he supported the team and me as a captain. He said we should play with bravery and should try our best, no matter what the result may be"

"Imad and Faheem have worked hard, Imad batted well in South Africa and against Australia. In our net match yesterday also, he looked in great nick. He knows he has to bat at an important position. Faheem is also working hard and batting well"

"All our players will be our trump cards, a team wins when all players perform"

"I intend to bat in the top 5"

"As a captain, all matches are the same for me. We need to win matches against all teams, not just India. Everyone wants us to win against India, but we will play every match in the World Cup as though we are facing India. We'll play against Afghanistan as though we're playing India so we'll be focused on all teams. True (lost all WC matches to India) but remember we recently beat them in a big event by a big margin so we might have a bit of an advantage due to that"

"Faheem Ashraf's bowling has improved a lot and he is a batsman who can improve his batting also. He will bat at 8 or 9"

"Mohammad Hasnain can bowl 150kph+. OK he's a little inexperienced but we have worked with him at the academy and he can be a key factor for the Pakistan team in the England series and the World Cup"

"Amir has an opportunity, we will rotate fast-bowlers against England. He has worked hard and is fit, he bowled well in the practice match yesterday"

"I am hopeful that Shadab will be part of the team for the World Cup"

"If you look at our team, 11 played in the CT. There's just a few new players who haven't played in English conditions"

"Pakistan team has won the World Cup before and we have the capability to win the World Cup again, that's why we have the caption 'We Will, We Have"

"Imran bhai won the World Cup in 92 and as a captain I also wish to win the World Cup and like he made a name for Pakistan, I will also try to make a name for Pakistan"

 

[Hasan123]

Wow he really loves Malik and Hafeez as much as Inzi ) .

Faheem looks a certainty to start. I’m sure Imad will start, they have gone about a leg spinner so Shadab will start. That leaves 2 spaces for 2 specialist bowlers. We cannot play all 3 of these all rounders. Not liking the sound of the balance of the team at all.

 

[Mamoon]

Sarfaraz epitomizes the decline of Pakistan cricket and our rotten cricket culture. He embarrasses the nation every time he opens his mouth.

This “I would like to thank a dozen bhais and my seniors and the selectors for giving me confidence” paindu mentality is running Pakistan cricket into the ground.

Not to mention, the ridiculous obsession with India which is making us a laughing stock.

 

[Khan12]

Sarfaraz epitomizes the decline of Pakistan cricket and our rotten cricket culture. He embarrasses the nation every time he opens his mouth.

This “I would like to thank a dozen bhais and my seniors and the selectors for giving me confidence” paindu mentality is running Pakistan cricket into the ground.

Not to mention, the ridiculous obsession with India which is making us a laughing stock.

Lol. This post applies to some people here.

 

[Hasan123]

Haris doesn’t seem likely to start and it’s Sarfraz choice as well. But we are told he does what is best for the team and a genius tactician.

 

[j_kazmi]

It’s a very fragile backbone then

 

[Ronaldo7]

Why isn't Haris starting? I thought it was a given.

 

[Hawkeye]

Sarfaraz epitomizes the decline of Pakistan cricket and our rotten cricket culture. He embarrasses the nation every time he opens his mouth.

This “I would like to thank a dozen bhais and my seniors and the selectors for giving me confidence” paindu mentality is running Pakistan cricket into the ground.

Not to mention, the ridiculous obsession with India which is making us a laughing stock.

Well said.

He's an embarrassment for the entire nation and cricket followers, whenever he's on the field (no performance) or opens his mouth in front of media.

CT was a fluke, but the fluke won't be repeated this time.

We could have gone with some better players for a better chance.

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=143023]SarfiBabarHaris[/MENTION] [MENTION=142670]mak36[/MENTION] . Your precious captain is choosing to leave Haris out for the 2 seniors you claim are selfish. Why don’t you criticise your precious captain for not dropping at least 1 of them ?

Bet you hide from this thread. Sarfraz,Inzi, and Arthur are the reasons these 2 are playing at the WC.

 

[GreenKhan]

For the first match of the England series it seems the batting lineup will be
Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Hafeez
Sarfaraz
Malik
Imad
Faheem

I say this based on various interviews that have been done .

If you swap Hafeez with Malik or Harris with Hafeez that’s probably the best line up we can expect . Sarfaraz has to bat in the top 5. If he can find his old from the 2016 England series then he will be a very good option.

 

[Hawkeye]

Clueless, no spine, an embarrassment to our cricketing legacy.

 

[Cric1234]

Spine of mediocrity for the last 15 years long may it continue Sarfraz bhai.

 

[aloo paratha]

Batting lineup should be:

Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Haris
Hafeez
Sarfraz
Imad
Shadab

 

[MMHS]

I think, Sarfraz's problem might be solved in an unwanted way - Shadab might not make it to WC, which allows Haris to take his place. If Amir also fails, than it's even better - fast bowling all-rounder Faheem will make it smoothly. This might be the starting XI in 1st WC game

1. Imam
2. Fakhar
3. Babar
4. Hafeez
5. *Sarfraz+
6. Haris
7. Malik
8. Imad
9. Hasan
10. Faheem
11. Shaheen

Ideally, Haris should bat at 4 and Hafeez at 6, but it might be disrespectful for the great man. And yes, in my line-up, I'll play Hasan ahead of the all-rounder.

 

[Hasan123]

I think, Sarfraz's problem might be solved in an unwanted way - Shadab might not make it to WC, which allows Haris to take his place. If Amir also fails, than it's even better - fast bowling all-rounder Faheem will make it smoothly. This might be the starting XI in 1st WC game

1. Imam
2. Fakhar
3. Babar
4. Hafeez
5. *Sarfraz+
6. Haris
7. Malik
8. Imad
9. Hasan
10. Faheem
11. Shaheen

Ideally, Haris should bat at 4 and Hafeez at 6, but it might be disrespectful for the great man. And yes, in my line-up, I'll play Hasan ahead of the all-rounder.

Do you think Faheem can come good or not?

 

[Green Patriot]

Our team is an invertebrate then.
Cool.

 

[Titan24]

I think, Sarfraz's problem might be solved in an unwanted way - Shadab might not make it to WC, which allows Haris to take his place. If Amir also fails, than it's even better - fast bowling all-rounder Faheem will make it smoothly. This might be the starting XI in 1st WC game

1. Imam
2. Fakhar
3. Babar
4. Hafeez
5. *Sarfraz+
6. Haris
7. Malik
8. Imad
9. Hasan
10. Faheem
11. Shaheen

Ideally, Haris should bat at 4 and Hafeez at 6, but it might be disrespectful for the great man. And yes, in my line-up, I'll play Hasan ahead of the all-rounder.

Batting would be pretty decent with this lineup and Haris, Hafeez and Malik can definitely bowl decent 10-15 overs between them however they wont be much of the wicket taking option but then Yasir too isnt considering what he has shown till now.

So Sarfaraz would need to attack with pacers and Imad and the above mentioned 3 can play economical, supporting role with this lineup.

 

[TeymurBlake]

So Sarfi seems to have confirmed that Haris won't be in the starting line-up. No.4 Hafeez and No.5 Malik hmmmm. Pakistan will definitely inch closer if not confirm, that they have lost the world cup and its not even started yet.

 

[The_Odd_One]

One of the top 2 performers in the Australian series will not start in the playing XI and the other is not even selected in the squad of 17. Happens only in Pakistan cricket.

 

[MenInG]

Seems very confident that Shadab will be back

 

[MenInG]

The underdog quote from Sarfaraz proving popular in world media

"We get into trouble if we go as favourites so we're going as underdogs"

 

[JattMaula]

The underdog quote from Sarfaraz proving popular in world media

"We get into trouble if we go as favourites so we're going as underdogs"

I just love the thought process of Pakistan captain. He himself has done the work for bookies.

For this WC Pakistan are underdogs!

 

[Ronaldo7]

I just love the thought process of Pakistan captain. He himself has done the work for bookies.

For this WC Pakistan are underdogs!

Bookies are the ones losing. If pak win, the bookies will have to give out a larger payout.

 

[Markhor]

1955: Hanif Mohammed and Fazal Mehmood are the backbone of this team.
1975: Zaheer Abbas and Majid Khan are the backbone of this team.
1985: Imran Khan and Javed Miandad are the backbone of this team.
2005: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammed Yousuf are the backbone of this team.

2019: Mohammed Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are the backbone of this team.

 

[MMHS]

1955: Hanif Mohammed and Fazal Mehmood are the backbone of this team.... And AH Kardar Captain
1975: Zaheer Abbas and Majid Khan are the backbone of this team .... & Mushtaq Mo Captain.
1985: Imran Khan and Javed Miandad are the backbone of this team......... & Imran Khan Captain
2005: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammed Yousuf are the backbone of this team...... & Inzamam ul Haq Captain

2019: Mohammed Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are the backbone of this team .... & Sarfraz Ahmed Captain.

I have added one more dimension..........

 

[MMHS]

Do you think Faheem can come good or not?

No idea, but obviously not much confidence with bat as you can see. If Amir isn't picked, then may be instead of JK, I tend to back Faheem as 3rd seemer.

 

[MMHS]

Batting would be pretty decent with this lineup and Haris, Hafeez and Malik can definitely bowl decent 10-15 overs between them however they wont be much of the wicket taking option but then Yasir too isnt considering what he has shown till now.

So Sarfaraz would need to attack with pacers and Imad and the above mentioned 3 can play economical, supporting role with this lineup.

Hope so, but not so confidence with 3 obsolete cricketer at the BACKBONE of this line-up. There are three other major conditions applied - 1. Imam has to maintain his average to play the anchor role. 2. Fakhar has to be successful for a considerable period with his slogging and 3. Babar has to maintain his average with better SR.

I don't think in ODI, batting depth works, if top order leaves the bottom half either too many to score (50-4 after 10 overs), or too quick to score instantly (201-4 after 40 overs chasing 301).

 

[Ami]

Sarfaraz doesnt speak for the pompous... few.
He speaks for the audience that doesnt give two hoots when he uses the word 'bhai' or thanks the almighty.
Get over it people.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

 

[CleverSir]

We need to get rid of this bhai, bhai culture in the national team. In Australia, England, even SA, if you are a senior player and you can't hold your own are start doing things detrimental to the team and winning effort everyone (including younger players) call you out on your crap. We need to adopt this ruthless attitude at the national level.

 

[gazza619]

Sarfaraz epitomizes the decline of Pakistan cricket and our rotten cricket culture. He embarrasses the nation every time he opens his mouth.

This “I would like to thank a dozen bhais and my seniors and the selectors for giving me confidence” paindu mentality is running Pakistan cricket into the ground.

Not to mention, the ridiculous obsession with India which is making us a laughing stock.

I remember when Wasim Akram became captain in 1993 he used to quote Javed Miandad as Javed bhai.
Obviously there are a few guys in the team who are senior to Sarfraz so not sure what the problem is here?

Dont forget your roots and culture. We come from a background where elders are called bhai.

It seems like Sarfraz got more in life as a cricketer than he asked for, so naturally he is being overly thankful. Thats how he is. Lets respect him for how he is and back him, rather than scanning him through our judgmental calculator.

 

[hitthestump]

Haris better get used to warming the bench - bhai Hafeez is coming straight in to take his place at number 4.

 

[Junaid_ahmed]

Sarfaraz epitomizes the decline of Pakistan cricket and our rotten cricket culture. He embarrasses the nation every time he opens his mouth.

This “I would like to thank a dozen bhais and my seniors and the selectors for giving me confidence” paindu mentality is running Pakistan cricket into the ground.

Not to mention, the ridiculous obsession with India which is making us a laughing stock.

What's wrong with bhai word, his interview was in urdu & in urdu bhai is use for someone senior & respectable. IMO it is better to use bhai rather Dada, veru, bhajji, Mahi etc etc.

 

[Ronaldo7]

What's wrong with bhai word, his interview was in urdu & in urdu bhai is use for someone senior & respectable. IMO it is better to use bhai rather Dada, veru, bhajji, Mahi etc etc.

Dada means older brother i think.

 

[Ronaldo7]

We need to get rid of this bhai, bhai culture in the national team. In Australia, England, even SA, if you are a senior player and you can't hold your own are start doing things detrimental to the team and winning effort everyone (including younger players) call you out on your **. We need to adopt this ruthless attitude at the national level.

You have an Inferiority complex. Lol. If indians can call Ganguly 'dada' considering how indians have the same inferiority complex then i don't see why pakistanis can't.

 

[Junaid_ahmed]

Dada means older brother i think.

Dada mean paternal grandfather I think.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Dada mean paternal grandfather I think.

Yeah but this isn't the same as dada and nana. Benagalis call their older brothers 'dada'.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Sarfaraz epitomizes the decline of Pakistan cricket and our rotten cricket culture. He embarrasses the nation every time he opens his mouth.

This “I would like to thank a dozen bhais and my seniors and the selectors for giving me confidence” paindu mentality is running Pakistan cricket into the ground.

Not to mention, the ridiculous obsession with India which is making us a laughing stock.

Lol maybe looking into it a bit too much

 

[W63L35]

Shoaib Malik has full capability of costing us 3-4 matches with his S/R of 72!!
I am sure, he will.

 

[moghul]

How sad is this to have two very mediocre elderly batsmen being called the back bone of the team. How did we end up at this level ? Thanks Inzi

 

[moghul]

1955: Hanif Mohammed and Fazal Mehmood are the backbone of this team.
1975: Zaheer Abbas and Majid Khan are the backbone of this team.
1985: Imran Khan and Javed Miandad are the backbone of this team.
2005: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammed Yousuf are the backbone of this team.

2019: Mohammed Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are the backbone of this team.

We have hit the rock bottom, thanks to our visionary selector.

 

[Pete Rose]

If they are the backbone then the team is going to World Cup on a wheelchair

 

[Baigel]

Haye meri kamar

 

[moghul]

Team needs to see an orthopedic/spine surgeon in UK for chronic back problem.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Why isn't Haris starting? I thought it was a given.

likely 11

1. imam
2. fakhar
3. babar
4. hafeez
5. malik
6. sarfraz
7. imad
8. shadab
9. faheem
10. hasan
11. shaheen

i would make 2 changes haris instead of malik
amir instead of faheem

 

[PakPremi]

Lol maybe looking into it a bit too much

Criticism for the sake of criticism.Some people forgetting their roots and culture.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

If the captain of the team thinks that they are the "backbone" of the team than not much left to think about.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Criticism for the sake of criticism.Some people forgetting their roots and culture.

Inferiority complex.

 

[A-1]

Crippled backbone

 

[Majid Khan]

Well that explains why the commentators use the word ‘spineless’ repeatedly to describe Pakistan’s batting efforts once Hafeez, Malik and Sarfraz are out.

 

[Hitman]

That would be equivalent to the back bone of a 99 year old bed ridden patient.

 

[Hitman]

Dada mean paternal grandfather I think.

Ganguly is a Bengali, and in Bengali and Assamese (my native tongue) Dada means older brother.

 

[Afhan Ali]

Always talk rubbish as usual
What he done as a caption against top5 teams

 

[MRSN]

Always talk rubbish as usual
What he done as a caption against top5 teams

Promote tailenders above him in batting and shout like a clown when one the field. Biggest joke of the decade. This guy is leading us in the world cup. Can't wait for his nail eating moments in the balcony.

 

[Chokli]

How do we expect to win when these two are the back bone?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Hafeez and malik the backbone of tje team. Yes the backbone of a jelly fish.

2 tried and tested failures who have rarely won pakistan games with bat against top ODI sides or outside of Asia. The fact we have persisted with these two after there previous flops shows what mediocre level the team bar is set at.

 

[Kroll]

Probably just lip service to deflect from the mounting criticism of these two dinosaurs.

 

[Cric1234]

We you put your faith in two past it players who were never match winners against the better teams then already there are problems the seniority culture has to be changed and players selected on merit and potential.

 

[MenInG]

KARACHI: Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed believes he won’t be under any pressure while batting up the order in the World Cup and his team is fully capable of posting 300-350 with regular frequency in the mega event that commences in England from May 30.

The ICC Champions Trophy winning captain was speaking to Dawn over the phone in an exclusive interview on Monday.

When asked whether wicket-keeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, after scoring two fine centuries against Australia in the UAE at an impressive strike rate of over 90, put him under any sort of pressure during the final team selection, Sarfraz said: “First of all, there is no pressure on me. Call it Rizwan’s bad luck if you wish, that I am the captain of the team and a wicket-keeper too. Obviously, it was a very difficult decision for us to drop someone who has been in such a terrific batting form,” said Sarfraz. “I do feel bad for him. But, we had to choose four players for the middle-order. So, we went ahead with Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez. Unfortunately, Rizwan couldn’t make the cut.

“But, it’s a good thing that our bench strength is solid enough to have players like Rizwan waiting in the wings. God forbid, if an injury occurs to someone on the tour, we know we have him in the back up,” he said.

Does the absence of a pinch hitter down the order bother him? “No,” came the reply from the captain.

“The team is fully capable of scoring 300-350 runs while setting up a target or chasing. We have some very good players in the middle and lower order,” said Sarfraz. “Imad has been in superb batting form for the last 2-3 months. He has batted brilliantly of late. We have Shoaib Malik who can be very handy. Then we have Faheem Ashraf as well who can hit the ball far. We have worked very hard with him in the camp. So, I am very hopeful that quick scoring down the order won’t be an issue.”

Pakistan will be playing their first two games against West Indies and England in Nottingham where the recent scores were in excess of 400. It is, coincidentally, the same ground where England smashed Australia all around the park last year and went on to record the highest ever ODI total of 481. However, that doesn’t stop Sarfraz from believing that his team can chase or defend any . “I have full confidence in the abilities of my players. I know they will give their best,” he said.

Defending Malik’s selection despite his woeful batting record in England, Sarfraz said that the team is not thinking about batting averages currently. “Our focus is entirely on the World Cup at the moment. [Shoaib] Malik is our most seasoned campaigner. We will try to make the most of the combined experience of Shoaib Bhai and Hafeez Bhai. They are the backbone of our team and they themselves realise the importance of performing in such big tournaments. We need them because the pressure of playing in World Cups is completely different from featuring in a regular game.”

Sarfraz also made it clear that Hafeez will bat at No. 4. “Hafeez Bhai has been batting at No. 4 for the last one and a half year or so. His slot is set and he will be seen batting at the same position.

“If you look at our squad, only four players have competed in a World Cup before. The rest of them are relatively new and have never played a single World Cup game, although 11 of them featured in the Champions Trophy played two years ago at the same venues,” he observed.

Commenting on Shadab Khan’s illness, Sarfraz said that he is very hopeful that the young all-rounder will be part of the final squad for the World Cup. “It is very unfortunate what happened to Shadab but I am very optimistic that he will play for Pakistan in the World Cup.”

As for Yasir Shah’s selection despite his not-too-impressive form in recent games, the skipper said: “We tried Yasir against Australia because we wanted to see whether we could play with the attacking approach of two spinners in the World Cup. Yasir was always our backup wrist spin bowling option because if the ball does grip in England, he will be a handful for the opposition.

“We could have opted for Mohammad Nawaz but we wanted a bit of variety in our bowling department and already have Imad Wasim as a left-arm spin option.”

Read: 'Kaptaan' Khan gives cricket team pre-World Cup pep talk

Sarfraz also hinted at the possibility of playing young pacers Mohammad Hasnain and Shaheen Shah Afridi together in the playing XI during the upcoming matches. “As you know, we will be playing 11 games before the World Cup so the idea is to rotate our six fast bowling options so that by the time the World Cup starts, all our pacers are fresh and in rhythm.”

Sarfraz also pinned high hopes on the experienced Junaid Khan in the matches in England. “He [Junaid] knows how to bowl in the middle and death overs. If you look at his record in England, it’s exceptional. He has performed well in the past in the Champions Trophy and has bowled impressivele in county cricket as well.”

And how did he evaluate Mohammad Amir’s chances of making the final World Cup squad?

“It is unfortunate that Amir, despite bowling well, has not been getting as many wickets as he would have liked, but he will have the opportunity to prove himself in the series against England and he has looked very keen in the practice matches and drills in the training camp too,” said Sarfraz. “He can make a case for selection if he does well against England.”

https://www.dawn.com/news/1477983/we-have-firepower-to-post-300-350-in-world-cup-sarfraz

 

[Deewana Mastana]

A team relying on these two typical.

 

[PakPremi]

A very sensible interview by Sarfraz as usual. Good luck to team Pakistan, but batting looks woeful unless Fakhar fires up the order and Abid Ali gets chance to play up the order as well.

 

[MMHS]

Dada mean paternal grandfather I think.

Bengali Hindus (or in classic Bengali language), paternal grandpa is called Thakurda, maternal grandpa is called Dadu. Grandmas are called Thakurma & dida or didima respectively. But, Muslims call Dada, Nana, Dadi & Nani.

Ganguly was used to be called dada, as elder brother. I don’t think there is any issue calling a senior guy as brother (Dada, Bhai) in field or in 121 conversation, but not sure if Indian players used to call Ganguly dada in press conferences. Mushi & Mahmudullah are brother in laws (married to siblings) & Mushi calls Mahmud, Ryad Bhai in field (& Dulabhai at home), but never heard him calling Bhai (Dulabhai) in press conferences.

But, yes it’s not a big deal - bigger deal is PAK’s 4-5-6 & Captain has confirmed that Haris will be carrying drinks & if he makes the XI in position of Shadab, he won’t bat at 4 (most likely at 6).

 

[IMMY69]

No sure how intentional his statement was but saying something like this takes the pressure off of our top three and arguably our two best odi players in Fakhar and Babar....

But thats probably reading too much in to this just like others who are talking about "bhai"...

 

[JibranAnsari]

I dont know how malik can be accomodated in the 11 given hariss recent form and hafeezs effectiveness down the order plus his bowling ability. If all seniors must play then pakistan should bid any chances of making to the semis good bye.

 

[hur rizvi]

Bengali Hindus (or in classic Bengali language), paternal grandpa is called Thakurda, maternal grandpa is called Dadu. Grandmas are called Thakurma & dida or didima respectively. But, Muslims call Dada, Nana, Dadi & Nani.

Ganguly was used to be called dada, as elder brother. I don’t think there is any issue calling a senior guy as brother (Dada, Bhai) in field or in 121 conversation, but not sure if Indian players used to call Ganguly dada in press conferences. Mushi & Mahmudullah are brother in laws (married to siblings) & Mushi calls Mahmud, Ryad Bhai in field (& Dulabhai at home), but never heard him calling Bhai (Dulabhai) in press conferences.

But, yes it’s not a big deal - bigger deal is PAK’s 4-5-6 & Captain has confirmed that Haris will be carrying drinks & if he makes the XI in position of Shadab, he won’t bat at 4 (most likely at 6).

That's rally awful. Harris and Babar are the backbone if there is any and benching Harris for Malik or playing him at 6 just makes an already woeful batting line-up dreadful to say the least.

Hafeez actually can be usefull at 6, and Malik's all usefulness would be carrying drinks.

I can sense a 2013 CT like world cup for Pakistan if both Malik and Hafeez feature regularly in the line-up

 

[hur rizvi]

I dont know how malik can be accomodated in the 11 given hariss recent form and hafeezs effectiveness down the order plus his bowling ability. If all seniors must play then pakistan should bid any chances of making to the semis good bye.

Exactly, malik is practically useless, Harris even has more bowling utility than him

And Hafeez can play the role of aggressor at 6, but if he is adamant to bat at 4 its really going to weaken the line-up and Harris at 6 would either not perform or will make way for Malik.

Awful interview and planning

 

[gazza619]

If Haris is not in the eleven i aint watching the WC

 

[hur rizvi]

If Haris is not in the eleven i aint watching the WC

His spot is important, if he is in XI and made to bat at 6 then he is going to be useless

 

[Nasty Naz]

Hafeez career in England: 22 innings: 27.94 SR 69.14.
Malik career in England: 23 innings: 13.63 SR 64.23.

I mean... what else is there really to say beyond that? This is why you never players decide the lineup or squad because their own personal view colours what they think is good or bad. Could legitemately make a case to play Hafeez at 5/6 but Haris should be the one batting at 4 and it gives you a perfect 3/4 combo with Babar. Haris also provides the ability to play a long innings which Hafeez is incapable of at this stage of his career.

Pakistan need a better think tank that actually look at stats and at a player's ability instead of their seniority.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Sarfraz himself shouldn't be playing. Absolute wasteman

 

[MMHS]

That's rally awful. Harris and Babar are the backbone if there is any and benching Harris for Malik or playing him at 6 just makes an already woeful batting line-up dreadful to say the least.

Hafeez actually can be usefull at 6, and Malik's all usefulness would be carrying drinks.

I can sense a 2013 CT like world cup for Pakistan if both Malik and Hafeez feature regularly in the line-up

I hope PAK plays well, but this batting line-up (including Yasir, & without Amir bowling as well, but it might change after ENG series) reminds me of CT 2013 for a reason and that was also played in UK.

If I can recall correctly, the 7 batsmen used in that tournament were Misbah, Farhat, Jamshed, Amin (?), Asad, Hafeez & Malik ... with Kamran as WK. I am not much convinced that these batting picks with Hafeez, Malik 6 years older into wrong side and Sarfraz batting at 5 is much better than that line-up. The statistical gap I understand, but that CT was 200-250 ranged tournament, this WC is likely to be 300-350 ranged.

Anyway, squad is selected so they should be backed - but I hope after WC, PCB doesn't make the same mistake which will force to call back may be Newaz or again Yasir 2 months before 2023 WC.

 

[Chokli]

I hope PAK plays well, but this batting line-up (including Yasir, & without Amir bowling as well, but it might change after ENG series) reminds me of CT 2013 for a reason and that was also played in UK.

If I can recall correctly, the 7 batsmen used in that tournament were Misbah, Farhat, Jamshed, Amin (?), Asad, Hafeez & Malik ... with Kamran as WK. I am not much convinced that these batting picks with Hafeez, Malik 6 years older into wrong side and Sarfraz batting at 5 is much better than that line-up. The statistical gap I understand, but that CT was 200-250 ranged tournament, this WC is likely to be 300-350 ranged.

Anyway, squad is selected so they should be backed - but I hope after WC, PCB doesn't make the same mistake which will force to call back may be Newaz or again Yasir 2 months before 2023 WC.

1.Imran Farhat
2.Nasir Jamshed
3.Mohammad Hafeez
4.Asad Shafiq
5.Misbah Ul Haq
6.Shoaib Malik
7.Kamran Akmal (wk)


Not a bad line-up on paper at all. This was when Shafiq still had potential and Jamshed a few months ago beat India in India... Misbah was always a gun batsman except in Mohali.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Hafeez career in England: 22 innings: 27.94 SR 69.14.
Malik career in England: 23 innings: 13.63 SR 64.23.

I mean... what else is there really to say beyond that? This is why you never players decide the lineup or squad because their own personal view colours what they think is good or bad. Could legitemately make a case to play Hafeez at 5/6 but Haris should be the one batting at 4 and it gives you a perfect 3/4 combo with Babar. Haris also provides the ability to play a long innings which Hafeez is incapable of at this stage of his career.

Pakistan need a better think tank that actually look at stats and at a player's ability instead of their seniority.

as sarfaraz said "we didn't even look at averages coz experience is enough".

 

[hasanali22]

I know we dont usually associate astute thinking with Sarfraz but calling Hafeez and Malik the backbone could be a master stroke. Just like Younis' T20 cricket is just for fun comment in 2009. This would take the pressure off the actual younger players who are the actual backbone of the team.

No way of knowing if thats what he wanted from this comment but either way might work to our advantage.

 

[Sunny_majoka]

I am happy we will play 5 matches vs Eng before mega event.
M sure when world cup will start one of malik and hafeez will be out of the playing 11.
If not both

 

[AFM]

No wonder we keep calling the team spineless

 

[MenInG]

Sarfaraz Ahmed may want to read Nasser Hussain's comments on Hafeez/Malik

PakPassion.net: How vital will Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik be for Pakistan at the World Cup?

Nasser Hussain: They will be vital but Pakistan in general have to find a way of getting a score. When I see Pakistan and I see a batting line-up that can get them to around 280, then with their bowling line-up I think they are in the game. What they need and what Mickey Arthur will want is a batting line-up that can keep them in the game and not just have the wheels fall of. Hafeez and Malik with their experience have to work out what is a good score for their bowling line-up and conditions. Yes, they will be important but sometimes in Asian teams they rely too much on and focus too much on the senior players. Instead, what you should be looking at actually as a batting line-up are the players who are going to deliver regular scores and take the team up to scores of 300 or more.

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...ned-with-at-the-World-Cup-quot-Nasser-Hussain

 

[ARK Rafay]

Since we can't drop Sarfraz can we at least play Hafeez down the order instead of Malik so he can accelerate in the middle and lower middle order and vs spinners.

 

[CS Khan]

Fakhar
Abid Ali
Baber
Haris
Sarfaraz
Hafeez
Imad
Shadab
Hassan
Shaheen
Junaid

 

[CS Khan]

Not sure about Hafeez but Malik for sure will be out of playing 11 after England ODI series