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Pakistan's batting order in T20Is ahead of the ICC T20I World Cup 2024

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With the next T20 world cup just 6 months away Pakistan needs to immediately sort out their batting order. The team that played today vs New Zealand is ideally the best top 6 to field by Pakistan in T20s. The only concern is that we are messing up their batting order and hence not extracting the best from their abilities.

For example, Babar played at a natural no. 3 position today and delivered after a miserable run of form. The reason is simple in T20s Babar was able to find his way out in open field for singles when boundaries were difficult to come by.

Similarly Rizwan would have excelled today in place of Fakhar when fielders were out on boundaries and together they both would have taken Pakistan chase deep setting it up for Ifti and Azam to complete.

Therefore its important we get Saim and Fakhar to open in this batting order to get the best chance of capitalising on powerplays and this way we also have our best batters ensuring that team doesn't collapse.

1. Saim
2. Fakhar
3. Babar
4. Rizwan
5. Ifti
6. Azam

The next thing to note in here is the reluctancy in our think tank to give the ball to Ifti. The guy was weirdly our best spinner in the world cup and yet in world cup he was not getting the chance to bowl full quotas or even a significant spell. Today he was not even given a single over when it was quite likely that he would deliver better than Usama. Our thinktank has been terrible of late and the trend continues.

Apart from our thinktank our medical team has been shambles of late. Never before I saw these many bowlers injured for a team. We got Naseem, Hasnain, Abrar, Ihsanullah, Khurram, etc injured just at the moment and its important to understand that Shaheen is coming back from a big injury too. Our medical team is totally worthless and I hope PCB get some serious medical personnel involved now going forward rather than just getting politically connected personnel in the ranks.
 
Today's batting order was fine, except have Ifti and Azam swap.

Azam is far more adept at playing spin and Ifti against pace.

Number 5 mostly likely to come in at around 10-12 overs and spinner will be bowling at that time.
 
Saim, azam, iftikhar they all are street batsmen and can never perform in important matches. No game awareness, just see the ball and lift the bat and hit it. Thats it
 
whats mir doing on these pitches..worst bowler


1. saim
2. fakhar
3. rizwan
4. babar
5. ifti
6. azam khan/farhan
7. Aamir jamal
8. Shaheen
9. Rauf
10. Abbas
11. zaman
 
Good post and analysis. Fakhar and Saim should be experimented with in this series.

The main problem considers that Pakistan seemingly cannot win a game without at least one of Rizwan or Babar going deep. So it makes sense that one of them should be there from the start.

I think seperating the pair helps everybody in theory. Saim and Fakhar get a solid partner to free them up to go for their shots. Babar and Rizwan can focus on getting the big runs without having to force the issue.

So i think the best outcome is to continue with Saim/Rizwan...but we must be flexible with number 3 depending on who gets out.

If Saim gets out send Fakhar. If Rizwan goes, send Babar.
 
Ditch Ifti, he's a tried and tested failure, has the odd good moment but overall he's very underwhelming

I have my doubts about Azam but he probably deserves a longer run to determine whether he'll be suitable

I think we have a reasonable core, just to need to solve a couple of spots
 
Babar Azam was 36 off 29 chasing 220+ even after batting in the PP, he didn’t deliver. The old Babar would’ve played better even if he was blindfolded.

We have to go with this…

Saim Ayub
Mohammad Haris (wk)
Fakhar Zaman
Sahibzada Farhan
Azam Khan
Ifthikar Ahmad
Amir Jamal
Shaheen Afridi
Naseem Shah
Haris Rauf
Abrar Ahmed


It’s a shame we have a bunch of idiots in our management who do not see that Azam Khan is a better player of spin than Ifthikar, and Ifthikar is a better player of pace than Azam.

Azam would’ve taken the spinner for 20+ runs, Sodhi was bowling worse than Mir but we had Azam Khan sitting in the dugout🤦🏻‍♂️
 
YousafTheBeast said:
Babar Azam was 36 off 29 chasing 220+ even after batting in the PP, he didn’t deliver. The old Babar would’ve played better even if he was blindfolded.

We have to go with this…

Saim Ayub
Mohammad Haris (wk)
Fakhar Zaman
Sahibzada Farhan
Azam Khan
Ifthikar Ahmad
Amir Jamal
Shaheen Afridi
Naseem Shah
Haris Rauf
Abrar Ahmed


It’s a shame we have a bunch of idiots in our management who do not see that Azam Khan is a better player of spin than Ifthikar, and Ifthikar is a better player of pace than Azam.

Azam would’ve taken the spinner for 20+ runs, Sodhi was bowling worse than Mir but we had Azam Khan sitting in the dugout🤦🏻‍♂️
Click to expand...
This line-up would collapse in 8/10 games. There is no one to hold the team together if the going gets tough.

Shadab Khan walks into the T20 team, people need to stop mixing formats. He was the reason we reached the finals in 2022, otherwise we were dead and buried.
 
Usman Chadda said:
This line-up would collapse in 8/10 games. There is no one to hold the team together if the going gets tough.

Shadab Khan walks into the T20 team, people need to stop mixing formats. He was the reason we reached the finals in 2022, otherwise we were dead and buried.
Click to expand...
His batting and fielding is bonus too. I think he can make the t20 squad too but he should not be the main spinner
 
Usman Chadda said:
This line-up would collapse in 8/10 games. There is no one to hold the team together if the going gets tough.

Shadab Khan walks into the T20 team, people need to stop mixing formats. He was the reason we reached the finals in 2022, otherwise we were dead and buried.
Click to expand...

We had two batsmen “holding the team together” in todays match, yet, we still failed to get over 200.

Babar and Rizwan have played in 3(?) WT20’s, how many more do they need to play in? They’re not the only players that are capable of playing 30+ balls.

Shadab isn’t a genuine wicket taker, hardly spins the ball and lacks variations, Abrar is a specialist spinner, he’ll be more threatening with the ball.
 
hitthestump said:
The main problem considers that Pakistan seemingly cannot win a game without at least one of Rizwan or Babar going deep. So it makes sense that one of them should be there from the start.
Click to expand...
How did Pakistan reach the final of the T20 World Cup with Babar and Rizwan missing throughout the entire tournament?

Nonsense!
 
YousafTheBeast said:
We had two batsmen “holding the team together” in todays match, yet, we still failed to get over 200.

Babar and Rizwan have played in 3(?) WT20’s, how many more do they need to play in? They’re not the only players that are capable of playing 30+ balls.

Shadab isn’t a genuine wicket taker, hardly spins the ball and lacks variations, Abrar is a specialist spinner, he’ll be more threatening with the ball.
Click to expand...
Babar was not the sole reason for today's loss. KW played a similar innings, but he had everyone around him playing at a SR of 200+ on this placid wicket. The problem we have is not just Babar and Rizwan's lack of acceleration, but the patchy performances of everyone around them who are not good enough to perform consistently.

You can't win with players good for only 20-30 cameos.
 
Usman Chadda said:
Babar was not the sole reason for today's loss. KW played a similar innings, but he had everyone around him playing at a SR of 200+ on this placid wicket. The problem we have is not just Babar and Rizwan's lack of acceleration, but the patchy performances of everyone around them who are not good enough to perform consistently.

You can't win with players good for only 20-30 cameos.
Click to expand...

It really depends on what you mean by consistency, for me in T20’s anyone that averages around 30 with a strike rate of 140+ is consistent. You really don’t need players who can average 50+ but at a snail pace.

Saim Ayub, Haris, Fakhar, Farhan, Tayyab Tahir are all capable of averaging 30+ at 140+.

You’re going into a game with a negative and defensive mindset if you don’t put faith in their natural game.

Imagine England bringing back Joe Root in the T20 squad to have a more stable batting line up.
 
Usman Chadda said:
This line-up would collapse in 8/10 games. There is no one to hold the team together if the going gets tough.

Shadab Khan walks into the T20 team, people need to stop mixing formats. He was the reason we reached the finals in 2022, otherwise we were dead and buried.
Click to expand...
Ya right bro people think shabab is same as he is in odis but stats shows he was the main reason pak went to play final is he playing in this series?
 
The only player sthat gets into a world class xi from todays team are Saim and Azam, that's it

If we are looking to play a team based on merit than our top 7 should consist of:
1. Saim
2. Sharjeel
3. Saud
4. Omair
5. Sarfraz
6. Azam
7. Danish
 
CerebralPatriot said:
The only player sthat gets into a world class xi from todays team are Saim and Azam, that's it

If we are looking to play a team based on merit than our top 7 should consist of:
1. Saim
2. Sharjeel
3. Saud
4. Omair
5. Sarfraz
6. Azam
7. Danish
Click to expand...
Danish,Saud,Omair on what basis.Terrible top 7 it wouldnt even beat USA.
 
YousafTheBeast said:
It really depends on what you mean by consistency, for me in T20’s anyone that averages around 30 with a strike rate of 140+ is consistent. You really don’t need players who can average 50+ but at a snail pace.

Saim Ayub, Haris, Fakhar, Farhan, Tayyab Tahir are all capable of averaging 30+ at 140+.

You’re going into a game with a negative and defensive mindset if you don’t put faith in their natural game.

Imagine England bringing back Joe Root in the T20 squad to have a more stable batting line up.
Click to expand...
Tayyab Tahir is bang average he wouldn't even average 20 with 125 odd strike rate let alone 140 plus. The guy can't play pace and is even late playing his shots against bowlers like amir yamin.

Fakhar is a failed t20 bat after a million of games his Sr is less than rizwan.
 
Pakistan should this series to sort out the jigsaw of 15 player who should be on plane for USA/Caribbean.

Saim
Fakhar
Farhan
Babar
Rizwan
Ifti
Abass
SSA
Rauf
Naseem
Zaman
----------
This looks a solid team but has a long tail, so players like Jamal, Nawaz and Shadab should be gauged to further strengthen the squad, because for team balance 2/3 of Rauf Naseem and Zaman should play.
 
This is completely ridiculous!

If Pakistan qualify for the super 8, then this will be the last two games.

This is a huge disadvantage.
 
Saim vs spin 7 innings 19.33 average strike rate 109.43
Saim vs Pace 15 innings 16.10 average strike rate 133.05

Against spin he doesn't go faster but survives
Against pace he goes slightly faster but doesn't survive.
 
1. Babar
2. Saim (bowl him 1-2 overs)
3. Rizwan
(Reserve batter Usman Khan just for top 3 - I won’t play him any other number)

4. Shadab (bowl him 3-4 overs)
5. Fakhar
6. Azam Khan
7. Iftikhar (bowl him 1-2 overs)
8. Imad (bowl him 3-4 overs)
(Reserve batter Salman Ali Agha)

9. Shaheen
10. Amir
11. Naseem / Abrar/ Usama
 
Might have to change it all together the way it’s going at the moment. Best players aren’t facing enough balls.

Saim we will start and bat up top. He adds the value of batting close 200 SR and adds 3 dimensional value. Has good CPL exposure too. Biggest question is his partner and it well may be that Rizwan opens up with him again.

Rizwan opens because our key is our lower order in the team. We don’t need any anchors in 120 balls. One of the top 3 need to get a 50 off 30 balls where the other two at least go at a run a ball if not more.

Usman - in case openers fail he goes in continuing till the first set of 40 balls either carrying on from Saims role or keep striking from other end like Rizwan.

Babar - the glue in this batting him to keep the momentum going is vital as we need to be able to have the believe and that is their as long as Babar is out in the crease for at least till 80 balls of the innings are played. This would mean he comes in either around the 7 over in case 2 wickets are fallen, improves ate issue at 7-15 over add value to the lower order to go from ball one. By time he arrives it’s either 90-2 if all goes well or it’s 4-2, both ways he will ensure we get to fighting totals or be still in a position to chase it down.

Coming in at 4 allows him this cushion.

Fakhar - if he is firing him at 5 is a luxury, taking down the spinners when possible and smashing fast bowlers. Quick fire 30 of 15 is gold at this position saying we are struggling

Shadab Khan - he is most likely a floater, we need to think we can chase down 220 if needed this is where you promote someone like Shadab, T20 is all about swinging, and his batting brings all value.

Azam Khan - sweeping fast bowlers in the death can be our answer in the death, Chacha has not inspired much confidence and having this battle for places will only bring best out of both. But for that we need some evidence.

Imad Wasim - finds the spot himself after under the table deal it seems.

Shaheen - has shown he is capable of hoofing the ball. And his bowling will be instrumental to the sides success.

Naseem - when fit, has to play.

Amir/Rauf - the trio of The shahs and Rauf was gold some years ago. Would a good fight. Think we may need utilise Amir well. Spending how Azam fairs may play 4 pacers also depending how conditions are in New York vs India could play 4 pacers.
 
Babar needs to try himself in a number 4 role and see if he does well.

Problem is he isn't that great with spinners, scores much better vs pacers
 
Maher96 said:
Might have to change it all together the way it’s going at the moment. Best players aren’t facing enough balls.

Saim we will start and bat up top. He adds the value of batting close 200 SR and adds 3 dimensional value. Has good CPL exposure too. Biggest question is his partner and it well may be that Rizwan opens up with him again.

Rizwan opens because our key is our lower order in the team. We don’t need any anchors in 120 balls. One of the top 3 need to get a 50 off 30 balls where the other two at least go at a run a ball if not more.

Usman - in case openers fail he goes in continuing till the first set of 40 balls either carrying on from Saims role or keep striking from other end like Rizwan.

Babar - the glue in this batting him to keep the momentum going is vital as we need to be able to have the believe and that is their as long as Babar is out in the crease for at least till 80 balls of the innings are played. This would mean he comes in either around the 7 over in case 2 wickets are fallen, improves ate issue at 7-15 over add value to the lower order to go from ball one. By time he arrives it’s either 90-2 if all goes well or it’s 4-2, both ways he will ensure we get to fighting totals or be still in a position to chase it down.

Coming in at 4 allows him this cushion.

Fakhar - if he is firing him at 5 is a luxury, taking down the spinners when possible and smashing fast bowlers. Quick fire 30 of 15 is gold at this position saying we are struggling

Shadab Khan - he is most likely a floater, we need to think we can chase down 220 if needed this is where you promote someone like Shadab, T20 is all about swinging, and his batting brings all value.

Azam Khan - sweeping fast bowlers in the death can be our answer in the death, Chacha has not inspired much confidence and having this battle for places will only bring best out of both. But for that we need some evidence.

Imad Wasim - finds the spot himself after under the table deal it seems.

Shaheen - has shown he is capable of hoofing the ball. And his bowling will be instrumental to the sides success.

Naseem - when fit, has to play.

Amir/Rauf - the trio of The shahs and Rauf was gold some years ago. Would a good fight. Think we may need utilise Amir well. Spending how Azam fairs may play 4 pacers also depending how conditions are in New York vs India could play 4 pacers.
Click to expand...
Saim adds no value at the top . He has been a colossal failure as an opener and after 17 games , 125 SR and an average of 14 with no 50, there is no reason for the selectors to persist with him .

3 dimensional player. He struggled to bat 3 overs . He will be dropped , work on his game and come back stronger.
 
Pakistan should be the first team in the world that should play 6 openers because as per fans like @Rana, every dynamic Pakistani batsman would only perform if he plays as an opener.

Saim, Fakhar, Sharjeel, Usman, Haris and Asif Ali. These guys should open together.
 
MenInG said:
Babar needs to try himself in a number 4 role and see if he does well.

Problem is he isn't that great with spinners, scores much better vs pacers
Click to expand...
Why? Fakhar is looking well settled at 4. He has the best record at that position in his T20I career thus far.

If anything Babar needs to come and play at no. 3 because there is no else who is good at no.3
 
Mamoon said:
Pakistan should be the first team in the world that should play 6 openers because as per fans like @Rana, every dynamic Pakistani batsman would only perform if he plays as an opener.

Saim, Fakhar, Sharjeel, Usman, Haris and Asif Ali. These guys should open together.
Click to expand...
Where have I said Pakistan should play 6 openers? Can you quote me where I said that?
 
According to fans like @Mamoon

Pakistan should play technically middle order players as openers in the T20 World Cup because this will keep Peshawar Zalmi relevant in Pakistan, as their captain who should be the number 3 is playing selfishly in the openers slot.
 
Rana said:
According to fans like @Mamoon

Pakistan should play technically middle order players as openers in the T20 World Cup because this will keep Peshawar Zalmi relevant in Pakistan, as their captain who should be the number 3 is playing selfishly in the openers slot.
Click to expand...
Ferrari must open 😂
 
The thing is the new coaching staff makes this interesting. But i have a feeling that by the wc we'll have this line up

1) Babar
2) Rizwan
3) Saim
4) Fakhar
5) Shadab
6) Chacha
7) Imad( Tbh he might get replaced by irfan Khan niazi lol)
8) Shaheen
9) Naseem
10) Amir
11) Abrar/ Usama
 
mominsaigol said:
The thing is the new coaching staff makes this interesting. But i have a feeling that by the wc we'll have this line up

1) Babar
2) Rizwan
3) Saim
4) Fakhar
5) Shadab
6) Chacha
7) Imad( Tbh he might get replaced by irfan Khan niazi lol)
8) Shaheen
9) Naseem
10) Amir
11) Abrar/ Usama
Click to expand...
Can’t wait for this team to make 155 against Canada
 
mominsaigol said:
The thing is the new coaching staff makes this interesting. But i have a feeling that by the wc we'll have this line up

1) Babar
2) Rizwan
3) Saim
4) Fakhar
5) Shadab
6) Chacha
7) Imad( Tbh he might get replaced by irfan Khan niazi lol)
8) Shaheen
9) Naseem
10) Amir
11) Abrar/ Usama
Click to expand...

Rana said:
Can’t wait for this team to make 155 against Canada
Click to expand...

To be fair, Babar has increased his strike rate over the past year or so. However, his captaincy remains a concern, and Rizwan is still an issue with a strike rate of only 128. The upcoming series against England will be a true test to see where they stand.
 
Hard to name a 11 because there is no batting talent left in Pak.

Saim/Usman
Rizwan
Babar
Fakhar
?
?
Imad
Shaheen
Naseem
Rauf
Abrar
 
Tumble said:
1. Babar
2. Saim (bowl him 1-2 overs)
3. Rizwan
(Reserve batter Usman Khan just for top 3 - I won’t play him any other number)

4. Shadab (bowl him 3-4 overs)
5. Fakhar
6. Azam Khan
7. Iftikhar (bowl him 1-2 overs)
8. Imad (bowl him 3-4 overs)
(Reserve batter Salman Ali Agha)

9. Shaheen
10. Amir
11. Naseem / Abrar/ Usama
Click to expand...
Didn’t u learn from ifti against nz junior team?? Do u watch cricket? Come on
 
Mamoon said:
Pakistan should be the first team in the world that should play 6 openers because as per fans like @Rana, every dynamic Pakistani batsman would only perform if he plays as an opener.

Saim, Fakhar, Sharjeel, Usman, Haris and Asif Ali. These guys should open together.
Click to expand...
So true 😂 about a dozen names who will turn into Chris Gayle if played as openers
 
Mohraheem said:
Chacha ????? Why didn’t we just witness his batting home ground against NZ junior team. Come on bro
Click to expand...

What other options do you have ready to replace him? Its better to stick with him if he doesnt perform in the World Cup so we can give a better farewell to him.
 
emranabbas said:
To be fair, Babar has increased his strike rate over the past year or so. However, his captaincy remains a concern, and Rizwan is still an issue with a strike rate of only 128. The upcoming series against England will be a true test to see where they stand.
Click to expand...
He's improved it in PP 1.

He gets brutally exposed and is a liability in overs 7-15.

Unless babar was an overs 1-6 specialist like finn Allen is, then you can excuse him.

But he's not, he decent in PP 1 but not up to standards.

Overs 7-15 will a thorn to watch with babar on the crease.
 
Cricket Warrior said:
What other options do you have ready to replace him? It’s better to stick with him if he doesnt perform in the World Cup so we can give a better farewell to him.
Click to expand...
We have option Drop this guy first 1000 option will open up, and select Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel. We have imad who can play his role better Thn anyone.
 
Mohraheem said:
We have option Drop this guy first 1000 option will open up, and select Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel. We have imad who can play his role better Thn anyone.
Click to expand...
Iffi's role is lower down the order batting and to finish ( which he is failing at). Salman and Saud are not lower-order batters, they will be another disaster waiting in line to happen. They are upper middle-order players so they cannot replace iffi. We need a guy who is a power hitter like Asif Ali or umar akmal of shahid Afridi for example who are known for hitting sixes.

Do you have any name in mind for this kind of stuff?
 
BouncerGuy said:
Iffi's role is lower down the order batting and to finish ( which he is failing at). Salman and Saud are not lower-order batters, they will be another disaster waiting in line to happen. They are upper middle-order players so they cannot replace iffi. We need a guy who is a power hitter like Asif Ali or umar akmal of shahid Afridi for example who are known for hitting sixes.

Do you have any name in mind for this kind of stuff?
Click to expand...
Just remove him! Fill a spot with another bowler! Salman can bat lower. Azam khan Imad Wasim can replace him. We don’t need him at all.
 
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