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Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | 1st ODI | Karachi | Sep 27, 2019 | Pre-Match Discussion Thread

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Abdullah719

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Finally a Pakistan match :salute

Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan Shinwari.
 
I want to see some new faces. I'd go with this lineup:

1. Imam
2. Abid Ali
3. Babar Azam
4. Haris Sohail
5. Sarfraz (c)
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. Nawaz
8. Shadab Khan
9. Wahab
10. Amir
11. Hasnain

Really hope Iftikhar , Abid and Nawaz can prove to be good picks.
 
I want to see more of Hasnain.

Lets see if Iftikhar can perform on the international stage.
 
Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz
Iftikhar
Imad
Shadab
Usman/Wahab
Amir
Hasnain
Agreed but I might give Abid the first game over Fakhar

[MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION] was so excited he started the pre-match thread 5 days before
:yawn
 
I'd like to see Abid given a shot ahead of Fakhar. Rizwan also really deserves to play based on the sort of form he's been in, don't need to play Iftikhar, we already have six bowling options anyway.

Imam
Abid
Babar
Haris
Rizwan
Sarfraz+*
Imad
Shadab
Amir
Hasnain
Usman
 
Cannot wait man!! Finally some international cricket! Hope Fakhar sits out, I hope Iftikhar, Rizwan and Nawaz prove there selection.

Want to see some improvements from our captian Sarfaraz too
 
I want Abid to open, but it'll most likely be Fakhar considering he needs a boost of confidence after the world cup he had.
 
Finally a Pakistan match :salute

Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan Shinwari.

Finally was feeling thirsty for MIG
 
Missed an opportunity to experiment no doubt

Fakhar Zaman
Asif Ali
Sarfraz Ahmed
Imad Wasim/Faheem Ashraf
Ifthikar Ahmed
Babar Azam
Haris Sohail
Mohammad Hasnain
Naseem Shah
Arshad Iqbal
Mohammad Musa
 
Don't see their will be any new faces atleast in first 2 odis
Imam
Fakhar
Babar azam
Haris sohail
Sarfraz ahmed
Asif ali
Imad wasim
Shadab khan
Wahab raiz
M amir
Usman khan
 
Win at all costs. Team should be chosen for that.
 
Effective security measures ordered for Sri Lanka ODI series in Karachi

KARACHI: All Sindh government departments and law enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure coordinated efforts for successful holding of three one-day international matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled for Sept 27, 29 and Oct 2.

These instructions were issued by Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah on Monday while presiding over a meeting to review arrangements including provision of foolproof security during Pak-Lanka series to be played at the National Stadium Karachi.

Highlighting the importance of the series, the chief secretary said negligence from duty would not be tolerated. He advised Sindh police to maintain a well-organised security system such as the one used for PSL matches in the recent past when the series was accomplished smoothly with no major complaints.

The meeting was attended among others by secretaries of sports, home, health, local government and public health engineering departments, besides Karachi commissioner and officials of Pakistan Cricket Board, law enforcement agencies and army.

Mr Shah also highlighted the need for carpeting of roads leading to and from the stadium. He said uninterrupted power supply besides appropriate arrangements for water and sewerage issues must be completed on priority.

Earlier, secretaries of the relevant departments, the commissioner, police and KWSB officers briefed the meeting about the preparations and ongoing arrangements to this effect.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1507009
 
So finally we will get to see a proper team playing in Pakistan, although few big names are not there, but it's a start. Hope to see more International teams visit us.

Final XI

Imam ul Haq
Abid Ali
Babar Azam
Sarfraz Ahmed (WK)
Haris Sohail
Iftikhar Ahmed
Imad Wasim
Wahab Riaz
Shadab Khan
Mohammad Aamir
Mohammad Hasnain

Sarfraz Ahmed is wasted down the order, so I think he should play at no.4 where he can milk the spinners during the middle overs.
 
Why do most people want Iftikhar over Rizwan in the playing XI, Rizwan is the most deserving and should have cemented his spot in the team when he scored 2 centuries against Australia, yet he cannot get a place in the team.
 
Why do most people want Iftikhar over Rizwan in the playing XI, Rizwan is the most deserving and should have cemented his spot in the team when he scored 2 centuries against Australia, yet he cannot get a place in the team.

Iftikhar Ahmed is a batting all rounder with a healthy SR. Can hit a ball long way. We need a power hitter at no.6
Rizwan will get his chance and should bat up the order. He's more of an accumulator who can rotate the strike with odd boundaries.
 
Rain in the air...

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Karachi, 24 September 2019:

Pakistan cricketers today urged the local fans to turn up in big numbers for the upcoming ODIs against Sri Lanka to support the two sides and cricket, as well as to celebrate the resumption of bilateral 50-over cricket in Karachi.

Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed led the call when he said: “Leading the Pakistan cricket team in a bilateral ODI series in front of my home crowd will be one of the highlights of my career. I can’t wait for Friday, which will mark the memorable occasion, and I hope when I walk out, I have a full-house behind me, not only cheering me but both the sides.

“Fans are the lifeline for any sport as they are the driving force for any team or player. They give extra energy to the teams and help them produce their very best.

“History will be made on Friday when Karachi will host the first bilateral ODI series since January 2009. I request all local cricket fans to be part of history so that they can tell the next generation that they were at the National Stadium when an international series was played.”

Babar Azam said: “I can’t thank enough for the love and respect I have received from all my fans in the early days of my career. Friday will be one of my biggest days when I will take the field as Pakistan vice-captain. I will want the entire country as well as the National Stadium crowd to make this a day to remember for me.

“As a youngster, I have seen on television packed-to-capacity National Stadium for ODIs and the two matches that immediately come to my mind are the 2004 and 2008 ODIs against India. In 2004, Pakistan lost by five runs despite Inzamam-ul-Haq’s brilliant century but four years later, Younis Khan’s belligerent 123 not out steered us to eight wickets victory.

“As a middle-order batsman, I am hoping there will be a similar crowd number when we will play Sri Lanka. The game is all about the fans and they need to come out to support cricket and the teams.”

Shadab Khan said: “I saw the enthusiasm and passion of the Karachi crowd at the HBL Pakistan Super League 2019. I think the success of this tournament was largely due to the backing of the Karachi crowd, which got behind the matches and made it an event to remember.

“I look forward to a similar response from the Karachi crowds, to come and support us. As professional athletes, we need our fans to be behind us to motivate and inspire us.”

Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq: “Friday’s match will be an emotional one for me as I played at the National Stadium when it last staged an ODI, also against Sri Lanka. Ten years later, I will start my time as head coach of the Pakistan national cricket team, so the time has moved really fast.

“But one thing that stands firm is the history of Karachi crowds, which have always turned up in big numbers to support cricket. They have weathered all conditions and contributed in the success of international matches hosted at the National Stadium.

“As the national cricket team commences its 2019-20 international season in Karachi, I hope the crowds will once again be there to encourage us and help us do better. No player or team can succeed without the support of its fans, and we look forward to them being behind us when we start a new era in Pakistan cricket.”

Wahab Riaz said: “I think Karachi crowds are in a privileged position to personally show their gratitude to the Sri Lanka cricket team and celebrate the resumption of bilateral ODI cricket, which is a stepping stone for bilateral Test cricket.

“I urge them to be part of the celebrations and come in big numbers to show the world the real image of Pakistan and its people.

“As a player, I know the reputation of the National Stadium, which has graced some of the greatest matches boasting some of the most iconic players of all-time. I assure all fans the two sides include players who have all the ingredients of joining the club of legends and in this background, request them to see in action making of the modern day stars.”
 
It'll be interesting to see how big the crowds will be.

PCB are really pushing for fans to show up in big numbers.
 
It'll be interesting to see how big the crowds will be.

PCB are really pushing for fans to show up in big numbers.

Well heard there is not much interest from fans for ticket hopefully it is not true we need good crowd
 
Lahore, 25 September 2019:

Pakistan’s ODI series against Sri Lanka in Karachi, which commences Friday, marks returns of five players to the national squad.

The list of players includes Abid Ali, the right-handed opener, Iftikhar Ahmed, an all-rounder who bats in the middle order and bowls off-spin, Mohammad Nawaz, a slow left-arm bowler, Mohammad Rizwan, wicketkeeper-batsman, and Usman Shinwari, left-arm fast-bowler.

With this series being an international season-opener for Pakistan, the hosts look to come out all-guns blazing to secure the winning momentum before they play Australia Down Under.

The five players are in line to don Pakistan colours again and are excited to take the field in front of the home crowd.

Abid Ali, who marked the beginning of his ODI career with a century against Australia and has played three matches in the format, said: “I have worked hard on my skills and fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore during the off-season. I am thankful to Allah and I am excited that I have been drafted in the squad for a home series, which will be played in Pakistan. I look forward to grabbing this opportunity and making the most of it.”

Iftikhar Ahmed, who played two ODIs for Pakistan against England in the UAE in 2015, said: “I was a bit immature as a player back then when I first played for Pakistan. I had not bowled in competitive cricket that much, but since, I have not only worked on my bowling but on my batting as well.

“I will look to spend more time at the crease and finish the innings for Pakistan as a middle-order batsman. I have learned a lot from Misbah-ul-Haq [Pakistan head coach and chief selector] about the art of middle-order batting. My aim is to prove myself.

Mohammad Nawaz, who has 14 ODIs under his belt and last turned out for Pakistan in the 2018 Asia Cup, said: “This is a comeback for me and I have worked hard for it. I am hopeful that I will be able to cement my position in the side with consistent performances.

“Home series are very important as they give the support which is necessary for us as players. I have focused on my batting skills so when I am given an opportunity I prove myself as a proper all-rounder. The preparations for the Sri Lanka series are going great.

Mohammad Rizwan, who has played 32 ODIs to date with his last outing coming in March this year, said: “I have been with the national side for the past three years. I always look to leave a mark whenever I get an opportunity, whether it is in international or domestic events. I have put up performances and have been learning a lot from Sarfaraz Ahmed. Both of us look to give our best and help Pakistan win.

Usman Shinwari, with 15 ODIs in almost two years and his last being in March this year, said: “I will look to bring out my best against Sri Lanka and play the same way as I did in our last series against them. I am thankful to Allah that I am making a comeback in a home series. I have worked on my skills every single day in the past three-four for this opportunity.

“This is going to be an exciting series and I am looking forward to play in Karachi.”
 
With SL being without many of their top players, this was an ideal time to try a few youngsters rather than the first choice players.

But this is the usual thing to do for Pakistan anyway so it is no different.
 
What will be interesting to know or find out is that what the ticket sales have been like so far, anyone know what it has been like?
 
Wonder if weather will play a role in this game?
 
Lahore, 26 September 2019:

As many as 12 Pakistan players are in line to play their first ODI in the country with the commencement of the three-match series against Sri Lanka on Friday.

Top-level 50-over cricket will mark its return in Pakistan after a gap of four years when the first ball will be bowled at the National Stadium in Karachi at 3pm local time.

The Pakistan players, namely Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Usman Shinwari are eager to jump on the opportunity and leave a mark in what promises to be a historic tour.

Fakhar Zaman, who has 1,828 runs ODI runs at an average of 45.70, said: “It is very disappointing to play ‘home’ matches in other countries. It is always a privilege for us to play cricket in front of our home crowd so we all are ecstatic to have this opportunity.

“The players have set personal goals and look forward to perform to the best of their abilities to ensure that they entertain the cricket-loving nation. Playing my first ODI match at the home venue is like making an international debut. I have set a target to score either the fastest century or half-century in the series.”

Shadab Khan, who has the experience of 41 ODI matches, which garnered him 56 wickets and 337 runs with the bat, said: “The ODI series against Sri Lanka will be my first 50-over series at home, and I am hopeful that the Test cricket will also resume in the country soon.

“The T20I series against Windies was jam-packed and I am looking forward to the see public turning up in large numbers to witness exciting games. Each player is excited to give his best on the home ground.”

“I love to bowl alongside Imad and look forward to bowling with him in Karachi. Our roles are identified and we go out there to get our opponents with our spin variations.”

Mohammad Nawaz, who last played for Pakistan in 2018 Asia Cup, said: “I am not only excited to be back in the ODI squad, but also thrilled to be playing in Karachi. I have featured in different leagues all over the world, but there is no parallel of a Pakistani crowd.

“The PSL matches in Pakistan were packed, and it was a great joy to bowl in front of the people, who have so much passion for the game.”

Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batsman who has featured in 32 ODIs to date and has two centuries and three half-centuries, said: “The preparations are complete for the mouth-watering series, and now the wait is for 27 September when both sides will feature in the first ODI match at National Stadium in Karachi.

“It is always a great to play in front of the local crowd as it gives a great energy to the players to perform.”
 
<iframe src="https://streamable.com/s/so4p1/oacehz" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe>.
 
Which channel are we on in the UK? Really hope it's Hum Masala, my personal favourite
 
Looking at IFTikhar above photo(one with imad) makes you wonder what his real age will be 😡😡😡😡
 
Looking at IFTikhar above photo(one with imad) makes you wonder what his real age will be &#55357;&#56865;&#55357;&#56865;&#55357;&#56865;&#55357;&#56865;

You will be forgiven if mistake him for our team manager or something.
 
Looks like the plan is to have Haris at 4 and Sarfraz at 5 consistently, which is something I am definitely in favour of.

My guess:

Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz
Iftikhar
Imad
Shadab
Wahab
Amir
Usman Khan
 
Pictures courtesy of PCB

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Last edited:
I want to see some new faces. I'd go with this lineup:

1. Imam
2. Abid Ali
3. Babar Azam
4. Haris Sohail
5. Sarfraz (c)
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. Nawaz
8. Shadab Khan
9. Wahab
10. Amir
11. Hasnain

Really hope Iftikhar , Abid and Nawaz can prove to be good picks.

dont think nawaz deserves a chance ahead of imad... his quality as a bowler isnt tht much better.. both dont spin the ball... imad is mighty and comfertable higher than anyone else in the team as an allrounder... after his batting heroics in the WC (he really played some important hands vs Bang, Afg, SA) he shld not be dropped
 
Can't stand watching Sri Lanka or Bangladesh.

Well then don't..... nobody's forcing you to. I'm glad to see cricket returning to Pakistan but it seems that some of you guys are still too arrogant and disrespectful if the quality of the opposition visiting your country isn't on par with the Top 4. Don't forget that it was the Sri Lankan team who got shot during the 2009 bus attack.
 
Weather doesn't look great.

Hope the Karachi crowd shows up in big numbers to get behind both teams.
 
Looking at IFTikhar above photo(one with imad) makes you wonder what his real age will be &#55357;&#56865;&#55357;&#56865;&#55357;&#56865;&#55357;&#56865;

Just let it be. We all know he's 35+. Talking about is not gonna change anything.
 
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