New Zealand v Pakistan l 2nd Test l Christchurch l January 03-07 2021 l Pre-match discussion

[samiakh]

Shan
Abid
Azhar
Babar
Fawad
Rizwan
Faheem
Zafar Gohar
Amad Butt
Shaheen Afridi
Mohammed Abbas

We have no choice on the openers, we could try Imran Butt for one of them but its not fair to give a guy a debut in these conditions. Amad actually swung the ball in the Shaheens match and is a better bat than Naseem. The spinner at Christchurch is a variety and control option, not a wicket taking option so may as well play Gohar since he can bat a bit too. Dont see this lineup taking 20 wickets either but to be honest we dont have a bowling lineup currently that looks like it can take 20 wickets, no matter who we play.

 

[PakPremi]

Pak just need 4 pacers, Azhar Ali, Fawad and Haris Sohail can do the spinning overs who ever shows good form in the match. Both Sohail K and Ammad B will contribute more than Yasir in batting. So one of them should be added.

 

[wazzy]

Didn't Yasir Shah take like 3 wickets?

113 / 3

of these 2 wickets were of batsmen no 10 and 11. He got kane Williamson but after he had scored 129 runs -- Nothing to write home about.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Is Babar Azam a cert for next test?

 

[mazkhan]

For me yasir should be dropped just because of the type of pitches I would bring in sohail khan , I'm not sold on amad butt's bowling to be fair dont know much about the player .

But sohail khan fitness issues aside knows how to bowl with new ball and can swing it and has the intl level experience plus can use the long handle with the bat good striker of the ball.

The spin option can be covered by haris fawad and azhar
But I doubt there will be much assistance for spin.

If babar is fit then for me one of the openers needs to be dropped and I'm inclining towards shan masood with azhar and abid opening.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Is Babar Azam a cert for next test?

It sounds like it, I believe his passed his fitness test

 

[UzmanBeast]

I think the following players need to be dropped:
Abid Ali / Shan Masood
Harris Sohail
Naseem Shah
Yasir Shah (if option to play Shadab which is unlikely)

Who can we replace them with?

Replacing both openers would be madness at the top order and will likely result in a catastrophic collapse against the likes of Southee and Boult if New Zealand opts with a threatening green pitch.

Shan Masood has been around for a lot longer and has scored runs in some crucial situations, so I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. Also because of the fact that he has height and is less likely to be skittled by bouncers and short balls from Wagner and Jamieson.

Haris Sohail should be dropped immediately with Babar Azam taking the 4th slot in the team. Haris needs to go back to domestic and meet the fitness standards as everyone else like Azam Khan and Sharjeel are doing at the moment.

We sadly do not have a very like-for-like replacement of Naseem Shah, and I agree that he is horrible overseas. Yet, if his pace is up, I'd just play him and use him as New Zealand use Wagner. Short and aggressive.

Yasir Shah needs to be replaced for two reasons: Barely any spin so a specialist is not needed and also because he can't really bat at all, it was a lucky innings which got him some recognition as a capable batsman. Zafar Gohar should take over on that front as he can at least bat a bit when needed and can bowl long overs if the pitch does have any sign of spin. He can also control the run rate.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

It sounds like it, I believe his passed his fitness test

Thank you.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Replacing both openers would be madness at the top order and will likely result in a catastrophic collapse against the likes of Southee and Boult if New Zealand opts with a threatening green pitch.

Shan Masood has been around for a lot longer and has scored runs in some crucial situations, so I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. Also because of the fact that he has height and is less likely to be skittled by bouncers and short balls from Wagner and Jamieson.

Haris Sohail should be dropped immediately with Babar Azam taking the 4th slot in the team. Haris needs to go back to domestic and meet the fitness standards as everyone else like Azam Khan and Sharjeel are doing at the moment.

We sadly do not have a very like-for-like replacement of Naseem Shah, and I agree that he is horrible overseas. Yet, if his pace is up, I'd just play him and use him as New Zealand use Wagner. Short and aggressive.

Yasir Shah needs to be replaced for two reasons: Barely any spin so a specialist is not needed and also because he can't really bat at all, it was a lucky innings which got him some recognition as a capable batsman. Zafar Gohar should take over on that front as he can at least bat a bit when needed and can bowl long overs if the pitch does have any sign of spin. He can also control the run rate.

My preference is the following:

1. Shan Masood (last chance)
2. Abid Ali (last chance although won't surprised with Imran Butt taking over)
3. Azhar Ali
4. Babar Azam
5. Fawad Alam
6. Muhammad Rizwan
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Zafar Gohar/Sohail Khan
9. Shaheen Afridi
10. Naseem Shah
11. Muhammad Abbas

 

[arunpsm]

If Babar is fit, on paper it looks like a strong batting line up, however no one knows how Babar would be mentally coming back from the injury.

Bobby belongs to Fab5 level (at least for me), and so his mental toughness is a given. This is a non issue.

 

[shamaan]

If you are going to play an all seam attack in NZ, Christchurch would be the place to do it.

NZ didn't play a spinner there at all last Test (v India) & regulalrly go all seam attack at the venue. Spinners have taken 5 wickets combined across the last 3 tests played there. Although if NZ never pick one, that DOES reduce the chance for spinners to show up in the wickets at all.

Yes i would defonitely play 4 fast bowlers but lets see what the management do

 

[shamaan]

My preference is the following:

1. Shan Masood (last chance)
2. Abid Ali (last chance although won't surprised with Imran Butt taking over)
3. Azhar Ali
4. Babar Azam
5. Fawad Alam
6. Muhammad Rizwan
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Zafar Gohar/Sohail Khan
9. Shaheen Afridi
10. Naseem Shah
11. Muhammad Abbas

I would not drop a batter and play babar and drop yasir. Lengthen the batting and expect the 4 pacers to do the job

 

[MMHS]

113 / 3

of these 2 wickets were of batsmen no 10 and 11. He got kane Williamson but after he had scored 129 runs -- Nothing to write home about.

It doesn’t work like that. It was not a wicket for him yet he bowled highest numbers of overs and he was quite economical as well, kept one side tight - that’s because apart from Shaheen, other three pacers were just not up to the mark, Abbas kept it tight without penetration while Faheem was under used, and Naseem was loose.

PAK won the toss and opted to field - this didn’t help either. If Yasir was in plan, they should have batted first. Even then, when the inserted NZ, pacers let the team down - only 1 wicket in almost 100 overs between 19/2 & like 270/4; this wasn’t Yasir’s fault. And finally, they batted poor (& dead slow) allowing Kiwis to dominate the game in last two days, when Yasir was supposed to be effective. Had PAK matched Kiwi total or close to it, leaving it to a situation that only one team (PAK) can win, on 4/5th day Yasir would have created panic in Kiwi line up.

I was not for picking Yasir in this game, but he is getting undue bashing in PP. There is a reason why he was the only Pakistani pick for ICC team of the decade - without him, PCT won’t have been worth watching even in UAE for second half of the decade.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

I would not drop a batter and play babar and drop yasir. Lengthen the batting and expect the 4 pacers to do the job

I'd like to add Sohail Khan into the mix, he usually gets 5 wickets in his first innings and is a very handy tailender.

 

[Yk313]

A lot of people are talking about getting Ammad or Rohail or someone... is there any point in even mentioning names from the Shaheens’ squad? Not sure if there is any flexibility to play anyone from there.

 

[Yk313]

Funnily, I would be tempted to drop Shan and bring in Imran Butt. But that’s solely because, if memory serves right, Shan has completely blanked out following his 150 against ENG.

Abid seemed to have gotten more starts (and has wasted them) but seems to have a greater chance of streaking to a 35-40. Think his median score and average score from his last 7 innings will be closer together than that of Shan’s. Shan’s average would likely be skewed (over his last 7 innings) due to the innings at OT.

 

[shamaan]

I'd like to add Sohail Khan into the mix, he usually gets 5 wickets in his first innings and is a very handy tailender.

but then that means either shaheen and abbas have to come in at first change which is ok if Sohail takes wickets with the new ball

 

[Shoaibbtt]

but then that means either shaheen and abbas have to come in at first change which is ok if Sohail takes wickets with the new ball

If Sohail can get a few wickets in the first innings then i'll say he's done his job and won't be upset if he gets nothing in the next innings.

 

[shamaan]

If Sohail can get a few wickets in the first innings then i'll say he's done his job and won't be upset if he gets nothing in the next innings.

Lets waite and see what misbah does

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Lets waite and see what misbah does

They won't get much assistance from the spinner on this deck and i worry because our batsmen may struggle as it's a tricky wicket for all, 50s might do.

 

[ahmadharis1]

My Team

1. Shan Masood
2. Abid Ali (or Imran Butt if he is promised SA series, otherwise play Abid, hope for the best and drop him after)
3. Azhar Ali (ideally would open in place of Abid but will never happen)
4. Babar Azam
5. Haris Sohail
6. Fawad Alam
7. Mohammad Rizwan
8. Zafar Gohar
9. Sohail Khan
10. Shaheen Afridi
11. Mohammad Abbas

Deeper batting lineup with Rizwan back at 7 and Gohar at 8 who is handy with the bat, followed by Sohail Khan at 9 who is capable of a power cameo. Ideally Azhar would open which would open up another middle order spot for a specialist batsman

 

[Shoaibbtt]

My Team

1. Shan Masood
2. Abid Ali (or Imran Butt if he is promised SA series, otherwise play Abid, hope for the best and drop him after)
3. Azhar Ali (ideally would open in place of Abid but will never happen)
4. Babar Azam
5. Haris Sohail
6. Fawad Alam
7. Mohammad Rizwan
8. Zafar Gohar
9. Sohail Khan
10. Shaheen Afridi
11. Mohammad Abbas

Deeper batting lineup with Rizwan back at 7 and Gohar at 8 who is handy with the bat, followed by Sohail Khan at 9 who is capable of a power cameo. Ideally Azhar would open which would open up another middle order spot for a specialist batsman

Couple of points:

- Faheem deserves to play in the second test as it'll be seamer friendly and he played well in the first game.
- Swap the positions of Fawad and Haris i.e. Fawad at 5 and Haris at 6 (but then again i would drop Haris as he is a bit of a liability due to some injury).
- Sohail Khan inclusion i can agree with, handy with the bat and deadly in the first innings as a bowler as well.

 

[BetaG]

My best XI for 2nd test

Azhar Ali
Abid Ali/Shan Masood
Hussain Talat
Babar Azam
Fawad Alam
Muhammad Rizwan
Faheem Ashraf
Amad Butt
Sohail Khan
Muhammad Abbas
Shaheen Afridi

 

[Giannis]

For me yasir should be dropped just because of the type of pitches I would bring in sohail khan , I'm not sold on amad butt's bowling to be fair dont know much about the player .

But sohail khan fitness issues aside knows how to bowl with new ball and can swing it and has the intl level experience plus can use the long handle with the bat good striker of the ball.

The spin option can be covered by haris fawad and azhar
But I doubt there will be much assistance for spin.

If babar is fit then for me one of the openers needs to be dropped and I'm inclining towards shan masood with azhar and abid opening.

So you would rather bring in a 35 year old over a 25 year old?

 

[Snatch]

Most likely an innings defeat. After 2017 team has become a disgrace. No hope from this team for 2021 for sure.

Embarrassed.

If NZ can actually win a toss this last game it should be an innings defeat.

 

[MMHS]

Let’s discuss different topic - what should PAK do if they win the toss again & what will be the line-up. I am considering Babar will be going for the toss (means playing), so 10 players to be selected.

Posters can check recent past few games at Hagley and put their logic.

 

[Snatch]

Let’s discuss different topic - what should PAK do if they win the toss again & what will be the line-up. I am considering Babar will be going for the toss (means playing), so 10 players to be selected.

Posters can check recent past few games at Hagley and put their logic.

Pitches in NZ rarely deteriorate, and of course usually start very green on day 1, so it's still an enormous advantage to win the toss and bowl. Australian pitches (like Asian pitches) are usually the opposite and are bat first.

 

[Fitness_era]

I think they should give everyone full chance so they dont have any excuses again. After this series they should give some first class cricketers try. Such as Kamran Gulam, Hasan Ali, Sajad Khan, Zahid Mehmood, Waqas Maqsood Imran Butt.

For This match they should go with same team except Babar Azam in Abid Ali and Zafar Gohar for Yasir Shah.

Azhar Ali
Shan Masood
Babar Azam
Haris Sohail
Fawad Alam
Mohammad Rizwan
Faheem Asfraf
Zafar Gohar
Mohammad Abass
Saheen Afridi
Naseem Shah

 

[tyron_woodley]

Innings defeat for the greens ?

 

[volcyz]

Henry can be quick- he used to be 145k+ but I haven't seen him for a couple of years.

He's nowhere near as reliable & relentless as Wagner though.

He's a potential pressure release as he can go for runs easier than Wagner. Still a handy bowler at home though & good enough to take wickets if he gets it right since he'll have a great attack around him building pressure.

Henry hasn’t been quick for ages now

Max 140kph

 

[volcyz]

Lol I still remember back in 2009ish where Sohail Khan and Mohammed Talha were the next best pace bowling sensations next to sliced bread...
or when Akhtar said Mohammed Irshad was as fast as him

 

[MMHS]

Lol I still remember back in 2009ish where Sohail Khan and Mohammed Talha were the next best pace bowling sensations next to sliced bread...
or when Akhtar said Mohammed Irshad was as fast as him

Sohail Khan indeed could have been next best thing. Guy was a fantastic prospect, wasted by the rotten system which has double standards. I make it simple for you - this guy comes from a remote corner of PAK and had chosen the wrong city for his adopted home - otherwise, Wahab Riaz won’t have played more games than him - do I need to explain more?

Sohail came to notice in 2007 or 08 season, as a 23 (official) years old fast bowler, who broke lots of domestic records in that season and he was genuinely FAST. Those days BD toured PAK and I had a chat with one batsman, who had played every fast bowler of his time - from Shoaib to Sami to Lee to Bond.... and he told me that Sohail was as fast as he faced in his first spell, with a deadly swerving Yorker, but lost pace later - which was understandable, guy never had proper conditioning or qualified coach.

So, after couple of such domestic seasons, he had to be debuted against Srilanka, on a track for which I would have buried the groundsmen alive under that track. PCB needed an excuse, so Sohail was as dropped and never found his way in next 5-6 years .... by the time he was officially 30+, in bad shape and didn’t develop stamina for a Test quality fast bowler.

He is built like a tank, around 6’4”, can bowl genuine outswing and apart from old Amir/Asif probably still the best new ball user from PAK. On top of that, he is probably a better batsman than Faheem!!!!!! could have been developed into a fantastic fast bowling all-rounder & he peaked at the right age as well.

His only fault was that he didn’t represent the right City of PAK and doesn’t represent the right ethnicity......

 

[ahmadharis1]

Couple of points:

- Faheem deserves to play in the second test as it'll be seamer friendly and he played well in the first game.
- Swap the positions of Fawad and Haris i.e. Fawad at 5 and Haris at 6 (but then again i would drop Haris as he is a bit of a liability due to some injury).
- Sohail Khan inclusion i can agree with, handy with the bat and deadly in the first innings as a bowler as well.

Ahh! Can't believe I forgot about Faheem. Absolutely finds a spot in the XI.

1. Shan Masood
2. Abid Ali
3. Azhar Ali
4. Babar Azam
5. Fawad Alam
6. Faheem Ashraf
7. Mohammad Rizwan
8. Zafar Gohar
9. Sohail Khan
10. Shaheen Afridi
11. Mohammad Abbas

Much better lineup with 5 genuine bowling options and deep batting. Rizwan can be switched with Faheem

 

[Bewal Express]

Whenever their careers are on the line, inconsistent PK bats score. So if Shaan plays he will score to give him another year. And expect the same with Abid. Misbah is very Conservative with his selection so expect pretty much the same as the last test

 

[Yk313]

Quite few XIs seem to have Shan in the line-up. Quite curious to understand why this is... anyone on PP willing to shed some light on this?

 

[ameemlutfi]

Hopefully can find the strength to stretch new Zealand into the second innings . Would need another Gusty performance from rizwan for that to be possible though .

 

[Greenstorm]

Sohail Khan indeed could have been next best thing. Guy was a fantastic prospect, wasted by the rotten system which has double standards. I make it simple for you - this guy comes from a remote corner of PAK and had chosen the wrong city for his adopted home - otherwise, Wahab Riaz won’t have played more games than him - do I need to explain more?

Sohail came to notice in 2007 or 08 season, as a 23 (official) years old fast bowler, who broke lots of domestic records in that season and he was genuinely FAST. Those days BD toured PAK and I had a chat with one batsman, who had played every fast bowler of his time - from Shoaib to Sami to Lee to Bond.... and he told me that Sohail was as fast as he faced in his first spell, with a deadly swerving Yorker, but lost pace later - which was understandable, guy never had proper conditioning or qualified coach.

So, after couple of such domestic seasons, he had to be debuted against Srilanka, on a track for which I would have buried the groundsmen alive under that track. PCB needed an excuse, so Sohail was as dropped and never found his way in next 5-6 years .... by the time he was officially 30+, in bad shape and didn’t develop stamina for a Test quality fast bowler.

He is built like a tank, around 6’4”, can bowl genuine outswing and apart from old Amir/Asif probably still the best new ball user from PAK. On top of that, he is probably a better batsman than Faheem!!!!!! could have been developed into a fantastic fast bowling all-rounder & he peaked at the right age as well.

His only fault was that he didn’t represent the right City of PAK and doesn’t represent the right ethnicity......

These were the bowlers he was competing with during his peak years (2007-13)

Shoaib, Asif, Amir, Gul, Junaid, Wahab (fifer in debut test), Tanveer, Sami, Rao. Now Sohail could have replaced a few of them but that wouldn't have made much difference to the team.

 

[Markhor]

With Babar returning I suspect Misbah will return to his favoured 6+4 combination.

However that means accomodating both Azhar who's finished and seems Haris is too.

 

[UzmanBeast]

My preference is the following:

1. Shan Masood (last chance)
2. Abid Ali (last chance although won't surprised with Imran Butt taking over)
3. Azhar Ali
4. Babar Azam
5. Fawad Alam
6. Muhammad Rizwan
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Zafar Gohar/Sohail Khan
9. Shaheen Afridi
10. Naseem Shah
11. Muhammad Abbas

My preference is the following:

1. Shan Masood (last chance)
2. Abid Ali (last chance although won't surprised with Imran Butt taking over)
3. Azhar Ali
4. Babar Azam
5. Fawad Alam
6. Muhammad Rizwan
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Zafar Gohar/Sohail Khan
9. Shaheen Afridi
10. Naseem Shah
11. Muhammad Abbas

5 pacers would be a mad bargain and it wouldn't pay off because a spinner can at least be a different challenge and adds variety to the attack.

If Naseem Shah is playing, then Sohail Khan will have to replace Mohammad Abbas, though it would require a lot of guts to pull off a move like that given how weak-minded our management is.

However, I agree with the rest of your selections. Sohail Khan could at least be a larger threat than Abbas with the new ball, but Abbas is a slightly more long-term prospect. Abbas needs to bring up his pace to at least 132 kph so that batsmen don't step out against him.

Naseem needs to be short and aggressive, and since Wagner is no longer there, I think that NZ will not opt for a flat wicket, they will go green. In that case, Yasir won't even be a good option, so Gohar should get the nod. If he miraculously takes wickets, then he will have a chance to take Yasir's spot on the team overseas and possibly at home as well.

I'm looking really forward to Zafar Gohar and Faheem Ashraf. If the two of them can put together good performances in the second test by taking wickets and scoring runs, then it will be a really good thing for us moving into the decade with some decent all-rounder options available for our use.

Obviously we have the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan who I also enjoy watching, and also Fawad Alam. I look forward to seeing if Babar can score big.

With Wagner gone, Pakistan won't feel as threatened with the old ball as they feel now, and since Matt Henry is the replacement player, the new ball will be the biggest threat. After 20 overs, the runs will start to flow as Wagner won't be there to trouble our batsmen will aggressive short-pitched bowling. Santner, if he plays, will have a huge role, and we will need to target him as well.

Looks to be a good test and Pakistan has better chances of winning if we nail the team combination.

 

[Ami]

MMHS
Shan
JUNAIDS
Babar
MAMOON
Rizwan
Faheem
Yasir
Abbas
Afridi
Shah

Im sure some of my choices will do very well.

 

[MMHS]

MMHS
Shan
JUNAIDS
Babar
MAMOON
Rizwan
Faheem
Yasir
Abbas
Afridi
Shah

Im sure some of my choices will do very well.

Yea, koun sa team hai Bhai? Last I played a leather ball cricket in 2007 .... 6 balls at the nets of our club, that too 12 years after my last competitive leather ball game. These days during COVID I am scoring lot though .... against my daughter and her friends - won’t mind opening.

 

[MMHS]

These were the bowlers he was competing with during his peak years (2007-13)

Shoaib, Asif, Amir, Gul, Junaid, Wahab (fifer in debut test), Tanveer, Sami, Rao. Now Sohail could have replaced a few of them but that wouldn't have made much difference to the team.

That actually exposes the injustice even more - Shoaib played last Test in 2007, Amir/Asif got banned by mid 2010.

None of the rest were/are better than Sohail. He proved his worth in 2016 UK tour taking two 5fors in first innings, but guy probably was born as 5-6 years old - so, lost steam by second innings.

 

[Ami]

[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]...at least you can hold a bat.
Im sure the other two can do a decent job too.

I'm gonna have to request Misbah to put you 3 in...if not go with 8.

Abid Ali, Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail can catch the next flight home...they'll probably have to walk, jump ships etc these days.

 

[Geil]

Pakistan weakest unit was bowling and then fielding in first test, allowing NZ to post a total of 400+ after reducing them 13/2 with poor fielding and poor bowling from naseem and yasir who allowed NZ to break through with all pressure that was built by shaheen and abbas by not allowing NZ batsmen easy runs

If PAK bowling doesn't improve especially the third pacer and the spinner then expect PAK to struggle just like the first test

If u r bowlers are not able to bowl the opposition out twice then these are big problems to win a test match

 

[shamaan]

Yasir needs to be dropped.

Play another spinner, seamer or batsman ... whatever ... he is of no value outside of Asia.

It doesn’t work like that. It was not a wicket for him yet he bowled highest numbers of overs and he was quite economical as well, kept one side tight - that’s because apart from Shaheen, other three pacers were just not up to the mark, Abbas kept it tight without penetration while Faheem was under used, and Naseem was loose.

PAK won the toss and opted to field - this didn’t help either. If Yasir was in plan, they should have batted first. Even then, when the inserted NZ, pacers let the team down - only 1 wicket in almost 100 overs between 19/2 & like 270/4; this wasn’t Yasir’s fault. And finally, they batted poor (& dead slow) allowing Kiwis to dominate the game in last two days, when Yasir was supposed to be effective. Had PAK matched Kiwi total or close to it, leaving it to a situation that only one team (PAK) can win, on 4/5th day Yasir would have created panic in Kiwi line up.

I was not for picking Yasir in this game, but he is getting undue bashing in PP. There is a reason why he was the only Pakistani pick for ICC team of the decade - without him, PCT won’t have been worth watching even in UAE for second half of the decade.

I blame the management for playing him we all know new zealand pitches do not provide any assistance to the spinners even if they do its bear minimal.as for the batting it was slow but so was new zealand innnings for the first day.yasir should only be played in asia but in sena gohar would have been a better options bisicaly clueless Management dont no what they are doing

 

[shamaan]

They won't get much assistance from the spinner on this deck and i worry because our batsmen may struggle as it's a tricky wicket for all, 50s might do.

defonitely shouldn't play a spinner its weather they go with extra batter or extra fast bowler

 

[CricLegend]

Babar to replace Harris
Amad Butt to replace Naseem.

Shan
Abid
Azhar
Babar
Fawad
Rizwan
Faheem
Ammad
Yasir
Shaheen
Abbas

Azhar to score a century and pak to level the series.

 

[shady]

I'd go with:

1.Shan Masood
2.Abid Ali
3.Azhar Ali
4.Babar Azam
5.Fawad Alam
6.Mohammad Rizwan
7.Faheem Ashraf
8.Zafar Gohar
9.Mohammad Abbas
10.Shaheen Afridi
11.Naseem Shah

Babar replaces Haris and Zafar replaces Yasir. Given that we're nearing the end of this WTC cycle, the thinking of management needs to focus on the next WTC where Pakistan has a much easier schedule and a real shot. There's an opportunity to build a really competitive squad if the dead-weight is removed.

Yasir has had far too many chances overseas without significant results so it's time to give Zafar a shot and see if he has it (Number 8 is also a good spot to see how his batting is without putting too much pressure on it). Haris has to be dropped from tests, he's failed too many times and neither his batting or fitness have improved.

 

[TeamPak95]

PP will have a breakdown if any (or all) of the following happen if Pakistan win:

- Shan and/or Abid and/or Azhar and/or Haris score hundreds

- Naseem takes a 6-10 wicket haul in the match

- Yasir takes a 10-12 wicket haul in the match

 

[Colorblind Genius]

PP will have a breakdown if any (or all) of the following happen if Pakistan win:

- Shan and/or Abid and/or Azhar and/or Haris score hundreds

- Naseem takes a 6-10 wicket haul in the match

- Yasir takes a 10-12 wicket haul in the match

This is a totally different pitch. Historically, it has some bounce and pace and I think Naseem, if being played and we bowl first, has some probability to do better than the previous test. I would play him.

I have minimum hope from Shan and Abid, but I wish the best to all of our team members.

 

[hitthestump]

With Babar returning I suspect Misbah will return to his favoured 6+4 combination.

However that means accomodating both Azhar who's finished and seems Haris is too.

I don't think so. The pitch is likely to be one which cries out for 4 seamers but at the same time he needs to accomodate his darling Yasir at all costs.

Misbah will never ever leave Yasir out of the XI even if there's 3 inches of grass on the wicket.

 

[hitthestump]

Ahh! Can't believe I forgot about Faheem. Absolutely finds a spot in the XI.

1. Shan Masood
2. Abid Ali
3. Azhar Ali
4. Babar Azam
5. Fawad Alam
6. Faheem Ashraf
7. Mohammad Rizwan
8. Zafar Gohar
9. Sohail Khan
10. Shaheen Afridi
11. Mohammad Abbas

Much better lineup with 5 genuine bowling options and deep batting. Rizwan can be switched with Faheem

I really like this. We have batting down to 9 which is really good. Four seamers allows Sohail enough opportunity to rest between spells. The inclusion of Zafar provides better control than Yasir on a pitch which isn't likely to give spinners a key role in this match.

Never going to happen though

 

[Yk313]

PP will have a breakdown if any (or all) of the following happen if Pakistan win:

- Shan and/or Abid and/or Azhar and/or Haris score hundreds

- Naseem takes a 6-10 wicket haul in the match

- Yasir takes a 10-12 wicket haul in the match

Haha, I think if one or more of Shan/Abid/Haris score 50 or more, while it may help the team in the coming Test it will likely even out over the longer term.

 

[TeamPak95]

This is a totally different pitch. Historically, it has some bounce and pace and I think Naseem, if being played and we bowl first, has some probability to do better than the previous test. I would play him.

I have minimum hope from Shan and Abid, but I wish the best to all of our team members.

I agree. I'm rooting for Naseem here but if Pakistan bowl first and the pitch behaves like it does historically and he still doesn't cash in, then it'd probably be best for him to refine his bowling in FC.

Also, regardless of who's playing, I'll always back my team but you almost know for a fact that if Abid or Azhar even score fifties, their ropes in the test XI will be longer.

 

[TeamPak95]

Haha, I think if one or more of Shan/Abid/Haris score 50 or more, while it may help the team in the coming Test it will likely even out over the longer term.

For sure. Imagine if Yasir plays (which is a high probability because management don't really see his SENA record as much of an eye-opener) and takes something like 3 wickets per innings with one of them not conceding 100+ runs? With a performance like that, he'll probably be going to the next two SENA tours .

 

[Titan24]

l
If PAK bowling doesn't improve especially the third pacer and the spinner then expect PAK to struggle just like the first test

If u r bowlers are not able to bowl the opposition out twice then these are big problems to win a test match

Fair point. Pak needs to really sort its bowling. The consistency which is required around that off stump area while adjusting lengths according to the conditions just hasnt been there for sometime.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Fair point. Pak needs to really sort its bowling. The consistency which is required around that off stump area while adjusting lengths according to the conditions just hasnt been there for sometime.

What does that viz site say about this pitch in Christchurch? Did you read anything up on it?

 

[ads101]

I'd replace Haris with Babar. I'd keep with Yasir tbh, he might have one of those games where he takes a big haul giving us a chance to win the match. He didn't do that bad last match really, not pitches for spinners really. Don't think Zafar in his first game in NZ can get a lead us to win a test.

Our batting line up is too weak, I'd consider changing Yasir for Shadab who would strengthen our line up given Faheem is playing instead of a batsman, but Shadab isn't available I think. Would move Azhar down to 4, with Babar at 3.

I don't think Faheem's style of batting will work in tests in the long run, the guy can't dig in and defend well. But he offers an extra pace option, and you can't drop a guy who just made a big score. So unfortunately Haris has to go. Azhar has more experience, better record, averaged 41 2020, better domestic form etc. than Haris, so I'd go with Azhar, you need an experienced bat in there given we have no other experienced batsmen.

 

[classic]

I feel Misbah will drop Yasir for Baber and that is it. Need to go with the same team. These drastic drops after every test is the reason why we are not gelling as a unit.

Give the batsmen a full series and then hold them to account.

 

[Bilal_103]

Babar unfit to play. I hope Pakistan keeps the same team so all the non performers get dropped.

 

[MenInG]

Babar unfit to play. I hope Pakistan keeps the same team so all the non performers get dropped.

Babar Azam to miss Christchurch Test

Christchurch, 02 January 2021:

Pakistan men’s national team captain Babar Azam will miss the second Test against New Zealand, which commences at the Hagley Oval from Sunday. In his absence, Mohammad Rizwan will lead the side.

Babar had a full-fledge training session yesterday but felt slight pain in his thumb, following which, the team management has opted against taking any risk.

Babar had to sit out the three-T20I series and the first Test, at Mount Maunganui, after he fractured his right thumb during a net session in the lead-up to the white-ball series.

Team Doctor Dr Sohail Saleem: “We have seen improvement in Babar Azam's injury but he is yet to fully recover. He is our captain and the most important batsman in the lineup, so we do not want to take any risk.

“The medical team is constantly reviewing his injury and we are hopeful he will be available for the home series against South Africa.”

Pakistan squad for the second Test against New Zealand:

Mohammad Rizwan (captain, wicketkeeper), Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Yasir Shah and Zafar Gohar

 

[JibranAnsari]

pakistans target should be to take 20 wickets regardless of what the outcome is.

Pakistan has been failing badly at this.

We only got 20 wickets away in SENA countries twice in last three years.

 

[choudhary6964]

New Asad shafiq the legend fawad Alam should fail in this match I look forward to it.Good for nothing useless player.

 

[Yk313]

It’s an interesting one given Babar’s not playing. On the upside, it allows Rizwan a chance to try and improve his captaincy and pick up valuable lessons.

Last chance saloon for Shan, Abid and Haris. Tempted to say Azhar too, but don’t think he’ll get dropped before 2022.

Would personally utilise Haris + Fawad to bowl c. 10-15 overs of spin and replace Yasir with Sohail. Improves the batting and increases the likelihood of bowling pace all day.

 

[Markhor]

Despite taking a million players to NZL, all it took was three injuries to expose a horribly imbalanced squad.

Shadab was likely to play at #7 but his injury and no backup spin bowling AR means Faheem bats one position higher than ideal.

Two specialist spinners weren't necessary on a tour of NZL. Zafar Gohar has been on a paid holiday sitting on the bench and has missed out on an entire QEA Trophy.

It was ridiculous taking four openers for a two match Test series, with Imran Butt hardly an upgrade on the other three. We needed another middle-order batsman such as Saud Shakeel or Hussain Talat who could've been kept in the Test bubble.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

With Babar returning I suspect Misbah will return to his favoured 6+4 combination.

However that means accomodating both Azhar who's finished and seems Haris is too.

Haris will come good

 

[Rana]

Has the squad for the 2nd Test been posted anywhere? I read somewhere that Yasir Shah and Sohail Khan were not included?

 

[Titan24]

What does that viz site say about this pitch in Christchurch? Did you read anything up on it?

Commies were saying it will be more supportive for pacers and historically that has been the case as well. Average opening stand is 31 runs and average runs per wicket is 30. NZ has lost just one test and won 5 out of 7 matches at the venue while one was a draw.

In the last match played here (NZ vs Ind), no team was able to cross 250 in 3 completed innings. India scored 242 all out and 124 all out while NZ scored 235 all out and 124 for the loss of 3 in the last innings winning the game.

So I believe Pak bowlers will have to be on top of their game so that NZ doesnt score much.

 

[Titan24]

Has the squad for the 2nd Test been posted anywhere? I read somewhere that Yasir Shah and Sohail Khan were not included?

Its the same squad.

Mohammad Rizwan (captain, wicketkeeper), Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Yasir Shah and Zafar Gohar

 

[sweep_shot]

NZ are favorites but Pakistan did well last game. I expect a good game.

 

[Rana]

Its the same squad.

Right, thanks.

 

[PakPremi]

I would replace Yasir with Zafar, the latter would also bat more sensibly and bowl with more control. The rest of team should stay same, but I could also see Sohail come in perhaps for Nasim.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

I would replace Yasir with Zafar, the latter would also bat more sensibly and bowl with more control. The rest of team should stay same, but I could also see Sohail come in perhaps for Nasim.

I would agree with both those changes Zafar for Yasir and Sohail for Naseem.

 

[Omer2002]

I repeat you cant have Sohail and Abbas in the same team..

 

[tyron_woodley]

Commies were saying it will be more supportive for pacers and historically that has been the case as well. Average opening stand is 31 runs and average runs per wicket is 30. NZ has lost just one test and won 5 out of 7 matches at the venue while one was a draw.

In the last match played here (NZ vs Ind), no team was able to cross 250 in 3 completed innings. India scored 242 all out and 124 all out while NZ scored 235 all out and 124 for the loss of 3 in the last innings winning the game.

So I believe Pak bowlers will have to be on top of their game so that NZ doesnt score much.

India missed Bhuvi and Ishant for the second game..Bhuvi missed the entire series. He is our best swing bowler.
Also pandya in those Condtions was badly missed for balance. Or Jadeja. One of them should have been picked at number 7.
If Pakistan have swing bowlers then they can wreck new zelanad. Problem is there isn't many good new ball bowlers apart from shaheen.

 

[Titan24]

India missed Bhuvi and Ishant for the second game..Bhuvi missed the entire series. He is our best swing bowler.
Also pandya in those Condtions was badly missed for balance. Or Jadeja. One of them should have been picked at number 7.
If Pakistan have swing bowlers then they can wreck new zelanad. Problem is there isn't many good new ball bowlers apart from shaheen.

Fair point. Apart from Shaheen, Sohail Khan is a pretty good swing bowler who can even swing it with the older ball. Abbas and Faheem mostly rely on seam movement while Naseem does get it to move but, only when he gets his lengths right.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Fair point. Apart from Shaheen, Sohail Khan is a pretty good swing bowler who can even swing it with the older ball. Abbas and Faheem mostly rely on seam movement while Naseem does get it to move but, only when he gets his lengths right.

Sameen Gul ? Isn't there anyone else? I guess Sohail isn't a bad option.

Honestly why not just try Rauf or Husnain. How is their stamina? Rauf has a good outswinger and inswinger. If he just has the stamina for tests he can be a beast.

 

[Titan24]

Sameen Gul ? Isn't there anyone else? I guess Sohail isn't a bad option.

Honestly why not just try Rauf or Husnain. How is their stamina? Rauf has a good outswinger and inswinger. If he just has the stamina for tests he can be a beast.

Sameen Gul surely would have been handy in NZ with the shape he gets. He has been part of emerging squads and A teams in recent times but, just havent been able to make it to national side. Was injured earlier in the 4 day season but has bowled well in few matches he has played.

Rauf and Hasnain are already being worked upon in terms of longer formats fitness, hopefully they can get some 4 day games under their belt as well to show their stamina. The did ball in 2-3 4 day matches last year in domestic cricket, they must have improved the overall fitness by now.

 

[PakPremi]

I would agree with both those changes Zafar for Yasir and Sohail for Naseem.

Yes but our management does not share our wisdom��

 

[Usman Chadda]

Yes but our management does not share our wisdom��

I don't think its a wise ploy to have two 120 KPH trundlers bowling to accomplished players in their own conditions.