[PICTURES] ODI squad for New Zealand : Imad Wasim ruled out due to knee discomfort

[Abdullah719]

Lahore-December 23, 2017: The National Selection Committee headed by Inzamam ul Haq after consultation with captain Sarfraz Ahmed and head coach Mickey Arthur, has announced the 15-member ODI squad for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The T-20 squad will be announced later. The five-match ODI series will take place from January 6, 2018 to January 19, 2018, whereas the T-20I series will commence from January 22 and will conclude on January 28, 2018.

“The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions and the recent performances of some players in the domestic tournament. Azhar Ali makes a comeback in the ODI squad after being rested in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. He is making a comeback after gaining full fitness. Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the ODI squad due to fracture in his right foot and doctors have advised him for a six-week rest. Aamir Yamin comes in to replace the left arm pacer in the squad. Imad Wasim again feeling discomfort in his previously injured knee which ruled him out from ODI Squad. Immad has been told to work on his fitness in NCA ,” said Inzamam ul Haq, chief selector.

ODI Squad

1) Sarfraz Ahmed ©
2) Azhar Ali
3) Fakhar Zaman
4) Imam Ul Haq
5) Babar Azam
6) Shoaib Malik
7) Muhammad Hafeez
8) Haris Sohail
9) Faheem Ashraf
10) Shadab Khan
11) Muhammad Nawaz
12) Muhammad Amir
13) Hasan Ali
14) Aamir Yamin
15) Rumman Raees







Team Management

1) Talat Ali Malik
Team Manager

2) Mickey Arthur
Head Coach

3) Steve Rixon
Fielding Coach

4) Grant Luden
Fitness Coach

5) Azhar Mahmood
Bowling Coach

6) Grant Flower
Batting Coach

7) Talha Ejaz Butt
Team Analyst

8) Aun Zaidi
Media Manager

9) Col. Azam Khan
Security Manager

Physiotherapist will be hired locally from New Zealand

 

[Nado_]

Decent squad, except for hafeez (maybe look to invest on Hussain Talat) and Nawaz (who will be useless in NZ) Im guessing only one out of Azhar Ali and Imam ul haq will be opening.

 

[Bewal Express]

Bar Mohammed Nawaz and Hafeez, its not the worst. Mohammed Nawaz has a good attitude but is an awful bowler.

 

[Nado_]

A new ball swing bowler to accompany Amir is also needed- hint hint Sohail Khan.

 

[dauntless]

Decent squad batting is pretty boring and mediocre.Bowlers have to step up again! But these New Zealand grounds are small and also very flat.Expect New Zealand to win series by 4-1.

 

[hadi123]

The biggest surprise is that it's only a 15 man squad. Considering it's a 5 match series in a country far away from Pakistan a 17 man squad is not uncommon for series like this. Pace bowling looks a bit weak and could have had 1 extra batsman too. But for the squad named, it's decent.

My 11 would be

1) Azhar Ali - tough on Imam but you really expect a player like Azhar Ali to sit on the bench?
2) Fakhar Zaman
3) Babar Azam
4) Shoaib Malik
5) Haris Sohail - Hafeez can't bowl anymore so Sohail should start instead of him
6) Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (WK)
7) Faheem Ashraf
8) Shadab Khan
9) Mohammad Amir - missed the SL series due to injury.
10) Hasan Ali
11) Rumman Raees

 

[Titan24]

Imad struggled quite a bit last time he toured NZ so i guess his absence in this series considering the conditions is not a big blow.

 

[indianpanacea]

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Sarfaraz
Haris
Shoaib
Fahim
Yamin
Shahdab
Amir
Hassan

 

[Brilliance]

So Imad saves himself for the tour where he was supposed to be found out. Learning from the Pakistani greats. Cool !

 

[cricketjoshila]

Why no permanent physio?

 

[asadee]

So Imad saves himself for the tour where he was supposed to be found out. Learning from the Pakistani greats. Cool !

How was he going to be found out?

 

[Hedz]

Can’t fault the squad minus Nawaz Selection.
Hafeez has been performing with bat, so has to be selected here
Azhar is a fighter and played a massive role in winning in the CT17 and much better option than Shehzad
Aamer Yamin given an opportunity which is great as he has been performing well domestically
Would have liked to see Mohammad Asghar given a go before PSL3 as his opportunities may become limited if Hassan Raza performs.

 

[anonymous_guy]

So Imad saves himself for the tour where he was supposed to be found out. Learning from the Pakistani greats. Cool !

Last time Pakistan toured New Zealand Imam Wasim was quiet good againsts the Kiwis(although he got a phainty in 2nd ODI), he will always be good to decent against the non Asian sides. It's his fitness and his interest towards staying fit and lean that is a major concern.

 

[Rana]

Hafeez is a good shout if you want to score a par 330+ score on these tracks. He can give a good old whack these days. Not expecting Babar to take the responsibility to do so I'm afraid hence you need these lads to actually give you a fighting score

 

[Markhor]

No surprises in the squad. Could argue we lack a powerhitter and another new ball bowler.

Despite Azhar's CT final performance, I still doubt he has the dynamism and range of shots needed in a batting lineup for an era where 300 is a par score in ODIs. Hafeez did well on the last NZ limited overs tour but without his bowling, he doesn't merit being a specialist bat.

However our ODI formula is now familiar. Expecting a lineup of: Azhar, Fakhar, Babar, Haris, Malik, Sarfraz, Faheem, Shadab, Ali, Amir and Raees.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Azhar and Nawaz useless selections. What will an extra spinner be of use in NZ? Could have used an extra pacer instead.

The rest speaks of itself. No huge surprises.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

No surprises in the squad. Could argue we lack a powerhitter and another new ball bowler.

Despite Azhar's CT final performance, I still doubt he has the dynamism and range of shots needed in a batting lineup for an era where 300 is a par score in ODIs. Hafeez did well on the last NZ limited overs tour but without his bowling, he doesn't merit being a specialist bat.

However our ODI formula is now familiar. Expecting a lineup of: Azhar, Fakhar, Babar, Haris, Malik, Sarfraz, Faheem, Shadab, Ali, Amir and Raees.

For the moment Hafeez will play instead of Haris. Haris might get in the last or second last ODI. The rest will remain the same yes.

 

[Shafi]

Inzamam is such a hypocrite!!!. He wants Pakistan to do well against NZ and selected 2 useless seniors who are too slow and lately off form in current domestic matches. Hafeez can not even ball. I would be surprise if we win even a single match in ODI

 

[CricketingMinds]

Very decent squad.

The four players who missed out (based on the earlier 18 + Shadab announced by Pcb for fitness camp) :

- Shahzad (yayyy! Finally)
- Umar Amin (a tad unlucky)
- Maqsood
- Imad (would have been Nawaz if Imad wasn't injured)

Some spots that are up for grabs in the XI:

- imam vs Azhar Ali for opening (Azhar would probably come back in for the first ODI)

- Hafeez vs Sohail @ #4/5 (Hafeez is a likely starter for the 1st ODI given his "seniority")

- Shadab vs Nawaz - - Nawaz probably won't get a chance in playing XI unless Shadab has a horrible time with the ball (which I hope he doesn't)

- Ashraf vs Yamin (Ashraf is a likely starter for sure given his recent success)

Likely Playing XI for 1st ODI:

Fakhar
Azhar
Babar
Malik
Hafeez
Sarfaraz
Asharf
Shadab
Amir
Hassan
Rumman

Following four to miss out:
Imam
Sohail (unfortunate)
Yamin
Nawaz

 

[msb314]

Not sure why Hafeez and Nawaz have been selected...

Harsh on Maqsood to be dropped...

Good for Haris that he is being given a recall to the ODI squad for the first time since 2015. Hope he plays ahead of Hafeez.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Uninspiring

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Not sure why Hafeez and Nawaz have been selected...

Harsh on Maqsood to be dropped...

Good for Haris that he is being given a recall to the ODI squad for the first time since 2015. Hope he plays ahead of Hafeez.

Even Umar Amin merited a place ahead of Azhar Ali/Hafeez/Nawaz if you look at domestic numbers.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Not sure why Hafeez and Nawaz have been selected...

Harsh on Maqsood to be dropped...

Good for Haris that he is being given a recall to the ODI squad for the first time since 2015. Hope he plays ahead of Hafeez.

Haris was in the CT squad and the SL ODI squad..

 

[pkckt]

I'll donate my left kidney if Pak manage to win this series with that squad.

 

[ammar_merry]

I'll donate my left kidney if Pak manage to win this series with that squad.

12 out of 14 were in CT winning squad

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Not sure why Hafeez and Nawaz have been selected...

Harsh on Maqsood to be dropped...

Good for Haris that he is being given a recall to the ODI squad for the first time since 2015. Hope he plays ahead of Hafeez.

Haris has been in the ODI squad since Champions trophy

 

[Syed1]

Acha Bacha Azhar Ali some how always manages to hog a spot. When are we going to get rid of him?

 

[aloo paratha]

Thank god Imad isn't touring, meaning Shadab will get games.

 

[Ahmad Shah]

imad ruled out due to fitness issue??
just met him two days back
he was looking fine and active at a marriage ceremony
what happened overnight???

 

[UN talkz]

There was no need to have Hafeez in the squad.
Nawaz is good selection only if u consider that he is replacing Imad.
They are 1 fast bowler short and that might hurt them.
Batting more than decent.

 

[asma_cricfan]

Hafeez failed in both innings of QEA trophy final + can't bowl yet selected.

Ahmed shehzad deserve more if pcb wanted to stick to experience players.

 

[Abdullah719]

imad ruled out due to fitness issue??
just met him two days back
he was looking fine and active at a marriage ceremony
what happened overnight???

Fine and active doesn't mean he is fit to play international cricket.

 

[Ahmad Shah]

Fine and active doesn't mean he is fit to play international cricket.

But i seriously wonder
how can he dance with that much energy
if he had problem in his knees :/

 

[ammar_merry]

But i seriously wonder
how can he dance with that much energy
if he had problem in his knees :/

His knee problem is not new.

 

[Rayyman]

Looks good aside from Hafeez. Hope he fails in the first 2-3 matches so Haris can replace him.

 

[asadee]

Acha Bacha Azhar Ali some how always manages to hog a spot. When are we going to get rid of him?

2nd highest scorer for us in CT

 

[Nasty Naz]

2nd highest scorer for us in CT

Career strike rate of 74.87. Azhar is quite bad in LOI.

 

[pkckt]

Career strike rate of 74.87. Azhar is quite bad in LOI.

He's the reason Fakhar got a century because he relieved pressure off of him early on by attacking the bowlers when Fakhar was struggling. Yes he isn't the ideal opener but he has improved allot in the limited overs format.
Plus his strike rate didn't cost Pakistan in the CT anyways.

 

[Usman Chadda]

The batting line-up is a worry, with no dynamic batsman besides Fakhar Zaman. Specially on these small grounds where the matches effectively become a batting shootout.

 

[Syed1]

2nd highest scorer for us in CT

Yeah same way Misbah has the second highest average in ODIs from all Pakistani batsmen ever.. There is this new thing called strike rate which holds a little bit of relevance in LOI cricket.

 

[coy0607]

About 8 guys are automatic picks. Here’s the battles I see for the playing 11

Imam v Fakhar v Azhar - for 2 openers
Sohail v Hafeez - for #5
Faheem v Yamin v Nawaz - for #5 bowler / all rounder

I really hope Azhar isnt an automatic pick, although I do think Fakhar’s honeymoon period is coming to an end
Same goes for Hafeez, he’s a whole lot less valuable if he can’t bowl

 

[hadi123]

Thank god Imad isn't touring, meaning Shadab will get games.

Shadab Khan was always going to play regardless of whether Imad was fit or not.

 

[blackanhyellow]

actually a very good squad, but if the wrong combination is chosen for the playing XI then it doesn't mean much.

Hafeez makes my playing XI everytime if he can play as an allrounder, but he can't bowl atm and he will waste a batting position.

Tough on Imam who will have to sit out for azhar, and haris who will have to sit out for hafeez.

 

[srh]

Lahore-December 23, 2017: The National Selection Committee headed by Inzamam ul Haq after consultation with captain Sarfraz Ahmed and head coach Mickey Arthur, has announced the 15-member ODI squad for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The T-20 squad will be announced later. The five-match ODI series will take place from January 6, 2018 to January 19, 2018, whereas the T-20I series will commence from January 22 and will conclude on January 28, 2018.

“The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions and the recent performances of some players in the domestic tournament. Azhar Ali makes a comeback in the ODI squad after being rested in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. He is making a comeback after gaining full fitness. Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the ODI squad due to fracture in his right foot and doctors have advised him for a six-week rest. Aamir Yamin comes in to replace the left arm pacer in the squad. Imad Wasim again feeling discomfort in his previously injured knee which ruled him out from ODI Squad. Immad has been told to work on his fitness in NCA ,” said Inzamam ul Haq, chief selector.

ODI Squad

1) Sarfraz Ahmed ©
2) Azhar Ali
3) Fakhar Zaman
4) Imam Ul Haq
5) Babar Azam
6) Shoaib Malik
7) Muhammad Hafeez
8) Haris Sohail
9) Faheem Ashraf
10) Shadab Khan
11) Muhammad Nawaz
12) Muhammad Amir
13) Hasan Ali
14) Aamir Yamin
15) Rumman Raees







Team Management

1) Talat Ali Malik
Team Manager

2) Mickey Arthur
Head Coach

3) Steve Rixon
Fielding Coach

4) Grant Luden
Fitness Coach

5) Azhar Mahmood
Bowling Coach

6) Grant Flower
Batting Coach

7) Talha Ejaz Butt
Team Analyst

8) Aun Zaidi
Media Manager

9) Col. Azam Khan
Security Manager

Physiotherapist will be hired locally from New Zealand

Only 3 real pacers (Amir, Hasan, Rumman)? Thats not good

 

[Hermoine Green]

Sarfi is doing what Misbah and Afridi used to do i.e keep your buddy in the team doesn't matter if his performance merits his position or not.

Apart from that, squad is pretty decent.

 

[Railu Katta]

I am calling it now inzi will select selfie for T20s.

 

[Justcrazy]

Selecting hafeez is again disappointing.

 

[shaikhanasm]

I do't know why people are hating on some of the selections. I actually think this is a great squad.

1) Nawaz is only there as a replacement for Imad since he got hurt. I don't expect him to get a game unless something happens with Shadab. You do need at least one specialist spinner in the squad.

2) Azhar is very reliable and doesn't throw his wicket away. He deserves his spot and is reclaiming it after coming back from the injury. For those who say he is too slow, I think Imam would have been the same but Imam is inexperienced and Azhar has played in New Zealand before and has done well. Quite honestly, I think he relaxes Fakhar Zaman on the other side and helps Fakhar play his natural game.

3) From the Sri Lanka series, it looks like the thinking brass sees Fahim Ashraf as a viable third pacer. He was opening the bowling with Shinwari a couple of times, and he had decent performances. So with Junaid and Usman hurt, it does make sense to consider Fahim a pacer and bring in another batting pace all rounder in Aamir Yamin.

I do think that Pak will play with three proper pacers in Amir, Rumman and Hasan, but Fahim can take one of their spots and Aamir Yamin can become the 4th pacer if needed. I understand the thinking of the management.

4) Due to the fitness camp inclusions of Sohaib Maqsood and Umar Amin, Pak does have another lower order batsman and another opener in case of injuries. Including Amin and Maqsood in the camp was always the idea so that they can be ready in case needed.

5) Hafeez is a monster on flat tracks and so he merits a spot on batting alone. Pakistan doesn't need his bowling for this series, and ff Pak need another bowling option, they can always switch Haris Sohail for Hafeez in the lineup and keep a batsman who can also bowl spin a bit.

Playing XI:

1) Fakhar Zaman
2) Azhar Ali
3) Babar Azam
4) Mo. Hafeez
5) Sarfaraz Ahmed
6) Shoaib Malik
7) Fahim Ashraf
8) Shadab Khan
9) Mo. Amir
10) Hasan Ali
11) Rumman Raees

Extra opener: Imam ul Haq
Extra Pace all rounder: Aamir Yamin
Extra spinner: Mo. Nawaz
Extra middle order batsman with spin: Haris Sohail

Lastly, I think Pakistan's batting is their strength here. You have a solid opening team that in their last three games had wonderful starts, with two century stands. Babar at 3 can play free flowing cricket and get his 100 at a run a ball, and I can expect Shoaib Malik and Hafeez to accelerate after their 50 and bat at something like 80 (60). With Fahim coming in at the end, this is a team that can put up around 300-320 easily on those pitches. We will need to make sure our bowling can be effective.

 

[aloo paratha]

Shadab Khan was always going to play regardless of whether Imad was fit or not.

That's what most people on PP think, but you never know with our team management, I wouldn't have been surprised if they played a nobody like Imad over a bright young talent. Especially as Mickey seems to see spinners as defensive bowlers rather than aggressive ones.

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Decent squad.

I feel the spin bowling is a bit weak, but I'm really happy to see Aamir Yamin and Faheem Ashraf in the squad, hoping they play together. I think this might be the first time Pakistan have 2 pace bowling allrounders since the days of Razzaq and Azhar?

Hoping Haris Sohail now gets a game, too good to be sitting on the bench. Glad Shahzad has been dropped, but if he does well in the T20 series I can see him coming back.

Mohammad Nawaz is not a bad selection, the guy seems to always be used as a stop gap, needs to be given a consistent run. Yes, he has improvements to be made but playing and dropping him will only destroy his confidence. Also batting wise, don't think he can be much worse then Imad.

For the people that are saying Azhar Ali needs to be dropped, his last innings was the CT Final. Glad you guys are not selectors he deserves his spot.

 

[Mirpur express]

7-Fahim
8-Yamin
9-Shadab
10-Amir
11-Hassan

Tbh the Pakistani tail is looking really exiting .. Shadab might have a say @ no7 too

 

[Nasty Naz]

He's the reason Fakhar got a century because he relieved pressure off of him early on by attacking the bowlers when Fakhar was struggling. Yes he isn't the ideal opener but he has improved allot in the limited overs format.
Plus his strike rate didn't cost Pakistan in the CT anyways.

This is such a poor argument. How about looking at the process instead of simply the end result? Yeah, that end result was in our favour but the process is poor. They barely won those SA and Sri Lanka and Azhar poor strike rate was one of the reasons why. Azhar had 9 (22) while trying to chase a paltry score of 220. Fakhar scoring quickly in those games was a huge reason why Pakistan managed to barely squeak out a win.

CT is a sample size of few games anyways and anyone can have a run of few good games and vice versa. Azhar career sample size in ODI is extremely poor. If you break it down, it gets even worse. His 3 hundreds are vs Bangladesh/West Indies/Zimbabwe (all in Asia too). Those are also the only teams he managed a good strike rate and a strike rate above 75 (Sri lanka is 75.24). His SR has been so horrific in games with India/Australia/NZ/SA/England -- so basically teams with a good bowling attack.

Keep in mind, when you have a strike rate of a whopping 75 in your entire career, it means you are scoring at a rate of 225 runs per 300 balls. That is disgusting by today's standards.

And please don't bother with the excuse of "we can play Azhar because Fakhar is so good at scoring quickly" because no matter how good you are at scoring quickly, every player will go through struggles where they struggle to score quickly or a lot and basically if Fakhar gets out that way, then we are doomed.

There is a reason why ODI sides like England and India are so dominant. It's because they've scrapped scrubs that score at a poor SR like that and pretty have everyone in batting order scoring with 85-90+ SR. That's what Pakistan should aim to do as well.

 

[Del01]

Imad's fitness is not impressive and ironic thing is his favourite song is shape of you. While he becomes perfect shape of sphere.

 

[Darkrai]

Sarfi is doing what Misbah and Afridi used to do i.e keep your buddy in the team doesn't matter if his performance merits his position or not.

Apart from that, squad is pretty decent.

That's nonsense. Do you have a proof of that? Sarfraz replaces players that do not perform, even his so called buddies. The selections isn't only up to him. Nawaz was the only logical replacement for Imad, since both are spin bowling allrounders-Nawaz may even be a better hitter than Imad as well. Azhar was one of the most important players for us in the CT, without him we would not have won. Hafeez has been playing with good strike rate recently. You need someone like Hafeez in case the newer players do not perform, he has the experience. Selection makes sense. They clearly didn't want to risk debuting players in this tour and stuck with the CT squad, considering how difficult it is to win in NZ i don't blame them. Though we could use an extra pacer but it's not like we have a line up of quality pacers, besides fahim is pretty good.

 

[hitthestump]

Nawaz's inclusion very much pointless for NZ, could have been worth giving Umar Amin a game or 2 instead. Fakhar and Sohail can bowl slow left arm if we really needed some extra overs of spin.

Hafeez is just lol. Most hilariously long and pointless career since Shahid Afridi.

 

[HuzaifaE]

7-Fahim
8-Yamin
9-Shadab
10-Amir
11-Hassan

Tbh the Pakistani tail is looking really exiting .. Shadab might have a say @ no7 too

Surely that's too light on bowling, you can definitely put a specialist bowler in, Shadab at 9 is far too luxurious and Yamin isn't (yet at least) a 10 over quality bowler. Fahim is barely proven enough to do that, although his skillset is more inspiring with the ball.

 

[yasir]

Pakistan squad is still relying heavily on bowlers to win matches, we won CT because every opposition was bowled out below 230, then SL Which is a weak team, those were exception not rule.

Giving so many seniors free rid, non of them ever played fast bowling with any authority, does not take team forward. Misbah stick to too many senior with one dimensional skill set (aka bash spinners), those tactics made us #8 team. Azhar, Malik, Hafeez, Sarfraz all can only bash spinners, you cannot play all of them as backbone of batting in western conditions. Hafeez must not start, Azhar should have been replaced by better player of pace, he is a blocker, 70 SR is not going to cut

Now bowlers are giving us cushion, we should use that leverage and build a modern batting unit, rather than giving free rid to seniors...

 

[Mirpur express]

No1 odi bowler leading the attack ps we can always get Raees in for Yamin ,Malik & Sohail up the order too

 

[prop558]

Lahore-December 23, 2017: The National Selection Committee headed by Inzamam ul Haq after consultation with captain Sarfraz Ahmed and head coach Mickey Arthur, has announced the 15-member ODI squad for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The T-20 squad will be announced later. The five-match ODI series will take place from January 6, 2018 to January 19, 2018, whereas the T-20I series will commence from January 22 and will conclude on January 28, 2018.

“The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions and the recent performances of some players in the domestic tournament. Azhar Ali makes a comeback in the ODI squad after being rested in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. He is making a comeback after gaining full fitness. Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the ODI squad due to fracture in his right foot and doctors have advised him for a six-week rest. Aamir Yamin comes in to replace the left arm pacer in the squad. Imad Wasim again feeling discomfort in his previously injured knee which ruled him out from ODI Squad. Immad has been told to work on his fitness in NCA ,” said Inzamam ul Haq, chief selector.

ODI Squad

1) Sarfraz Ahmed ©
2) Azhar Ali
3) Fakhar Zaman
4) Imam Ul Haq
5) Babar Azam
6) Shoaib Malik
7) Muhammad Hafeez
8) Haris Sohail
9) Faheem Ashraf
10) Shadab Khan
11) Muhammad Nawaz
12) Muhammad Amir
13) Hasan Ali
14) Aamir Yamin
15) Rumman Raees







Team Management

1) Talat Ali Malik
Team Manager

2) Mickey Arthur
Head Coach

3) Steve Rixon
Fielding Coach

4) Grant Luden
Fitness Coach

5) Azhar Mahmood
Bowling Coach

6) Grant Flower
Batting Coach

7) Talha Ejaz Butt
Team Analyst

8) Aun Zaidi
Media Manager

9) Col. Azam Khan
Security Manager

Physiotherapist will be hired locally from New Zealand

PLAYING 11

01 - Fakhar Zaman
02 - Azhar Ali
03 - Imam ul Haq
04 - Babar Azam
05 - Sarfraz Ahmed
06 - Shoaib Malik
07 - Fahim Ashraf
08 - Shadab Khan
09 - Muhammad Aamir
10 - Rumman Raees
11 - Hasan Ali

----------------------------------------------
BENCH STRENGTH :

12 - Backup Batsman - Haris Sohail

13 - Bakcup All Rounder 1 - Muhammad Hafeez

14 - Backup All Rounder 2 - Aamir Yameen

15 - Backup All Rounder 3 - Muhammad Nawaz

 

[prop558]

PLAYING 11

01 - Fakhar Zaman
02 - Azhar Ali
03 - Imam ul Haq
04 - Babar Azam
05 - Sarfraz Ahmed
06 - Shoaib Malik
07 - Fahim Ashraf
08 - Shadab Khan
09 - Muhammad Aamir
10 - Rumman Raees
11 - Hasan Ali

----------------------------------------------
BENCH STRENGTH :

12 - Backup Batsman - Haris Sohail

13 - Bakcup All Rounder 1 - Muhammad Hafeez

14 - Backup All Rounder 2 - Aamir Yameen

15 - Backup All Rounder 3 - Muhammad Nawaz

NOTES :

1. Opening pair of Fakhar & Azhar has already performed well in the major ICC Tournament, so that "successful" opening pair should not be disturbed.

2. Although Imam ul Haq scored runs in UAE against Srilanka, but as well all know that Srilanka Bangladesh West Indies are the weakest ODI teams in present days, so scoring century against a weak team like Srilanka in UAE totally different from playing New Zealand on its home-ground. So it will be a "real test" for Imam ul Haq, but if he fails in first 2-3 ODIs, then Hafeez should be brought in place of Imam ul Haq.

3. Sarfraz should not bat below no.5 as his batting skills are proved at higher numbers. Either as an opener or as a middle order batsman. World Cup 2015 & England was very successful for Sarfraz as a middle order batsman. So he should bat at upper numbers, not below than number 5.

4. Fahim Ashraf is always a better option as compared to other All Rounders like Imad Wasim & Muhammad Nawaz. Both are over-rated players, not as fruitful as Fahim Ashraf. However, if Fahim performs poor or gets unfil, just put Amir Yamin at his place. In chasing targets higher than 300, Fahim Ashraf should be "tested" as batsman by coming at No.3 for some quick runs.

5. Babar, Sarfraz & Malik will be very good middle order.

 

[prop558]

Nawaz's inclusion very much pointless for NZ, could have been worth giving Umar Amin a game or 2 instead. Fakhar and Sohail can bowl slow left arm if we really needed some extra overs of spin.

Hafeez is just lol. Most hilariously long and pointless career since Shahid Afridi.

Neither Umar Amin nor Aamir Yameen's or even Muhammad Nawaz's inclusion makes sense. If Junaid was injured (who is a bowler) then the best replacement for him would have been Mir Hamza, why replacing Junaid (a frontline bowler) with another All Rounder. Useless.

Imad wasn't fruitful as an All Rounder, but Fahim is..... Having 2 bowling all rounders like Fahim & Shadab will be enough in playing 11 as Malik is genuine batting all rounder. 3 pacers will be Amir, Hasan Ali & Rumman....

I don't why the hell we want to destroy the winning combination of Champions Trophy team.

Winning in UAE against one of the weakest ODI side (srilanka) doesn't even matter. Azhar & Fakhar had good opening combination and already tested in the major ICC Tournaments like Champions Trophy, so we should continue with that.

 

[prop558]

Lahore-December 23, 2017: The National Selection Committee headed by Inzamam ul Haq after consultation with captain Sarfraz Ahmed and head coach Mickey Arthur, has announced the 15-member ODI squad for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The T-20 squad will be announced later. The five-match ODI series will take place from January 6, 2018 to January 19, 2018, whereas the T-20I series will commence from January 22 and will conclude on January 28, 2018.

“The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions and the recent performances of some players in the domestic tournament. Azhar Ali makes a comeback in the ODI squad after being rested in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. He is making a comeback after gaining full fitness. Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the ODI squad due to fracture in his right foot and doctors have advised him for a six-week rest. Aamir Yamin comes in to replace the left arm pacer in the squad. Imad Wasim again feeling discomfort in his previously injured knee which ruled him out from ODI Squad. Immad has been told to work on his fitness in NCA ,” said Inzamam ul Haq, chief selector.

ODI Squad

1) Sarfraz Ahmed ©
2) Azhar Ali
3) Fakhar Zaman
4) Imam Ul Haq
5) Babar Azam
6) Shoaib Malik
7) Muhammad Hafeez
8) Haris Sohail
9) Faheem Ashraf
10) Shadab Khan
11) Muhammad Nawaz
12) Muhammad Amir
13) Hasan Ali
14) Aamir Yamin
15) Rumman Raees







Team Management

1) Talat Ali Malik
Team Manager

2) Mickey Arthur
Head Coach

3) Steve Rixon
Fielding Coach

4) Grant Luden
Fitness Coach

5) Azhar Mahmood
Bowling Coach

6) Grant Flower
Batting Coach

7) Talha Ejaz Butt
Team Analyst

8) Aun Zaidi
Media Manager

9) Col. Azam Khan
Security Manager

Physiotherapist will be hired locally from New Zealand

Decent squad, but unfair with Saad Ali & Mir Hamza.

They should have been selected in place of Muhammad Nawaz & Amir Yamin.

Because Junaid Khan got unfit, then Mir Hamza could have been the best replacement for him instead of Amir Yameen who is an All Rounder not a genuine fast bowler like Junaid. While Mir Hamza was also a Left Arm pacer who can ve the bowl both ways.

 

[Hasan123]

Don't agree with Hafeez selection . He can't make the team as a specialist batsmen imo. Azhar Ali is not an ODI player for me. But neither of these 2 players will be dropped anytime soon. Umar Amin and Sohaib Maqsood were in good form, I think we should have cashed in on it.

Bowling wise not many complaints, but with Junaid out we should have selected as a specialist seamer. Amir,Ruman,and Hasan will have to play all 5 games plus t20s! Yamin is more of a batting all rounder. Faheem is going to need to step up with the ball. Nawaz is a decent cricketer but would have prefer a right arm offie who can bat a bit to be selected .

My XI would be from the squad above

Azhar ( he's going to play so no point in leaving him out)
Fakhar
Babar
Harris
Malik
Sarfraz
Faheem
Shadab
Amir
Hasan
Ruman

 

[prop558]

Don't agree with Hafeez selection . He can't make the team as a specialist batsmen imo. Azhar Ali is not an ODI player for me. But neither of these 2 players will be dropped anytime soon. Umar Amin and Sohaib Maqsood were in good form, I think we should have cashed in on it.

Bowling wise not many complaints, but with Junaid out we should have selected as a specialist seamer. Amir,Ruman,and Hasan will have to play all 5 games plus t20s! Yamin is more of a batting all rounder. Faheem is going to need to step up with the ball. Nawaz is a decent cricketer but would have prefer a right arm offie who can bat a bit to be selected .

My XI would be from the squad above

Azhar ( he's going to play so no point in leaving him out)
Fakhar
Babar
Harris
Malik
Sarfraz
Faheem
Shadab
Amir
Hasan
Ruman

I support Azhar's selection as he is performing good at ODI level and he & fakhar has goood opening combination of Champions Trophy so there is no point to disturb / disburse that opening pair which has proved "successful" in a major ICC event.

In place of Junaid, there is no other better left arm pacer available than MIR HAMZA. I don't why he was not selected. NZ & England are the pitches which help a lot such type of pacers.

Regarding Umar Amin, Haris Sohail & Sohaib Maqsood, I think none of these should be ideal for ODIs as we have seen the failures of all these players in limited overs format. However SAAD ALI should have been selected as he is the HIGHEST RUNS SCORER in QA Trophy with great strike rate & average. ODI is not all about hitting & slogging, its a mature format

 

[Hasan123]

I support Azhar's selection as he is performing good at ODI level and he & fakhar has goood opening combination of Champions Trophy so there is no point to disturb / disburse that opening pair which has proved "successful" in a major ICC event.

In place of Junaid, there is no other better left arm pacer available than MIR HAMZA. I don't why he was not selected. NZ & England are the pitches which help a lot such type of pacers.

Regarding Umar Amin, Haris Sohail & Sohaib Maqsood, I think none of these should be ideal for ODIs as we have seen the failures of all these players in limited overs format. However SAAD ALI should have been selected as he is the HIGHEST RUNS SCORER in QA Trophy with great strike rate & average. ODI is not all about hitting & slogging, its a mature format

Azhar Ali doesn't have the shot range for LO cricket. His core strength when it comes to batting is patience and occupation of the crease. These things aren't needed in LO cricket. If we're not careful his test game could become affected.

I would have preferred a right arm seamer. Mir Hazma should get a chance in tests in England or NZ. Don't think he will be successful in LO cricket.

Amin and Sohaib Maqsood were in form. We should have cashed in on it. I would rather play them than play Hafeez who is a failure overseas and doesn't bowl at the moment.

Saad Ali is more of a test player but I wouldn't have been upset had he been included.

 

[MeanAndGreen]

Imads omission is a blessing in disguise. His form has been in decline over the last 6 months but his popularity has increased - a deadly combination when it comes to Pakistan cricket.

This also forces Pakistan to play a pace-allrounder in either Faheem or Yamin - both of which are better cricketers are more suited for New Zealand conditions. If I was Mickey, I'd be debating whether to start both Faheem, Yamin or play one and go with Raees as the 3rd seamer. Considering Faheems continued improvement and Pakistans lack of lower order acceleration I'd go with this team for the 1st ODI:

Azhar
Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Malik
Sarfraz
Yamin
Faheem
Shadab
Hasan
Amir

 

[Hamza_]

Azhar
Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Malik
Sarfraz
Hafeez
Shadab
Faheem
Raees
Amir

 

[prop558]

Imads omission is a blessing in disguise. His form has been in decline over the last 6 months but his popularity has increased - a deadly combination when it comes to Pakistan cricket.

This also forces Pakistan to play a pace-allrounder in either Faheem or Yamin - both of which are better cricketers are more suited for New Zealand conditions. If I was Mickey, I'd be debating whether to start both Faheem, Yamin or play one and go with Raees as the 3rd seamer. Considering Faheems continued improvement and Pakistans lack of lower order acceleration I'd go with this team for the 1st ODI:

Azhar
Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Malik
Sarfraz
Yamin
Faheem
Shadab
Hasan
Amir

Management won't drop Imam ul Haq as he accidently scored century against a much weaker side, Srilanka.

Thats why I'm against playing with weak teams like Srilanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe as players get runs / wickets and on the basis of these performance they get selected again and again in major ICC events or major foreign tours like Australia England South Africa & NZ. Which is far more different than playing against weak teams or playing in UAE.

In your squad, you dropped Rumman to pick Yameen, an all rounder. Go with proper pace attack, bowl the opposition under 250 and chase the target with all available batsmen. Typical formula which we applied in Champions Trophy in England.

NZ is very much similar to England. Not a big difference. Thats why I'm giving example of winning combinations of Champions Trophy. Not the useless UAE tour against Srilanka.

 

[prop558]

Azhar
Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Malik
Sarfraz
Hafeez
Shadab
Faheem
Raees
Amir

You dropped HASAN ALI - the No.1 ODI bowler right now. How amazing is that !

 

[prop558]

Azhar Ali doesn't have the shot range for LO cricket. His core strength when it comes to batting is patience and occupation of the crease. These things aren't needed in LO cricket. If we're not careful his test game could become affected.

I would have preferred a right arm seamer. Mir Hazma should get a chance in tests in England or NZ. Don't think he will be successful in LO cricket.

Amin and Sohaib Maqsood were in form. We should have cashed in on it. I would rather play them than play Hafeez who is a failure overseas and doesn't bowl at the moment.

Saad Ali is more of a test player but I wouldn't have been upset had he been included.

Once again I would say, team wins through Runs & Wickets. SLOW & STEADY WINS THE RACE

See strike rotation, staying long at the crease, are the key factors which led a team to score 300+ runs against big teams. See West Indies have Gayle Bravo & Pollard, but it's not enough to win them big tournaments and big series against big teams. Yet not against halwa teams like Srilanka Bangladesh Zimbabwe or West Indies.

Azhar Ali has enough skills to play against big teams & big tournaments. Every team has 1-2 batsmen who can stay long at crease rather than just hitting here & there and throwing his wicket easily. Azhar Ali has stamina & maturity to stay on the wicket, while Fakhar can fire around. If needed to accelerate the run-rate, we can shuffle the order by sending Fahim at No.3 while Azhar saves the other end. Sarfraz too is ideal playing who can come up at order and keep the score board ticking with good run rate without taking foolish risks.

I have met, seen SAAD ALI playing, he is not at all a TEST player only, he is Babar Azam type player, who can play shots, who can rotate strikes, but yes he is not a power hitter, he can not do slogging like IPL and yes he is not at all an ideal T20 player.

The problem is that people are just not understanding the difference of nature and difference of format between Tests, ODIs and T20s. An ODI player can't be judge through PSL. Similarly a T20 player can't be judged through Quaid e Azam Trophy. Hope my fellow members may get my point one day (insha Allah) .

 

[prop558]

Azhar Ali doesn't have the shot range for LO cricket. His core strength when it comes to batting is patience and occupation of the crease. These things aren't needed in LO cricket. If we're not careful his test game could become affected.

I would have preferred a right arm seamer. Mir Hazma should get a chance in tests in England or NZ. Don't think he will be successful in LO cricket.

Amin and Sohaib Maqsood were in form. We should have cashed in on it. I would rather play them than play Hafeez who is a failure overseas and doesn't bowl at the moment.

Saad Ali is more of a test player but I wouldn't have been upset had he been included.

We needed a replacement of Junaid Khan, who is a genuine Left Arm pacer, so the best available Left Arm pacers who can just replace Junaid for a series, are Usman Shinwari & Mir Hamza. Unfortunately Usman is also injured, so MIR HAMZA should have been selected.

NZ & England are more or less equally similar tracks for fast bowlers. So we should have selected MIR HAMZA - so he can also get his morale high and familiar with senior team fellows, so in future (as a left arm pacer) he can be used as a replacement of Junaid & Aamir.

 

[Mobashir]

Batting : Too many of the same sort of batsmen in the squad. We need to find one more striker in our top 6. So in place of a non bowling Hafeez or Azhar Ali we could have selected Sahibzada Farhan.

Bowling : Shadab will be enough as the lone spinner and Malik can bowl if we need a second spin bowling option.
With injuries to both Shinwari and Junaid we should have selected at least one fast bowler to replace them. Faheem Ashraf and Yamin are there as all rounders. We need three pacers- Amir- Hasan-Ruman but also one on the bench in case one of these guys get injured or need rest.

 

[prop558]

Batting : Too many of the same sort of batsmen in the squad. We need to find one more striker in our top 6. So in place of a non bowling Hafeez or Azhar Ali we could have selected Sahibzada Farhan.

Bowling : Shadab will be enough as the lone spinner and Malik can bowl if we need a second spin bowling option.
With injuries to both Shinwari and Junaid we should have selected at least one fast bowler to replace them. Faheem Ashraf and Yamin are there as all rounders. We need three pacers- Amir- Hasan-Ruman but also one on the bench in case one of these guys get injured or need rest.

100% agree with your second part regardind BOWLING - 100% Agree. But my point is that "extra" pacer on the bench should have been MIR HAMZA, they selected another all-rounder as Junaid got injured.

100% agree that we should go with Amir - Hasan - Rumman.

 

[Mobashir]

100% agree with your second part regardind BOWLING - 100% Agree. But my point is that "extra" pacer on the bench should have been MIR HAMZA, they selected another all-rounder as Junaid got injured.

100% agree that we should go with Amir - Hasan - Rumman.

Yes it could have been Mir Hamza or any other young bowler. Having an away tour always help youngsters for their development.
To me, Mohammad Nawaz wasn't needed in the squad.

 

[prop558]

Yes it could have been Mir Hamza or any other young bowler. Having an away tour always help youngsters for their development.
To me, Mohammad Nawaz wasn't needed in the squad.

Neither Muhammad Nawaz nor Muhammad Hafeez. Both should have been dropped. When is about to be dropped, he score runs, to play for another 2-3 tours. Pathetic.

To me, the squad should have been like :

01 - Fakhar Zaman (Imam ul haq as backup)
02 - Azhar Ali
03 - Saad Ali
04 - Babar Azam (Haris Sohail or Saud Shakeel as backup)
05 - Sarfraz Ahmed
06 - Shoaib Malik
07 - Fahim Ashraf (Amir Yamin as backup)
08 - Shadab Khan
09 - Muhammad Amir
10 - Hasan Ali
11 - Rumman Raees (Mir Hamza as backup)

--------------------------

 

[Musakhel]

Only problem I see is our fast bowlers lack height we need at least one lanky pacer.

 

[Ahson8]

100% agree with your second part regardind BOWLING - 100% Agree. But my point is that "extra" pacer on the bench should have been MIR HAMZA, they selected another all-rounder as Junaid got injured.

100% agree that we should go with Amir - Hasan - Rumman.

Mir Hamza is a test bowler, he is rubbish in LO's

 

[prop558]

Mir Hamza is a test bowler, he is rubbish in LO's

How you judged that he is rubbish in LO and he is a Test bowler ?

on what basis ?

Kindly share plz

 

[Abdullah719]

How you judged that he is rubbish in LO and he is a Test bowler ?

on what basis ?

Kindly share plz

His List A and T20 bowling average of 30+?

 

[prop558]

His List A and T20 bowling average of 30+?

30.35 - List A average of Junaid Khan

Now what do you say ?