What's new

Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim and the left-handers myth

New Yorker

First Class Player
Joined
Nov 5, 2015
Runs
3,172
People have been pairing off our two least popular bits and pieces players, Hafeez and Imad, with some comical results.

For all his faults, there is rumour going around that Hafeez is not only an economical bowler, but that left handed batsmen quake at the sight of him. We need him against Morgan and Stokes is the conclusion.

Hafeez did winkle out Quinton de Kock in the game against Safrica. But that is also the only wicket he has managed against the top ODI sides, (Eng, Aus and SA) in his last 10 games. In the SA game he went at econ 5.10.

Against England away, since 2010, Hafeez averages 128 with the ball.

Imad Wasim by many is considered expendable after failing to impress with the bat this tourney. Moreover, he does not get the benefit of the 'but he's needed with the ball' argument. Though he took the wickets of Hashim Amla and ABDV in the game against SA, and went at econ 2.5. Apparently wickets don't matter if they are RHB.

Furthermore, whatever Wasim's record may be against LHBs generally, he is very good at getting out Morgan and Stokes. He took Morgan's wicket twice in the last bilateral series against England and Stokes once. Including Morgan's wicket in the last game of the series, after the English captain had had plenty of time to to get a look at Wasim.

This game was in Cardiff, where the Semi Final is being played.

Against England Wasim averages 36 with ball.

And while he has not set the world on fire with the bat this tourney, if there is one team that could get him going again it should be England. They famously never took his wicket in the bilateral series, though he scored two impressive half centuries against them.

So, is Hafeez over Imad really a no brainer for the coming match?
 
In an ideal world, none of both should be part of side playing semi final but we don't live in such a world, do we? But if you ask me, Hafeez certainly needs to make way for Haris Sohail as he has been our biggest non performing asset in CT. For all his weaknesses, I can still get behind Azhar as I know he won't play selfishly at least.

But then again, Imad also needs to go and Shadab should come in his place. Imad is economical but has not been able to take wickets at the same ratio as he used to a year back. A leg spinner has more a chance to take one or two wickets in the middle overs than both Hafeez & Imad.

Both of these decisions are not going to happen though tomorrow.These are just wishes of us average fans; what do we know anyway!!! :)
 
Why are so many threads are popping up now? they already have decided the team yesterday and I dont think even Mickey can even change the team at this point...
 
Shane Warne was spot on about this on commentary a couple of days ago. By making your part timer bowl just because there is a left hander tells your main spinner he's not good enough to get his wicket. Shadab will be a bigger threat than Hafeez, with a possibility of the ball coming in, or going away.
 
Back
Top