Pakistan's run-chase and plan on the 5th Day - What was it?

[MenInG]

It was never clear if we wanted to win or draw but seems that there was no clear plan to approach this task.

We have Sarfaraz going hell bound to hit the ball, and we had Saud in his own world - scoring at the pace he wanted to score in.

Where was the urgency? What was the plan? Was there a plan? Was the idea to look for a draw?

Some questions need to be asked.

 

[Kianig89]

Already Said Saud is another mental midget who not sure whether plays for team appalling approach

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

No chance there was a plan and ultimately that is why we are set to lose this game

 

[aukhan]

Its all Babar's fault.

Its the lack of leadership skills which has caused this confusion.

 

[kumjsr]

It seemed like a good plan. One batsman trying to shield the wicket and other going for runs. They were 4 down.

Only if some top batsmen had supported them.

Pujara shielded the wicket and others went for shots around him at Gabba.

 

[MenInG]

Guess mission accomplished

 

[emranabbas]

Babar going for a draw sarfaraz going for a win

 

[Asif321]

Their was only chance of win when agha and Sarfraz were playing . Agha wicket did it for Sarfraz also

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A little bit more self-belief and more positive approach from some of the Pakistan batters and they could have won the match today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvNZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1611348098537689088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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[asfandyar]

Time for Imam and Shan to be weaned out of the international setup.

 

[Markhor]

Guess mission accomplished

Has no self-respect or shame. Grinning like a clown (as is the vice-captain) after 12 months of home Test cricket and not a solitary win.

I'm sure Saud will be targeted (his intent in both innings was poor) but our cowardice, defensiveness and timidity all stems from the leadership of Mr Safety First Babar Azam.

 

[BreadPakoda]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A little bit more self-belief and more positive approach from some of the Pakistan batters and they could have won the match today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvNZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1611348098537689088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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NZ would have set a higher target if they felt that the Pakistani batsmen have the belief / skill. As a neutral observer, I was quite impressed by Pakistan’s last innings. They performed much better than what was expected from them. There’s a reason Babar / Rizwan are seen smiling.

 

[ritzy_123]

Saud Shakeel strike rate I think a bit more intent was needed

 

[JibranAnsari]

80/5 , sarfraz played his natural game ans saud was probably instructed not to get out.

 

[jnaveen1980]

21 strike rate !! Shakeel gave Mudassar Nazar a run for his money

 

[pakistani pride]

Babar failing (again) maid it impossible. How can you blame Saud. He did well. Had he gotten out Pak would be AO in no time.

Abdullah has been exposed and Shan is a disaster as well. Add Babar to that lost who only scores in 1st innings and you will of course never win test matches.

Like I said before this lot should not be playing test cricket at all.

 

[MenInG]

Babar Azam | Pakistan captain -

The plan was to be careful and assess according to the situation. Sarfaraz, Saud and Salman batted well. We just wanted to keep it simple and see where it takes us, we needed a big partnership and that's what we got in the middle-order. The game changed a bit after the dismissal of Salman Agha (we decided to pull the shutters down on the chase).

 

[SentOff]

I think the plan was clear. Get close and then see if it's attainable. I was the right plan considering Pakistan were at one point 80/5. They needed to consolidate a little bit before they went for it. And the plan almost worked - which was always a long-shot considering there were 140 to get in the last session with 5 wickets left on a day 5 pitch. The terrible shot by Agha Salman was the turning point though. At that point, Pakistan needed a blinder from Hasan Ali or shut up shop.

It would've been more helpful to Pakistan if they scored 25 of the next 6 overs with Salman at the crease and then attempt 20 off the last 2 overs with Hasan Ali to come. But unfortunately Salman didn't play the situation well at all.

 

[shamaan]

I think the Idea was correct in which Sarfraz attacked and Saud shielding his wicket however he should have picked up singles atleast.

 

[shariqnoor]

Babar Azam | Pakistan captain -

The plan was to be careful and assess according to the situation. Sarfaraz, Saud and Salman batted well. We just wanted to keep it simple and see where it takes us, we needed a big partnership and that's what we got in the middle-order. The game changed a bit after the dismissal of Salman Agha (we decided to pull the shutters down on the chase).

One of the most useless lines ever used in Pakistan cricket which is repeated shamelessly: "Assess according to the situation".

The situation was created for you when NZ declared to give a target of 319 in 90 overs. Whatever you do, you are the one creating the situation so what assessment are you talking about? If you decide to chase 319, you will execute according to that thinking.

 

[Abdullah]

I think people are being delusional.
We were 5 down with about 70 overs of cricket left.
For Pakistan - that's normally the stage where one more wicket follows and we are all out quickly.
See the games Vs England and the first innings here.
So at that point it's only about safety.
Sarfaraz played his way because he is that type of player and saud was secure.
And then you reassess where you are with 20 overs left in the day. Which we did. Once agha got out that was it again.
You can't be serious about team planning when you are 80-5. The original plan is out of the window at that point.

 

[Abdullah]

One of the most useless lines ever used in Pakistan cricket which is repeated shamelessly: "Assess according to the situation".

The situation was created for you when NZ declared to give a target of 319 in 90 overs. Whatever you do, you are the one creating the situation so what assessment are you talking about? If you decide to chase 319, you will execute according to that thinking.

When you are 80-5. It's time to defend and then see where you are in the last session.
Sarfaraz is not the kind of guy who can block all day ( he had 75 overs left when he came) so he played his way.
That's the bit that is confusing people

 

[Mamoon]

Pakistan gave up after they finished day 4 0/2.

The masterclass by Sarfaraz gave them a glimmer of hope but the dismissal of Salman ensured that the only option was to save the game.

Sarfaraz had no intention of going for it when he was batting Hassan & Naseem, & Naseem was hitting big shots not because he was instructed by the management but because it was a safer option than blocking because of the field setting by Southee.

 

[Abdullah]

Pakistan gave up after they finished day 4 0/2.

The masterclass by Sarfaraz gave them a glimmer of hope but the dismissal of Salman ensured that the only option was to save the game.

Sarfaraz had no intention of going for it when he was batting Hassan & Naseem, & Naseem was hitting big shots not because he was instructed by the management but because it was a safer option than blocking because of the field setting by Southee.

This is close but I think they were going for it until Shan got out. The run rate was on target until that point but when you are 80-5 you are miles away.
It was back on after tea but it needed Saud to open up which he tried to do and then they packed it in again after agha got out.

 

[MenInG]

Babar when asked about the plan


"If we wanted to draw the game, Saud Shakeel would have played more defensively"

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[shokz1408]

Babar when asked about the plan


"If we wanted to draw the game, Saud Shakeel would have played more defensively"

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This is a laughable comment, more defensive?

 

[ArabKnight]

Imagine when you require a MINIMUM of 4 RPO to win a game on the last day.

But there is a batter that bats for 70% of the day at less than 1.3 RPO.

32(146) courtesy of Shakeel.

That is the most worst innings I have ever witnessed in Test cricket.

 

[Savak]

Kudrat ka Nizam was the plan

 

[ArabKnight]

Babar when asked about the plan


"If we wanted to draw the game, Saud Shakeel would have played more defensively"

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.331%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/9j467r" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

Babar said the plan was ja ke execute karna.

What kind of plan is that?

 

[brokenrecord]

It’s so surprising that spending all their time playing cricket—most of our players seem to have so little grasp of the game and keep making the same mistakes. Saud’s defensiveness in the second session is inexcusable. If only he had taken 1 or 2 runs here and there, instead of refusing to score whenever he batted even when they were both well set. But sure, he’s still new to the scene. Babar was okay with that? He didn’t send a message in asking him to rotate the strike now and then? That seems to be bigger problem. There are no leaders in that dressing room. Just coworkers trying not to fail.

 

[PakPremi]

Already Said Saud is another mental midget who not sure whether plays for team appalling approach

A mental midget does not often succeed in his plan, Saud succeeded a lot in every inning what he planned to do.

 

[BreadPakoda]

“Hum ahead they match mei” is such a dishonest statement from Babar Azam. The burden to push for a result was on NZ’s (a team that is struggling for the last year or so) shoulders and it was only because of a sporting declaration that we got some entertainment on day 5.

 

[Saj]

Confused approach.

Seems like it was a case of block, save wickets and then see what happens.

Looks like they all of a sudden realised that they could win the game and then nearly messed it all up by losing.

 

[James]

Seems like neither team really wanted to win that.

An enjoyable last day but also quite an odd watch.

 

[Zaz]

Sums up pakistans mentality this test season

The plan was theres no plan

Theres just no leadership, totally negative and confused way of playin

This target was very chaseable with a bit more intent and planning

 

[JibranAnsari]

Two guys had clear mentality

Sarfraz wanted to win.
Saud wanted to draw.


Both captains looked relieved at the end.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Lets go poys!. insha'Allah!

 

[Amjid Javed]

Scoring just 54 runs for zero wickets in 2nd session was criminal, if saud had scored at a half decent rate we could have scored at around 2.5 runs per over, which would have still been seen as slow but we would have ended up with maybe 70-75 runs in 2nd session.

How difficult is it to get a few more singles? Was just a dumb approach from saud.

He did same thing in 1st inns after scoring a 100.

 

[Amjid Javed]

If you break down the scoring on day 5

1st session Pakistan - 125 runs 3 wickets lost in 35.0 overs

Scoring rate for session 3.57

Required 194 off 55 @ 3.52 runs per over

2nd session. Pakistan 54 runs 0 wickets lost in 24.0 overs

Scoring rate for session 2.25

Required 140 off 31 @ 4.51

That's middle session meant that Pakistan had pretty much score at 4.5 runs per over in a final session with only 1 recognised batsmen left after the pair that were in. The reality was chasing 140 in final session wasn't going to happen. There is no excuse for go slow in session to, if we had scored 70-75 runs in that second session, we would have gone into last session needing 120 off 31 which would have been something to go out.

Same sort of batting in 1st 2 tests vs England while batting last cost us as well. Seems like we have 1 or 2 batsmen who want to win then lullus like Azhar, saud etc...who suck life out of inns to point that the game gets to a stage where either a draw or loss becomes only viable results.

 

[Markhor]

Scoring just 54 runs for zero wickets in 2nd session was criminal, if saud had scored at a half decent rate we could have scored at around 2.5 runs per over, which would have still been seen as slow but we would have ended up with maybe 70-75 runs in 2nd session.

How difficult is it to get a few more singles? Was just a dumb approach from saud.

He did same thing in 1st inns after scoring a 100.

Then the captain and coach should send a signal from the dressing room to tell Saud to get a move on.

The brand of cricket and team ethic all stems from the leadership. We've seen Stokes lead the Bazball charge by example with the bat, sometimes he's a bit reckless, but his intentions for the team are totally clear.

Babar from Day 1 of the Pindi Test vs AUS through today as captain has repeatedly shown his first priority is avoiding defeat over pursuing victory. There's some brainless token gestures of fake aggression, but he's overall the most conservative Pakistan captain in recent memory. Then it's no wonder his players follow likewise.

 

[Kroll]

The concept of 'shielding the wicket' is a double edged sword. While it may sound intriguing and attractive in theory, it potentially does more harm than good.

With Saud eating up balls, it has the effect of adding additional pressure and reducing the number of overs to get the target. Had Saud shown a bit more self-belief, the number of runs required would have gone down quicker whilst giving the right amount of support to Sarfraz.

Not saying Saud had to go helter skelter but scoring a bit more fluently would have helped ease the stress and pressure of the chase. But as usually is the case with this sort of strategy, he got out whilst not contributing many runs to the cause leaving it for Agha and the tail to finish the job.

Saud could have made a name for himself here just as much as Sarfraz who is the senior but Saud came in as a specialist batsman and a guy with a lot of fans pinning their hopes on. Alas, it was a missed opportunity but hopefully they learn from this.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Then the captain and coach should send a signal from the dressing room to tell Saud to get a move on.

The brand of cricket and team ethic all stems from the leadership. We've seen Stokes lead the Bazball charge by example with the bat, sometimes he's a bit reckless, but his intentions for the team are totally clear.

Babar from Day 1 of the Pindi Test vs AUS through today as captain has repeatedly shown his first priority is avoiding defeat over pursuing victory. There's some brainless token gestures of fake aggression, but he's overall the most conservative Pakistan captain in recent memory. Then it's no wonder his players follow likewise.

I agree leadership comes from coach and captain, but when the coach is saying his "prayers" and hoping for best, giving players hugs for mediocre 40s in losing causes its not a surprise.

You had players like Azhar, imam and Shan who all bat in a selfish and brainless manner and a captain who thinks his legacy will be dicatate by volumes of runs, rather then actual impact.

Played like cowards every home series and lost, then continue in same fashion even when new chairmen and cheif selector cone in, let's be real would losing 1-0 to NZ rather then 0-0 be viewed as much different after shambles of last 8-10 tests? No it wouldn't.

But still the players play like cowards, knowing full well they will keep getting selected, if players were actually made accountable they might have been a bit bracer.

Sooner a new captain is made for next test series vs SL the better, new coach and get rid of selfish cowards like imam and Shan and few others.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

Just dump Babar as captain already.

Dude is terrible.

 

[Saj]

Lunch: Pakistan - 125/5 in 38 overs
Tea: Pakistan - 179/5 in 62 overs

54/0 in 24 overs

Obviously playing for a draw and now trying to fool people by saying we were going for the win at one stage.

 

[jnaveen1980]

NZ was absolutely canned by England in 4th innings in back to back Tests. They probably had some nerves after Sarfraz's 100. In recent times teams have been struggling to defend 4th innings. Even against England , Pakistan came somewhat close. But that was a most more intelligent unit.

 

[Kianig89]

A mental midget does not often succeed in his plan, Saud succeeded a lot in every inning what he planned to do.

and in what plan actually he succeeded