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"My only advice to Sarfraz is that we should bat first against India" : Imran Khan

With all due respect to Khan saheb and his achievements on the cricketing field, I feel he should not give cricket opinions as he is so immersed in politics for the last two decades that he has not followed the game at all & hence always gives outdated advice which is simply not applicable in post 2008 cricketing world.

By following games I mean covering games like his contermporaries gavaskar, chapell, kapil dev, botham & many 80's players. These guys are very up to date with modern cricket and therefore don't give 80's/90's scenario advices.

I got nothing but love & respect for IK. Just don't agree with him giving cricketing advice without following the game.
 
First Up, Imran said this upon being asked by a reporter, so not sure why the noise plus he said "I am not that close to cricket nowadays but my only advice to him is that he should bat first against India"

So not sure what is getting people's knickers in a twist?

Also, look at this thread and see how divided the opinions are amongst the posters, no matter what he would have said, someone would have had a cow with that.


My Advice to the Team:
Go for the kill, no matter what the situation is, just do your best and enjoy the game; if it is in your fate, you will win otherwise no one can help you win anyway!
 
With all due respect to Khan saheb and his achievements on the cricketing field, I feel he should not give cricket opinions as he is so immersed in politics for the last two decades that he has not followed the game at all & hence always gives outdated advice which is simply not applicable in post 2008 cricketing world.

By following games I mean covering games like his contermporaries gavaskar, chapell, kapil dev, botham & many 80's players. These guys are very up to date with modern cricket and therefore don't give 80's/90's scenario advices.

I got nothing but love & respect for IK. Just don't agree with him giving cricketing advice without following the game.

So if a reporter asks him a cricketing question he should just sit there like deaf and dumb?
 
I agree with 100% with Khan Sab. No matter if the total, Pakistani batters will crack under pressure.
 
A Big LOL at armchair experts on PP.


So those people who have NEVER played a single domestic and international match in their lives can give cricketing advice day in and day out, but a world-cup winning ATG alrounder should refrain from giving advice :))) :))) :)))


Salute to all PP experts.


:salute
 
What the people are smoking here?? What they think they can demolish Indian batting to a total of 200-220; and that too on a flat deck with small boundaries. Even in that case, there is 95% chance that we will lose the game.

We have history of making small targets complicated..We made those small 140ish targets in WC 2007 T20 look difficult (If not for resurgent Misbahs batting, we would have lost both games in 15 overs); we succumbed under pressure in 2011 chase; gave easy wickets to the likes of UV, Munaf patel, etc., and somehow dragged to the point that we did not even had batsman except misbah to play in power plays.

2015 WC : Even after first innings, everyone knew we had no chance; we threw away the start provided by Shehzad and Haris; and from 88/1 we went to the point of no return to 94/5.

2004 CT : Thankly the target was small and we had Inzi and Yousuf to absorb pressure; and allowed afridi to smash, even at that time we were at one point 20/3.


I think IK is right..even if we restrict India to 200-240s score, it will be very difficult for us to chase that total, which I dont see happening..Indian fielding puts a lot of pressure in second innings, and makes their mediocre bowling attack looks dangerous!!

Batting first negates Indian fielding, and they tends to make mistakes in first innings, while in second innings these guys become ruthless; and puts more pressure on our batting.

Don't just go by Bangladesh game; its a no match, and it never was..Only in recent years Bangladesh batting has improved, their bowling is monotonous as hell; that's why whatever their victories have come against big teams is while chasing. And btw, Bangladesh did not deserve to even be in the semis, thanks to rain that they got 1 point for the already lost game against Australia; and they were lucky also in 2015 WC game , when again they got 1 point from rain curtailed game against Australia; Had that match was completed, Bangladesh would never be in the Quarters as well.

Folks here assumed that we can happily restrict India to 200-240 score, what if they scored 320+ ; then its game over for us, that's what happened in 1st match, we need Azhar and Fakhar to play their natural game for at least 10-15 overs, which can ensure strong platform for us; in second innings with 300+ score to chase, Azhar will try to slog and will throw his wicket away, and panic button will be pressed by the subsequent batsman..

Batting first, we need Azhar and Fkhar to play out 20 overs and give us 100-120 runs..that will be good start, and will give good confidence for the rest of our game..

If we somehow cross that 300 mark ( which can happen in first innings ); it will not be easy for India to chase that; as usual Rohit/Dhawan will take their time to start their innings, which will put a lot of pressure on their batsman; and this will also force Sarfaraz and bowlers to take wickets. Even Indians know this is not Bangladesh bowling attack, going extravagant will definitely hurt them the most..
 
2011 and 2015 world cup,2017 champions trophy,in all these 3 occasions Pakistan was beaten while chasing.In this way,Imran is right.But,Pakistan won their last 3 matches while bowling first.India won semifinal against Bangladesh bowling first.So,in that way bowling first is the way to go.It's up to Pakistan team management.I think if Sarfraz wins the toss,he will bowl first.Kohli will do the same.
 
No way .IK should stick to politics now . We have been winning batting 2nd this whole time . Kohli is a monster in chasing . I'd rater us bat2nd . Keep india under 300 and go for it .
 
A Big LOL at armchair experts on PP.


So those people who have NEVER played a single domestic and international match in their lives can give cricketing advice day in and day out, but a world-cup winning ATG alrounder should refrain from giving advice :))) :))) :)))


Salute to all PP experts.


:salute

Cricket did not end in 1992. Those logics don't work anymore in present era. Like i posted earlier, nobody is dissing his credentials but yes he is out of touch with the modern game.
 
His suggestion for Misbah to come back in ODI's was. This not so much.
 
What the people are smoking here?? What they think they can demolish Indian batting to a total of 200-220; and that too on a flat deck with small boundaries. Even in that case, there is 95% chance that we will lose the game.

We have history of making small targets complicated..We made those small 140ish targets in WC 2007 T20 look difficult (If not for resurgent Misbahs batting, we would have lost both games in 15 overs); we succumbed under pressure in 2011 chase; gave easy wickets to the likes of UV, Munaf patel, etc., and somehow dragged to the point that we did not even had batsman except misbah to play in power plays.

2015 WC : Even after first innings, everyone knew we had no chance; we threw away the start provided by Shehzad and Haris; and from 88/1 we went to the point of no return to 94/5.

2004 CT : Thankly the target was small and we had Inzi and Yousuf to absorb pressure; and allowed afridi to smash, even at that time we were at one point 20/3.


I think IK is right..even if we restrict India to 200-240s score, it will be very difficult for us to chase that total, which I dont see happening..Indian fielding puts a lot of pressure in second innings, and makes their mediocre bowling attack looks dangerous!!

Batting first negates Indian fielding, and they tends to make mistakes in first innings, while in second innings these guys become ruthless; and puts more pressure on our batting.

Don't just go by Bangladesh game; its a no match, and it never was..Only in recent years Bangladesh batting has improved, their bowling is monotonous as hell; that's why whatever their victories have come against big teams is while chasing. And btw, Bangladesh did not deserve to even be in the semis, thanks to rain that they got 1 point for the already lost game against Australia; and they were lucky also in 2015 WC game , when again they got 1 point from rain curtailed game against Australia; Had that match was completed, Bangladesh would never be in the Quarters as well.

Folks here assumed that we can happily restrict India to 200-240 score, what if they scored 320+ ; then its game over for us, that's what happened in 1st match, we need Azhar and Fakhar to play their natural game for at least 10-15 overs, which can ensure strong platform for us; in second innings with 300+ score to chase, Azhar will try to slog and will throw his wicket away, and panic button will be pressed by the subsequent batsman..

Batting first, we need Azhar and Fkhar to play out 20 overs and give us 100-120 runs..that will be good start, and will give good confidence for the rest of our game..

If we somehow cross that 300 mark ( which can happen in first innings ); it will not be easy for India to chase that; as usual Rohit/Dhawan will take their time to start their innings, which will put a lot of pressure on their batsman; and this will also force Sarfaraz and bowlers to take wickets. Even Indians know this is not Bangladesh bowling attack, going extravagant will definitely hurt them the most..

If you keep being SCARED to chase and keep admitting your batting sucks nothing will change. I like how Sarfraz has elected to field first many times as it's the RIGHT decision. It's time for a culture change. Shut up and put up!!!
 
Cricket has changed since IK played 50 years back. Secondly he has no idea of the talent and mindset of our current players. Sarfraz is not asking for IK's opinion. We have been chasing well over the past two matches so depending on conditions it may be no bad thing to do that again.
 
Cricket has changed since IK played 50 years back. Secondly he has no idea of the talent and mindset of our current players. Sarfraz is not asking for IK's opinion. We have been chasing well over the past two matches so depending on conditions it may be no bad thing to do that again.

"chasing well"

You mean like all those huge targets of 220 runs?

Or the thrilling chase of 230 runs against Sri Lanka?

Or the confident chase of 330 runs against India in the opening game?

Cricket might have changed but our batting hasn't. It's because cricket has changed that restricting opposition to a score below 300 is an anomaly and not something to be taken for granted.

In this changed world of cricket we Pakistani fans still have to babysit our batsmen on flat batting paradise. It is too much to ask them to set a 300+ target. Instead we have to burden our bowlers even more.
 
I can see why Imran Khan is saying this , and he has some reasonable cause . He is basically saying Pakistan doesn't chase well, has a brittle batting lineup, unpredictable ...whereas it's bowling is it's stronger suit, so use your stronger point later..which does makes sense.

But as I posted my reasoning in the pre match thread, there is a flipside to this ...if Pakistan bats first ..and if it's brittle and unpredictable batting gets it into a 50-3 or 80-4 situation, they don't have recovery options ..and will be facing pressure of Indian chase ..and be desperate to post 280 plus and may even collapse for 180 or so ..leaving the second half meaningless even if Pakistan bowls well and gets India to 30-3 ...top up...even 250 or so from 30-3 ...India would chase as it has the depth and experience, so batting first means that Pakistan will have the advantage only if they post 300 plus for chasing and get India to 30-2 or so ...while the 30-2 is possible ..I doubt If both 300 plus and 30-2 can happen ..unlikely..

But in case the same 30-2 happens in first 10 overs ..and if Rohit and Kohli gone ...it's possible ..for Pakistan to restrict India to 240-260 ...and then hope it's top 4 batters somehow get to 110-2 ..and this is how Pakistan has taken games into the last 5 overs . So it's a Hobson's choice for Pakistan on winning toss.

Imran seems to believe on basis of your weakness , don't chase he says...partly true ...I say the same thing based on your strength ...bowling and say ..bat first ..have confidence in your bowling ...even if you target 250, you will endup with 280 and then hope your bowling makes early strikes. But if you use your stronger suit up front and it doesn't come through as expected, you may find India at 55-0 in 15 overs ...and the Indian team will hardly mind it ..they will pile a big score professionally and bat you out of the match ...with your weaker hand coming in last...

So I will agree with Imran Khan ..but with a slightly different reason..
 
2011 and 2015 world cup,2017 champions trophy,in all these 3 occasions Pakistan was beaten while chasing.In this way,Imran is right.But,Pakistan won their last 3 matches while bowling first.India won semifinal against Bangladesh bowling first.So,in that way bowling first is the way to go.It's up to Pakistan team management.I think if Sarfraz wins the toss,he will bowl first.Kohli will do the same.

I expect sarfraz to be smarter than this.

He knows the opposition would be counting on us wanting to bowl first. Let's see.

In any case I entrust our captain to make the best decision.
 
All these has beens need to say is, "Wish our team the best of luck."

But apparently even that is a little bit too hard for them.
 
A Big LOL at armchair experts on PP.


So those people who have NEVER played a single domestic and international match in their lives can give cricketing advice day in and day out, but a world-cup winning ATG alrounder should refrain from giving advice :))) :))) :)))


Salute to all PP experts.


:salute

This!!! Criticising the World Cup wining captain :facepalm:
 
People seem to think as if chasing a 300+ score is something you get gifted. Just because.

As if the successful chase against India by the SL team was an obvious thing and had nothing to do with their senior batsmen like Matthews stepping up and taking the responsibility.
 
Poor advise. He is from old school of thought. Cricket has changed a lot from 80s era. Imran thinking is outdated. U can beat India only by batting second. They r the best chasers in the world. Pak need to win the toss & elected the ball. Pakistan tried & tested formula in this tournament .
 
"chasing well"

You mean like all those huge targets of 220 runs?

Or the thrilling chase of 230 runs against Sri Lanka?

Or the confident chase of 330 runs against India in the opening game?

Cricket might have changed but our batting hasn't. It's because cricket has changed that restricting opposition to a score below 300 is an anomaly and not something to be taken for granted.

In this changed world of cricket we Pakistani fans still have to babysit our batsmen on flat batting paradise. It is too much to ask them to set a 300+ target. Instead we have to burden our bowlers even more.

We can only chase what the target was. IK does not have much knowledge of how Cricket is nowadays. This is not saying that we have become brilliant at the game nether am I saying our batting is great or anything like that.
 
What a legend,playing mind game forcing india to chose to bat first if they win the toss :afridi
 
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As he said, he is done with cricket. However, if we win tomorrow by defending a total, people will hail his unparalleled acumen and how he was right once again. The fact is that he doesn't have any insights on modern cricket because he doesn't watch it.

His assessment of what Pakistan should do tomorrow is as useful as Rambo's prediction that Pakistan will play India in the final. His prediction was based on his wish, and Imran's assessment is based on what worked during his time. If it works tomorrow, it won't mean that he was right, simply because his assessment isn't based on what is happening in the modern game.
 
So I will agree with Imran Khan ..but with a slightly different reason..


Just to clarify ...as I haven't phrased it clearly ...I agree with Imran Khan reasoning based on your weakness in batting only partly. I agree the bowling is the stronger point for Pakistan ..as Imran too seems to imply...but I still feel that batting first is better option ..not because batting is brittle ..but because it's based on your strength of bowling ..which you should keep for later ...and it's a better risk than using bowling first ..and even if you get India to 30-2 ..and India get away to 260 ..they will probably defend it ..given Pakistan's weakness in high pressure match chases ..thereby negating the effect of your bowling. Better take the risk of batting first ..somehow notchup 270 and hope your bowling gets India down in the first 10 overs to 30-3 ...it's still a risk ..India has depth ..and can chase it down ..but it's a lesser risk than bowling first and finding India at 50 plus for no wkt in 12 overs
 
i heard there is expected rain in the final so it would be wise decision to bat second if reports are true

London will be 30 degrees on Sunday. Not sure where you've seen rain predicitions!
 
I have had 30 years of watching cricket and one of biggest fan of Imran khan, but here I am not agree much with him.

On Oval pitch, if it's test match, I would always bat first, oval pitch produces 500 - 600 runs in first innings, fourth and fifth day ball tuns a lot for spinners.

If it's odi, I will be so confused on this pitch, what to do after winning the toss because on this pitch ball swings first hour of the match.. if you survived that hour than batting first is good but if you lost couple of wickets in that hour you will lost the match...

So I would go ball first. If yours guys get their their three guys quickly, like Dhawan, Rohat and Kholi, you have a big chances... In cricket you never know.


As you guys know who I should support, My dad is half Pakistani and Half Noreg, my step mom is from India.

So that's why I used words, your(Pakistani) and their(Indian).

But personally in cricket I support Pakistan regardless of my mom from India.... but there are some other things in life where I like India too....

I hope Pakistan wins tomorrow, I am sick of lot of crap on my cell phone since yesterday from my Indian Noreg classmates, from both males and females... Even though I left Noreg a long time ago, but they still send me so much crap whenever there is India vs Pakistan match. and next day they all send me sorry messages saying we are just kidding with you .. as you know we love you....
 
"chasing well"

You mean like all those huge targets of 220 runs?

Or the thrilling chase of 230 runs against Sri Lanka?

Or the confident chase of 330 runs against India in the opening game?

Cricket might have changed but our batting hasn't. It's because cricket has changed that restricting opposition to a score below 300 is an anomaly and not something to be taken for granted.

In this changed world of cricket we Pakistani fans still have to babysit our batsmen on flat batting paradise. It is too much to ask them to set a 300+ target. Instead we have to burden our bowlers even more.

This type of negativity and mindset will ensure nothing changes. Culture change is needed and in believing in our batting - like other teams. Put up and shut up! Culture change!
 
If pak bats first, and makes less then 290, India won't take any pressure and easily win this game..

Only way they can lose if they play first and don't know what target set up for Pakistan and try play shots early or nonsense shots and may lose quick 2-3 wickets.. then Pakistan can win this game..

Imran khan sorry, you don't know your current team... they are very different than your and wasim's team where I used to send 100s of text messages to my Indian friends before match night.. They never replies because they knew what they gonna get tomorrow.. But things are different now.. so different..

Hope PSL will find good talent soon in Pk and you guys match up again with them.

In PSL you should play some matches in UAE, and some in local cities... for example Karachi vs Multan match should be played in either Karachi or Multan not in Lahore... That's crap...
 
No way .IK should stick to politics now . We have been winning batting 2nd this whole time . Kohli is a monster in chasing . I'd rater us bat2nd . Keep india under 300 and go for it .

I'm sure India will say thank you ..and bat first ...their toughest task is now going to be the first one hour or 15 overs ..and even if they are down 30-2 or so ...they will bat ...thinking ...let's just get to 180-4 in 40 overs ..India has the batting depth and the late order striking power and run very well between wickets ....and if they do get to this point ..they will simply target 70 or 80 runs in last 10 overs ..with 6 wkts in hand ..may end up beyond 260 ...knowing every run scored is 2 runs in terms of a chase for Pakistan , given their batting
 
On the other hand if Pakistan cannot get India down to 30-2 ...and India gets to 55-60 for none in 12 overs ...then it's game over for Pakistan ..and time to call the travel agent to check if the tkts are confirmed back home. If I were Pakistan captain ..I would rather put up a score , plan wisely get 2-3 partnerships going ..get to 270 ..and bank on my good fast bowlers to get them down on the chase to 30-2 ..and not worry about what if Rohit or Shikar gets going or if Kohli motors along etc ..this is a better risk than same thing happening India batting first and Pakistan chasing 270 and Fakhar and Babar gone cheap..sure gone Pakistan would be in this scenario
 
no we have to bowl first so our batting exactly knows what to do . batting is weak so they need to be told what and how much you have to score .
 
Saeed Anwar, Ijaz Ahmed, Inzaman, Salim Malik , Afridi, Razzaq and Moin Khan couldn't chase down 227 in 50 overs, Manchester 1999. ...same batting plus Javed Miandad and Aamir Sohail couldn't chase down 287 in 1996 in Bangalore WC qf ...and this indian bowling is far better than the bowling in 1990s ..and your batting far worse than back then ...chasing ? Forget it ..trust me ..you would end up chasing 300 and lose by around 100 runs . Bat first ...well better probability ...maybe get to 270 ..and if and when India get to 30-2 ..you are at least in the game ..I still think India would win even in this scenario..but it's the lesser risk for you
 
Not on that pitch. That pitch is a road and hopefully our bowler can find reverse where they can't.
I would bite your hand off to chase 270.
SL breezed to 325 with 2 overs to spare

Every single one of our bowlers can reverse the ball. Even bhuvi has learnt to reverse
 
no we have to bowl first so our batting exactly knows what to do . batting is weak so they need to be told what and how much you have to score .

That's fine ...but even if your batting is told what to do , the question is whether they can do it . Pakistan cricketers as a rule have suffered from a calm and cool temperament deficiency...and this is key to chasing. Even chasing just 255 ...and from 80-1 , Pakistan batters can collapse in 20 minutes playing stupid shots ...2011 wc ..1996 wc ..and so many examples . India mostly doesn't play stupid shots and throw the game away, they have tons of odi experience and all the batters have seen it all..they have to be outskilled by your bowling ...so use your batting first , get whatever best you can , planning wisely and playing to 10 over plans , building partnerships around players like Babar, Azhar etc ..and have confidence your fast bowlers can defend 260 even by taking wickets ..regularly ...yes ..you cannot contain Indian batting ..you have to dismiss them ..else ..bowl first ..take that risk , and see what happens . I would be happy .
 
Saeed Anwar, Ijaz Ahmed, Inzaman, Salim Malik , Afridi, Razzaq and Moin Khan couldn't chase down 227 in 50 overs, Manchester 1999. ...same batting plus Javed Miandad and Aamir Sohail couldn't chase down 287 in 1996 in Bangalore WC qf ...and this indian bowling is far better than the bowling in 1990s ..and your batting far worse than back then ...chasing ? Forget it ..trust me ..you would end up chasing 300 and lose by around 100 runs . Bat first ...well better probability ...maybe get to 270 ..and if and when India get to 30-2 ..you are at least in the game ..I still think India would win even in this scenario..but it's the lesser risk for you

This is silly. Anything under 6 RPO required rate Indian team can chase in their sleep.
 
Batting first or second is about us holding onto our chances, both Kohli and yuvraj offered us chances in previous game but we graciously let them off the hook, up until late then we were doing ok.

HOLD onto your chances for God sake pakistan.
 
A Big LOL at armchair experts on PP.


So those people who have NEVER played a single domestic and international match in their lives can give cricketing advice day in and day out, but a world-cup winning ATG alrounder should refrain from giving advice :))) :))) :)))


Salute to all PP experts.


:salute
He is not up to date with cricket where a lot PPers are.
 
Please don't think I'm putting the Pakistan team down �� it's just that I too want a good India Pakistan match going to the last 5 overs ...of course with India beating Pakistan yet again ..as I'm sure it will happen. But please don't spoil my Sunday evening with beer by opting to chase ..and I hope Virat also chooses to chase, (although it's better he bats ), for a longer match ��
 
This is silly. Anything under 6 RPO required rate Indian team can chase in their sleep.

Oh ...so if India can post 6 rpo in a chasing scenario ..imagine what they can do batting first ...you are again planning based on fear of opponent strength ..never do it in cricket ..plan based on your strength ..never on opponent strength ..that way you allow the opponent to direct the game even before a ball is bowled ..you are going in defensively ...with a fear mindset , thinking ..I'm doing this ..bowling first ..only because I know Kohli and co will smoke 300 in 45 overs as if playing in the nets ...you are now bowling in that frame of mind ...and if India gets to 55-0 ..your team will be thinking ..there you go ..they are going to get 320 ..we are gone ...and would have lost the game in your mind in just one hour
 
Batting first in ODI has always been a very aggressive approach and makes lot of sense as our stronger point ( relatively ) is bowling and we should look forward to defend the score. Batting first will put less pressure on our fragile minded seniors. And, also because IK said it, no one knows about winning against India than the great Khan.
 
He doesn't follow cricket now days as he said. Sarfaraz and Mickey should assess conditions on the day and make the decision they feel is best for the team.
 
As he said, he is done with cricket. However, if we win tomorrow by defending a total, people will hail his unparalleled acumen and how he was right once again. The fact is that he doesn't have any insights on modern cricket because he doesn't watch it.

His assessment of what Pakistan should do tomorrow is as useful as Rambo's prediction that Pakistan will play India in the final. His prediction was based on his wish, and Imran's assessment is based on what worked during his time. If it works tomorrow, it won't mean that he was right, simply because his assessment isn't based on what is happening in the modern game.

I guarantee you that whenever Imran actually commentates on a full game, his insights are pretty solid and spot on. The ICC should have invited me specially to commentate on the final.
 
It clearly shows he doesn't follow cricket that closely. His advice to at first is based on a myth that bat first and set a huge or competitive total in a final. For India anything below 340 is walk in the park. Even in the first game when pak was bowling they were good to restrict India under 260 if they hold to their catches and moreover they are without junaid and the selection was wahab. This is where they lost the game.

Pak should bowl first.
 
Bad advice, Imran needs to realize that Sarfraz is not leading the same team he used to lead. The only way we can win this match is by getting them out on a low score and then chasing it down.
 
I hope Pakistan wins tomorrow, I am sick of lot of crap on my cell phone since yesterday from my Indian Noreg classmates, from both males and females... Even though I left Noreg a long time ago, but they still send me so much crap whenever there is India vs Pakistan match. and next day they all send me sorry messages saying we are just kidding with you .. as you know we love you....

Haha, they sound really cool!
 
Pakistan needs to get it out of their minds that they will lose the game if India bowls first. We need to be positive that we can win from any position, if they get a brisk solid start and are 150/1, the team needs to strive for wickets and believe that quick wickets will change things dramatically.
 
Pakistan needs to get it out of their minds that they will lose the game if India bowls first. We need to be positive that we can win from any position, if they get a brisk solid start and are 150/1, the team needs to strive for wickets and believe that quick wickets will change things dramatically.

Why try something new when the current method is working? We don't have some mighty bowlers or batsman that can score big or run through strong batting lines like the one India has. Mindset alone is not enough, skills are required too and we simply don't have them. Our experienced batsman can't rotate strike, our fielding is horrible and our bowlers are new. If we bowl first the pressure will be on India to set a good total.
 
As he said, he is done with cricket. However, if we win tomorrow by defending a total, people will hail his unparalleled acumen and how he was right once again. The fact is that he doesn't have any insights on modern cricket because he doesn't watch it.

His assessment of what Pakistan should do tomorrow is as useful as Rambo's prediction that Pakistan will play India in the final. His prediction was based on his wish, and Imran's assessment is based on what worked during his time. If it works tomorrow, it won't mean that he was right, simply because his assessment isn't based on what is happening in the modern game.

May be you're right but it's also possible that his assessment is based on the fact that our batters have a history of making even relatively easier chases difficult for themselves, especially against India.
 
Imran should not be taken seriously , he is far away from cricket these days.

First of all , you need to win the toss to make decision. That is not under your control. What is under your control do that. Bowl right lengths , field well , hold on to catches.
 
In most situations, he is spot on.

In this one, he isn't because PAK is comfortable chasing and IND is a dominant chasing side. It's smarter to bowl first.
 
Who knows how far Pakistan cricket could have come if Imran Khan actually cared about the cricket of his country after his retirement. Was the greatest Asian captain of all time.
 
This type of negativity and mindset will ensure nothing changes. Culture change is needed and in believing in our batting - like other teams. Put up and shut up! Culture change!

If you are calling my thinking negative then you are badely mistaken!

My thinking is as positive as it can be!

Of course we should develop a batting culture as Inzi bahi said and create a team which can chase 300+ scores. But right now is not the time.

My thinking is positive because I demand from our batsmen to step up take the charge and put up a respectable total. While most of you guys get panic attack the moment you think about batting first. As if batting first requires some kind of amazing skill. Chasing is what requires skills and the ability to handle pressure.

Hoping that our bowlers once again deliever an exceptional performance and restrict india to a "low score" just so that our batsman have a chance of chasing it, is true negaive thinking.

I don't get it!

Most of you seem to agree that if we bowl first, get india's top 3 out cheaply then it's game on! As if it's a given that the likes of Dohni and Yuvraj will fail.

While at the same time in case of defending a target you guys believe that despite getting india's top 3 out Dohni and co. will chase it down easily.

I mean how illogical is that?

Yes it's true Kohli, dohni and co are among the best chasers. But there is no such thing as a guarantee. And it's not as if their first inning average is horrendously bad that one can just assume them to fail while batting first.

Everyday is a new day. Age is catching up with dohni. I find it much more plausible that dohni will fail while chasing than fail while batting first with no scoreboard pressure especially since the par score against our batsmen doesn't even have to be 300+.
 
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We can only chase what the target was. IK does not have much knowledge of how Cricket is nowadays. This is not saying that we have become brilliant at the game nether am I saying our batting is great or anything like that.

You might have a wrong impression. I have no interest in defending Imran's advice.

I just find it astonishing that the vast majority of Pakistani supporters here agree with bowling first and seem to have unexplainable faith in our batsmen to chase.

While I believe that it is not as straightforward as it might seem. Batting first is a valid option and should be considered properly.
 
You have to know your opposition. India is the best chasing team in the world. Kohi's ODI batting average in the 2nd inning is almost 70. If we win the toss and bat first, we are essentially committing suicide before the game has even started. Also, we just beat two of the best teams by chasing, all our momentum is in this direction. Why would anyone think to change a winning formula???
 
IK makes sense as it's a final and chasing is very different esp against a bowling attack which is on fire.

Bottom line, the best team will win chasing or not.
 
So completely opposite to what everyone is saying here. I don't think Imran Khan watches cricket that closely. India will chase down any target vs. Pakistan.

Read the second sentence mate... he says he is not close to cricket. I think that says it all.
 
You have to know your opposition. India is the best chasing team in the world. Kohi's ODI batting average in the 2nd inning is almost 70. If we win the toss and bat first, we are essentially committing suicide before the game has even started. Also, we just beat two of the best teams by chasing, all our momentum is in this direction. Why would anyone think to change a winning formula???
Actually lately Kohli's average while chasing is 90+
 
You have to know your opposition. India is the best chasing team in the world. Kohi's ODI batting average in the 2nd inning is almost 70. If we win the toss and bat first, we are essentially committing suicide before the game has even started. Also, we just beat two of the best teams by chasing, all our momentum is in this direction. Why would anyone think to change a winning formula???

Pakistan was just recently a number 8 ranked team in the world. Hafeez is listed as a top ranked all rounder in the world. In the end statistics are just that. A bunch of numbers on which on can make good enough judgements. They are not the ultimate reality. They don't guarantee anything.

To win we have to get kohli out either way. In the opening game Kohli batted first and scored an unbeaten 81, around 11 runs more than his average while chasing.This proves that there is no guarantee. It's not as if he hasn't scored a century batting first. Or as if he magically loses his game when batting first. His good record while chasing just shows that he is someone who is willing to step up and take the extra responsibility. Unlike our senior batsmen.

India batted first against Sri Lanka. The srilankan got koi out cheap. Still Dohni scored an impressive 63 at a strike rate of 120+ All the stats go out of the window. He is not guaranteed to fail batting first.

India has batted first two times in the tournament and each time they got to a 300+ score easily.

I hate to repeat myself but I don't think you guys have really given this a thought :

You guys seriously believe there is a bigger chance of restricting a strong Indian batting line up, batting first with no scoreboard pressure, on a flat pitch to a low score. And with low score we most certainly are taking about around 250 at max. That has a bigger chance than being able to defend an around 300 target with the pressure of a final game?

India are great chaser but they too aren't always able to chase 100% of the time. No matter how good of a chaser you are there always will be pressure on you. And here we aren't talking about some meaningless bilateral. It's the final of a tournament against your arch rival.

And when was the last time our bowling tested India's chasing skills with a respectable total on board. If we have so much trust in our bowling why do we lack trust in their ability to defend a total successfully?

The moment a wicket falls our batsmen go in a shell and start tucking tuking, guess when it is more safe to tuk tuk. Batting first or chasing?

Obviously this is not going to be an easy match. Let's make the decision rationally instead of making them on useless mantras such as "no need to change a winning formula" or that batting second team has won the most matches.

Additionally I want our senior batsmen to take some responsibility and show up for once in their life time and lead from the front. And if they can't to that then they don't deserve to represent pak team in the future.
 
You might have a wrong impression. I have no interest in defending Imran's advice.

I just find it astonishing that the vast majority of Pakistani supporters here agree with bowling first and seem to have unexplainable faith in our batsmen to chase.

While I believe that it is not as straightforward as it might seem. Batting first is a valid option and should be considered properly.

Certainly batting first should be considered depending on the pitch and weather. Putting India in blindly on a favourable track and sunny day could mean they bat us out of the final in the first half. As I said in another thread even a powerful batting line up like India's will be under great pressure chasing 280. IK does not need to tell Sarfraz what he should do.
 
Whether batting or bowling Pakistan must bring their A-game, PERIOD, can't stress how important it is to bowl tight line and length, give no room to batsmen to play shots, bowl good variations, fielders must take catches and Pakistan shall prevail,

That's true. Though you did not mention what our batsmen should do. I guess it's because there is no helping them and one can only cross his fingers and hope for the best.

I have full faith in our bowling. Mostly in our pace attack and yes it has a lot to do with wahab not playing.
 
"I am really impressed with Sarfraz Ahmed as he is a fearless captain"

"I am not that close to cricket nowadays but my only advice to him is that he should bat first against India"

"Because, Pakistan's main strength is bowling; if India bat first and put up a huge total like they did before, then our batting will be under pressure"

"We should contain India with our bowling after batting first"

"Peoplel like Najam Sethi have destroyed Pakistan cricket"

"The only way to improve the cricket team in Pakistan is by polishing the immense talent this country has"

"We used to be superpowers of World Cricket; In my days, we played 24 ODIs against India where we won 19"

"Today situation is different because India have fixed their system, atlhough there is more talent in Pakistan"

"All Pakistan captains of the past have said that we need to fix our system"

"Najam Sethi may have fixed the elections but he cannot fix our system"

"I feel that Pakistan team now has a great opportunity to redeem its honour after the very embarassing loss to India in the first game"

"I feel that we should bat first, score big and then put them under pressure"

Well, I have a few questions for you, Mr. Khan:

- How does Pak become a cricket superpower just because it beat India 19 out of 24 times? Did other teams like WI, England and Australia stop playing cricket? May I recall for you the winners of all the WCs during your career? 1975 and 1979 - WI; 1983 - India (yeah the same India you're dissing!); 1987 - Aus (a newbie team that kicked your backside in semifinals in your hometown); and finally 1992 - Pak (fluke win as even you'd agree, Mr. Khan)

- What happened to the called Pak honour when Sunny's India kicked your backsides in 1985 B&H, not once but twice including the finals? Were you able to save Pak's "honour" then? So why are you giving gyaan now?

- A couple of weeks later you went to Sharjah and were bundled out for 87! What happened to the Pak honour then?!
 
If Pakistan wants to chase then they need to strengthen their batting with bits and peices players like Hafeez at number would not be able to chase a total more than 250. Everyone is saying its a batting track and that the Pakistan should chase then why would you want 6 bowlers in the side if five bolwers can't take wickets then 6th surely will not be utilitised.

People are saying

we should have:

Aamir (if fit) BOWLER
Rumaan BOWLER
Hasan BOWLER
Junaid BOWLER
Shadab/Faeem BOWLER
Imad BOWLER/Bat ( more of a bolwer)
Hafeez BAT/BOWLER
Shoaib BAT/BOWLER


Between them they would only utilise 5 bowlers what is the logic of having all bowlers and no batting when you are going for the chase?
 
Love Imran khan to bits. Support him fully politically BUT if he doesn't watch cricket then his advice is not really helpful. He is out of touch eith cricket remember him wanting to sekect M Sami and Younis Khan and Younis khan is one of tge main reasons we are doing ok he lost us countless odis. Sarfraz is a leader he will go with his Gut, these are the kinds of matches where legends are made
 
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Ahmed Shehzad? HELLO?

FAHEEM ASHRAF? FAKHAR ZAMAN????
LOL. Of all the players, you have to rely in a newbie who isn't even tested.

Good luck with that. If your hope is batsman who just started their career, then there's so many wrong with the team.

I hope he turns up and gives us something to fight. Because as we have seen, last few clashes were too one sided and even I don't want that.
 
Whether batting or bowling Pakistan must bring their A-game, PERIOD, can't stress how important it is to bowl tight line and length, give no room to batsmen to play shots, bowl good variations, fielders must take catches and Pakistan shall prevail,

So many conditions for Pakistan to he even competitive.

To team India, all it needs to be say is, play your natural game. Like as always you do.
 
You mean if Pakistan has a below par game with the ball, India can win.

the difference between pak bowling and Indian bowling is not that much as difference between pak batting and indian batting. Even when pak bowlers are at their best, we have batsmen to counter that. We have the clear second best bowling attack in this series
 
the difference between pak bowling and Indian bowling is not that much as difference between pak batting and indian batting. Even when pak bowlers are at their best, we have batsmen to counter that. We have the clear second best bowling attack in this series

on paper sri lanka team was far behind india in every department, but still sri lanka won

performance on the day counts more than how teams look good on paper
 
Another outdated piece of advice from Kaptaan.

Sarfraz while he has been good on field still seems a bit of a yes man off the field to superiors and to his friends (e.g. Shafiq and co) so I won't be surprised if he follows this 'advice' just on IK's reputation.

I fear we will see a repeat of WC final Lord's 1999 with Bhuvneshwar ripping through if he does this.

Side note: would love to see Pandya smashed to all parts, seems too cocky against us. Insh'Allah Imad gets him out and hits for back to back lofted sixes for revenge.

and Kohli scored 100 but we still win :amla
 
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Why try something new when the current method is working? We don't have some mighty bowlers or batsman that can score big or run through strong batting lines like the one India has. Mindset alone is not enough, skills are required too and we simply don't have them. Our experienced batsman can't rotate strike, our fielding is horrible and our bowlers are new. If we bowl first the pressure will be on India to set a good total.

My point is that the toss is not in our hands, India can win the toss and put us in to bat first, we have to be positive at all times and look to win.
 
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