[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Mohammad Rizwan - Pakistan's white-ball captaincy watch thread

[mominsaigol]

The other thread, titled "How can Rizwan get away with such performances?", will be used to analyze Rizwan's statistics series by series.

This thread will be used to count his win rate tally and some of his on-field tactics and team selections, plus interviews and much more.

I'll update this thread on Nov. 4th, once the 1st ODI between Australia and Pakistan commences.

 

[Kianig89]

The knives are out even without a ball being bowled, bed of thrones it will be for Rizwan critics till any cricket is played.

 

[mominsaigol]

The knives are out even without a ball being bowled, bed of thrones it will be for Rizwan critics till any cricket is played.

Why are you so afraid of Captaincy threads?

When rizzu retires or his captaincy stint ends all will be revealed.

If he's a good captain he'll finish of with

A) More wb wins then losses

B) Tournament Wins atleast 1

C) getting pakistan a no 1 in either odi or t20 rank and actually maintaining it. Not having it drop off in a week. Babar and Misbah's no 1 rank lasted less then a week

 

[Kianig89]

Why are you so afraid of Captaincy threads?

When rizzu retires or his captaincy stint ends all will be revealed.

If he's a good captain he'll finish of with

A) More wb wins then losses

B) Tournament Wins atleast 1

C) getting pakistan a no 1 in either odi or t20 rank and actually maintaining it. Not having it drop off in a week. Babar and Misbah's no 1 rank lasted less then a week

Nobody is afraid let the show begin

 

[mominsaigol]

Nobody is afraid let the show begin

I'll be fair to Rizzu to some extent. Starting your campaign against Australia in their home den is no easy feat.

So for aus I won't critise him for losing as i expect a whitewash but I will critique hin for his captaincy decisons or onfield decisons if they are rubbish.

 

[Mamoon]

I love how some people are burning like hot coal on Eid BBQ over his appointment.

The fact is that he deserves it. He was always going to be next in line after Babar and Shaheen.

 

[mominsaigol]

I love how some people are burning like hot coal on Eid BBQ over his appointment.

The fact is that he deserves it. He was always going to be next in line after Babar and Shaheen.

Shaheen didn't even get to captain and lead his side?

He captained for like one series lol

 

[Mamoon]

Shaheen didn't even get to captain and lead his side?

He captained for like one series lol

Shaheen shouldn’t have been sacked in the first place but once it was done and Babar also resigned, Rizwan was the natural choice.

 

[mominsaigol]

Shaheen shouldn’t have been sacked in the first place but once it was done and Babar also resigned, Rizwan was the natural choice.

A few months back you said Shaheen should have been sacked and was rightfully sacked? And that Babar getting reappointed was the correct decison?

Now you're saying Shaheen shouldn't have been sacked?

 

[shah9425]

Finally

 

[Usman Chadda]

@Rana how are you feeling today?

 

[Rana]

@Rana how are you feeling today?

Very good.

InshaAllah I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now.

 

[shamaan]

Good decision.

 

[mominsaigol]

Going to bump this thread for tmr. As I've said numerous times in the past. I'm not letting these threads slide.

 

[mominsaigol]

Perfect thread to start the day

 

[mominsaigol]

Rizwan in his very first stint as a captain has achieved the lowest/ Slowest PP in the first 10 against australia all time.

What a great start to hid captaincy career.

 

[mominsaigol]

So what's the captains plan? Kudrat ki Nizam and hope Babar does every thing.

 

[Rana]

He will snail his way to a 50 and his supporters will say ‘he is a performer’

This is your standard of ‘performance’.

 

[mominsaigol]

He will snail his way to a 50 and his supporters will say ‘he is a performer’

This is your standard of ‘performance’.

Incoming arguments.

Mate wickets were falling at the other end. He played a crises man innings and steadies the ship.

^^ When you debunk that they'll hide behind the keeping clause.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

The only thing you can do when you team is 98-4 is rebuild innings and take them to a respectable score and then go gung ho.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Not a bad innings under the circumstances.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1853315432821800970

 

[mominsaigol]

Great start to his captaincy career. Got out to a part timer

 

[Kianig89]

A Captain s inning albeit it will be in a losing cause, nonetheless fought till his last breath keep it up

 

[mominsaigol]

Amazing Start to his captaincy, Has Naseem Shah outdo him in batting and gets dismissed by a part time spinner.

Kamal. Oh and Agha and saim have to share bowling 10 overs together

 

[FearlessRoar]

Brilliant captaincy, aggressive field settings, and wise use of bowlers at the right time

 

[Asif321]

Atleast boys fighting . Babar would have given up half way .

 

[DeadlyVenom]

GOod field placements. Proactive captaincy so far.

 

[mominsaigol]

Rizzu 0-1 Starts his captaincy with a loss

 

[Caved12]

Rizwan showed exceptional captaincy today, transforming a tough situation into an exciting game. It’s inspiring to see the team putting in their full effort and playing as a cohesive unit under his leadership. The energy and unity on the field are a testament to his impact as captain.

 

[mominsaigol]

Rizwan showed exceptional captaincy today, transforming a tough situation into an exciting game. It’s inspiring to see the team putting in their full effort and playing as a cohesive unit under his leadership. The energy and unity on the field are a testament to his impact as captain.

0-1 Rizzu

 

[PakFan2010]

Babar's body language was terrible.

He needs to be dropped.

 

[riddu]

wow wow superb captaincy ..dhoni in making ..but should have tried spinner for cummins .. last 3overs he gave up ..

 

[SpiritOf1903]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1853275986235937081

 

[Barragan]

Excellent captaincy

The only reason Pak got close to a victory

I imagined babar in this scenario and it would have an easy 8 wkt victory for Aus

Major, major upgrade

 

[Extra_Cover]

I got to admit that Rizwan's captaincy was the only reason there was life in the game today. His brilliant and aggressive field placings together with constant chatter to keep the boys interested got things moving rather than having a lifeless game. It was shameful to see Babar with least chatter, shoulder dropped and constant fumbles when Pakistan needed these little bits to lift their game. I really want Babar to re-gain his aura and that can only happen once his head settles and he starts enjoying the game. I hope Rizwan tries and creates a scenario to create harmony with Babar as he is very useful to this team in full flow.

Proud of boys like Irfan who showed super impressive fielding skills and very good attitude. Happy with Shaheen's performance today as well as it felt after a long time he was enjoying his time in the middle. Badly missed Fakhar today (what a shame).

Some guys who need to uplift their attitude is Hasnain and Babar (at least be proactive and put in 100% even if we lose).

If this thread is solely for Rizwan's captaincy then I got to admit after a long-time we saw an active Pakistani captain in the middle. The last good tactical captain we had was Salman Butt whilst the last good mentor on field we had was Sarfraz. If Rizwan has to do well he has to do both tactical and people related aspects of captaincy, so far the signs are good.

 

[Kianig89]

Haters talk nah! RANA SB

 

[Rana]

Haters talk nah! RANA SB

1-0 Australia

 

[Kianig89]

1-0 Australia

So was that a surprise

 

[Rana]

So was that a surprise

You said Talk nah as if Pakistan won,

At least give it large when Pakistan win.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Major Major upgrade over Babar and Shan.

 

[Caved12]

It’s honestly hilarious to watch all the Rizwan critics on this forum who spend their time bashing him and calling the Pakistan team “minnow-level.” Yet now, all of a sudden, they expect this same “minnow-level” team to defeat a powerhouse like Australia in their own backyard.

Let’s be real: the Pakistan cricket team still has a long way to go. The focus must shift toward prioritizing fitness, especially for our bowlers. Time and again, we see players with skill get held back by a lack of fitness and inconsistent bowling speeds. Talent alone won’t be enough to compete with the best teams in the world if our players aren’t at peak physical condition.

Improving stamina, speed, and overall fitness could make a real difference and help Pakistan rise to the level expected of them. Until then, we need to acknowledge that progress takes time and a serious commitment to change.

 

[mominsaigol]

It’s honestly hilarious to watch all the Rizwan critics on this forum who spend their time bashing him and calling the Pakistan team “minnow-level.” Yet now, all of a sudden, they expect this same “minnow-level” team to defeat a powerhouse like Australia in their own backyard.

Let’s be real: the Pakistan cricket team still has a long way to go. The focus must shift toward prioritizing fitness, especially for our bowlers. Time and again, we see players with skill get held back by a lack of fitness and inconsistent bowling speeds. Talent alone won’t be enough to compete with the best teams in the world if our players aren’t at peak physical condition.

Improving stamina, speed, and overall fitness could make a real difference and help Pakistan rise to the level expected of them. Until then, we need to acknowledge that progress takes time and a serious commitment to change.

Okay them explain his 44 of 71 today? He's suppose to be a great captain right? Why is naseem Shah batting then him?

Or is that captaincy metrics no longer apply to batting performance simply because the captain is now rizzu?

 

[Rana]

Here is my honest take on this match, not that this is his overall captaincy.

Rizwan basically did nothing amazing as a captain. He batted poorly at number 4, not setting a tone or showing that he wants to score at a decent rate. Inviting pressure on the other batters who kept falling in an attempt to push the scoreboard. His batters had no game plan. Everyone just went out there to do what’s best for themselves. No one looked like they are batting according to a team plan.

His captaincy when bowling was pretty average too. He was nowhere to be seen when Australia were just smashing Pakistan bowlers easily for 6+ an over. He was suddenly given a chance to win this game out of some excellent fielding by Irfan, and a good double wicket over by Harris to follow up. This was his good fortune in the game that Australia lost 3 wickets for 0 runs.

Now that he was given a chance to show his captaincy mettle with 60 odd runs still to get with 4 wickets remaining, he clearly panicked and started doing too many things every ball. The plan to bowl at batters 7-11 was poor. Once again just hoping for luck more than actual cricketing sense.


Of course that little moment of fortune (3 wickets for 0 will gloss over his mediocrity as a leader, as it always has done in the past with him as a player. And his fans will continue to live in a fool’s paradise. However, those who understand and know this game will have seen enough to tell you that this guy is nothing amazing.

Also, the guy called Skulls pointed out that Rizwan’s record is something like 30 wins in 70 games (not sure what he was referring to), but he clearly said that ‘he doesn’t come from a winning background’. I could see why, Rizwan’s plan is to hope for the best whilst constantly reciting Durood behind the stumps. There is no actual cricketing plan.

 

[PakPremi]

Amazing Start to his captaincy, Has Naseem Shah outdo him in batting and gets dismissed by a part time spinner.

Kamal. Oh and Agha and saim have to share bowling 10 overs together

Cummins out did most Aussie batsmen, so what any excuse to get knives out?

 

[mominsaigol]

Cummins out did most Aussie batsmen, so what any excuse to get knives out?

Cummins played a captaincy innings

 

[mominsaigol]

Here is my honest take on this match, not that this is his overall captaincy.

Rizwan basically did nothing amazing as a captain. He batted poorly at number 4, not setting a tone or showing that he wants to score at a decent rate. Inviting pressure on the other batters who kept falling in an attempt to push the scoreboard. His batters had no game plan. Everyone just went out there to do what’s best for themselves. No one looked like they are batting according to a team plan.

His captaincy when bowling was pretty average too. He was nowhere to be seen when Australia were just smashing Pakistan bowlers easily for 6+ an over. He was suddenly given a chance to win this game out of some excellent fielding by Irfan, and a good double wicket over by Harris to follow up. This was his good fortune in the game that Australia lost 3 wickets for 0 runs.

Now that he was given a chance to show his captaincy mettle with 60 odd runs still to get with 4 wickets remaining, he clearly panicked and started doing too many things every ball. The plan to bowl at batters 7-11 was poor. Once again just hoping for luck more than actual cricketing sense.


Of course that little moment of fortune (3 wickets for 0 will gloss over his mediocrity as a leader, as it always has done in the past with him as a player. And his fans will continue to live in a fool’s paradise. However, those who understand and know this game will have seen enough to tell you that this guy is nothing amazing.

Also, the guy called Skulls pointed out that Rizwan’s record is something like 30 wins in 70 games (not sure what he was referring to), but he clearly said that ‘he doesn’t come from a winning background’. I could see why, Rizwan’s plan is to hope for the best whilst constantly reciting Durood behind the stumps. There is no actual cricketing plan.

He was blank the whole game and suddenly sprang to life after the hat trick and went back to his acting ways.

Did someone forget to plug the Rizzu Samsung charger Into him?

 

[PakPremi]

Hilarious to read otherbatters failed because Rizwan was striking at 62 in ODI. This is not T20s where you can blame Rizwan for consuming all the balls and other poor batters losing wicket due to run rate.

 

[Rana]

He was blank the whole game and suddenly sprang to life after the hat trick and went back to his acting ways.

Did someone forget to plug the Rizzu Samsung charger Into him?

Here is the thing, he probably Should have just remained blank.

Pakistan would have won the game by just doing what they are instead of overthinking now with Rizwan waving his arms around, changing fields every ball and asking batsman not to bowl within the stumps (bowl short).

What did Cummins do? He remained calm. Stuck to basics, waited for the right ball and took the runs on offer. This is the difference between a guy who is mentally fit enough to lead over a guy who has no plan.

 

[Rana]

Hilarious to read otherbatters failed because Rizwan was striking at 62 in ODI. This is not T20s where you can blame Rizwan for consuming all the balls and other poor batters losing wicket due to run rate.

Why can’t you? He is the number 4! Not the number 7-8. At number 4, you bat like you are the guy who controls the game. What control did Rizwan have??

 

[PakPremi]

Cummins played a captaincy innings

And? still does not defy your logic that a tailend played better than the mighty Aussie batting line.

 

[Rana]

And? still does not defy your logic that a tailend played better than the mighty Aussie batting line.

The Aussies didn’t bat well. They know this, I’m sure they will make it right.

What are Pakistan going to do? What’s the plan for captain Rizwan with the bat?

 

[PakPremi]

Why can’t you? He is the number 4! Not the number 7-8. At number 4, you bat like you are the guy who controls the game. What control did Rizwan have??

He batted okayish till he got out and was batting to plan to put score in the board, another 50 runs by the team and it was, Pakistan game.

 

[mominsaigol]

Hilarious to read otherbatters failed because Rizwan was striking at 62 in ODI. This is not T20s where you can blame Rizwan for consuming all the balls and other poor batters losing wicket due to run rate.

No one is blaming rizwan for striking it at 62. Their blaming him for the fact that he never has any game plan when it comes to batting.

For example in the final 3 wickets fell in quick succession, Travis head was in the from of his life and their was no way India was going to get him out.

Only way to get him put was to put pressure on him at the other end. Labu knew this and hence his 58 of 101 proved to be a perfect support innings.

Rizwan doesn't ever have a game plan, nor does anyone else from Pakistan.

To be a good batsmen you also need to learn how to bat along with others and formulate plans.

Australia does this every single game. Even did so after the hat trick.

Pakistan never does this, everyone does their own thing, and now Rizwan fans have run out of excuses because he's captain now, it's his job to develop plans in both batting and fielding.

And even if he wasn't captain, He's suppose to know how to bat with others.

We've seen labu, Kohli, Travis head, pat cummins, Liton das, And many others understand this fact and metric.

Rizwan just like Misbah does not. He never has and never will.

Previously you could argue that rizzu isn't at fault because every pakistani batter is just like him, they operate without any game plan. The only ones that did were fakhar, Sarfaraz, hafeez, Haris sohail, Imad basically our old team.

However rizwan is captain now, If he can't develop a plan and guide others to bat accordingly then he doesn't deserve captaincy

 

[mominsaigol]

And? still does not defy your logic that a tailend played better than the mighty Aussie batting line.

That's not my logic.

My logic is one captain had a plan and the other didn't

Infact it's hilarious how naseem and shaheen are the only 2 players who actually have game plans even though they aren't even batters .

Everyone has no clue how to bat with one another even though cricket is a team game.

 

[Rana]

He batted okayish till he got out and was batting to plan to put score in the board, another 50 runs by the team and it was, Pakistan game.

He batted okayish for someone who is at number 8 and the team has lost 6-30

Not for a number 4! For God’s sake, call a spade a spade!

 

[PakPremi]

The Aussies didn’t bat well. They know this, I’m sure they will make it right.

What are Pakistan going to do? What’s the plan for captain Rizwan with the bat?

Why Rizwan is the only batsman who needs to score all the run, despite Aussies batting mainly rubbish it took atleast two main batsmen to score as well as the captain Cummins. Rizwan next plan will be for his top 5 batsmen to score more heavily. Although I would also want him to replace Hasnain with Jamal as Pakistani batting is poor for Australia.

 

[Rana]

Why Rizwan is the only batsman who needs to score all the run,

Because he is the one who thrusts himself into the hot zone by demanding number 4!

Now he should shut up and step up in this position. His fans should also shut up and stop defending his childish behaviour. This is where he wanted to bat, now he has to take responsibility!

 

[PakPremi]

That's not my logic.

My logic is one captain had a plan and the other didn't

Infact it's hilarious how naseem and shaheen are the only 2 players who actually have game plans even though they aren't even batters .

Everyone has no clue how to bat with one another even though cricket is a team game.

I called you on the fact that so what if Naseem batted better than Rizwan, Cummins also batted better than most Aussie batsmen. Of course Rizwan was batting to plan, played a poor shot after hitting the boundary to up the scoring rate.

 

[PakPremi]

Because he is the one who thrusts himself into the hot zone by demanding number 4!

Now he should shut up and step up in this position. His fans should also shut up and stop defending his childish behaviour. This is where he wanted to bat, now he has to take responsibility!

He did just that and scored some runs, if you look at both innings then these were significant runs, but it's not his job alone to score 250.

 

[mominsaigol]

I called you on the fact that so what if Naseem batted better than Rizwan, Cummins also batted better than most Aussie batsmen. Of course Rizwan was batting to plan, played a poor shot after hitting the boundary to up the scoring rate.

I called you on the fact

And it's also why I respond to you and like talking to you because even though you disagree with everything I say, our discussions are civil and fun to have.

Of course Rizwan was batting to plan, played a poor shot after hitting the boundary to up the scoring rate.

Okay lets clarify this first. What was the exact Plan that rizzu was batting towards?

 

[Rana]

He did just that and scored some runs, if you look at both innings then these were significant runs, but it's not his job alone to score 250.

This is the problem. I pointed this out during the game, ‘he will snail his way to a 50 and his fans will argue that he is a performer’.

You people just cannot, will not see the game in the right way I’m afraid. His runs were useless, he was bailed out by Naseem and Shaheen who just showed some courage. Another day, Pakistan were 140 all out. It will probably happen in this series.

 

[Rana]

I called you on the fact

And it's also why I respond to you and like talking to you because even though you disagree with everything I say, our discussions are civil and fun to have.

Of course Rizwan was batting to plan, played a poor shot after hitting the boundary to up the scoring rate.

Okay lets clarify this first. What was the exact Plan that rizzu was batting towards?

Rizwan admitted in his pre match big talk that the team has no plan, they don’t follow the world.

How is this deluded guy going to concoct a plan here for you out of the blue?

 

[mominsaigol]

Rizwan admitted in his pre match big talk that the team has no plan, they don’t follow the world.

How is this deluded guy going to concoct a plan here for you out of the blue?

Tbf, he's a shareef guy, and does respond appropriately so I'm willing to discuss with him.

In waiting to hear his reply however, Since rizwan verbatim stated their was no plan when it comes to batting.

Infact their wasn't any plan for bowling. He was blank for 90% of the game, then randomly switched on and made Misbah level changes .

 

[shaz619]

Here is my honest take on this match, not that this is his overall captaincy.

Rizwan basically did nothing amazing as a captain. He batted poorly at number 4, not setting a tone or showing that he wants to score at a decent rate. Inviting pressure on the other batters who kept falling in an attempt to push the scoreboard. His batters had no game plan. Everyone just went out there to do what’s best for themselves. No one looked like they are batting according to a team plan.

His captaincy when bowling was pretty average too. He was nowhere to be seen when Australia were just smashing Pakistan bowlers easily for 6+ an over. He was suddenly given a chance to win this game out of some excellent fielding by Irfan, and a good double wicket over by Harris to follow up. This was his good fortune in the game that Australia lost 3 wickets for 0 runs.

Now that he was given a chance to show his captaincy mettle with 60 odd runs still to get with 4 wickets remaining, he clearly panicked and started doing too many things every ball. The plan to bowl at batters 7-11 was poor. Once again just hoping for luck more than actual cricketing sense.


Of course that little moment of fortune (3 wickets for 0 will gloss over his mediocrity as a leader, as it always has done in the past with him as a player. And his fans will continue to live in a fool’s paradise. However, those who understand and know this game will have seen enough to tell you that this guy is nothing amazing.

Also, the guy called Skulls pointed out that Rizwan’s record is something like 30 wins in 70 games (not sure what he was referring to), but he clearly said that ‘he doesn’t come from a winning background’. I could see why, Rizwan’s plan is to hope for the best whilst constantly reciting Durood behind the stumps. There is no actual cricketing plan.

Great review there, I couldn’t get any sleep last night because I feared the worst and checking the score around half 5ish my fears were confirmed and I slept like a baby after that. Though it was a positive that the match was still going when I awoke because I expected Pakistan to fold a lot sooner. But I watched Rizwan when Pak had Australia on the ropes and thinking about the game as a whole, an apt analogy came to mind, I will wait until the series is decided before offending all the sensies. But my god, the line up doesn’t really inspire does it, and talk of a few more runs just show how Pakistan fans have returned to the 90’s with their team.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Impressive captaincy first up. Needs to lift his batting though

 

[Rana]

He did just that and scored some runs, if you look at both innings then these were significant runs, but it's not his job alone to score 250.

It is his job to devise a plan to score a proper total is it not?

Why do you mention 250? It was never enough. Australia wouldn’t be throwing their wickets away for fun if Pakistan scored 250+. One guy would stay in and bat through. They casually batted at 6+ an over on this wicket.

It seems Pakistan cricket fans still have not understood modern batting requirements. This was a 300+ wicket in which Pakistan batted at 3.5-4 runs per over throughout.

Poor poor batting with no game plan!

 

[shaz619]

It is his job to devise a plan to score a proper total is it not?

Why do you mention 250? It was never enough. Australia wouldn’t be throwing their wickets away for fun if Pakistan scored 250+. One guy would stay in and bat through. They casually batted at 6+ an over on this wicket.

It seems Pakistan cricket fans still have not understood modern batting requirements. This was a 300+ wicket in which Pakistan batted at 3.5-4 runs per over throughout.

Poor poor batting with no game plan!

We were 10 runs short

 

[MMHS]

Riz did well on captaincy debut, though WK, batting at #4 is never a good option for captaincy. Game was much, much closer than loosing inside 35 overs - in fact this one is probably among the closest game in many years between PAK-AUS in Australia.

At the end he was teams highest scorer and PAK was all-out 20 balls earlier, therefore his strike rate is irrelevant here, neither his slow start. Babar was out foxed by a harmless top-spinner/flipper while Ghulam is just not skilled enough for Australian tracks - there is absolutely no excuse that those two got out trying to up scoring rate, due to Rizwan’s slow start.

I think, biggest problem for PAK was that, they (& the fans, I must say based on PP) had absolutely no clue about the playing conditions & per for the course. I saw couple of overs and then & then wrote that 260 will be a very good score to defend under light despite PAK not having a genuine spinner. Our taste (& judgement) is perverted watching 300+ ODIs on absolute belters and on 55 metre grounds, but this was MCG & the early summer out field is too sluggish - PAK’s 203 was more closer to 250 than 200.

The blunder that PAK batting (& think tank including Rizwan) made that they were chasing a target batting first, instead of focusing on playing out 50 overs first. PAK will never defend any total if Australia bats out 50 overs, therefore it was a 10 wicket game and Rizwan rightly figured that out. Had team batted out for 50 overs - Riz was biggest culprit here - after staying so many overs, he should have played for a selfish hundred, PAK could have ended 250+. Some chancy slogs from SSA & Naseem added like 50+ to the total, otherwise the was PAK planned their batting, 150 was touch & go.

Aussies will be careful next time - they slogged their way towards 203 and almost got caught off-guard, but I’m afraid next time they know that PAK attack can hurt them, they’ll be more careful - PAK will need close to 300 next time, if they are to defend scores.

 

[Local.Dada]

Impressive.

 

[Mamoon]

This was a 250-260 pitch. Pakistan didn’t bat with a plan. It was a golden opportunity to win.

His captaincy was good and he made a game out of a total that was well below par, but ultimately Pakistan was always on the backfoot and the Smith-Inglis partnership did the damage. Pakistan had zoned out in that period and they got really lucky with both wickets, otherwise this would have been over without any drama.

 

[Caved12]

I got to admit that Rizwan's captaincy was the only reason there was life in the game today. His brilliant and aggressive field placings together with constant chatter to keep the boys interested got things moving rather than having a lifeless game. It was shameful to see Babar with least chatter, shoulder dropped and constant fumbles when Pakistan needed these little bits to lift their game. I really want Babar to re-gain his aura and that can only happen once his head settles and he starts enjoying the game. I hope Rizwan tries and creates a scenario to create harmony with Babar as he is very useful to this team in full flow.

Proud of boys like Irfan who showed super impressive fielding skills and very good attitude. Happy with Shaheen's performance today as well as it felt after a long time he was enjoying his time in the middle. Badly missed Fakhar today (what a shame).

Some guys who need to uplift their attitude is Hasnain and Babar (at least be proactive and put in 100% even if we lose).

If this thread is solely for Rizwan's captaincy then I got to admit after a long-time we saw an active Pakistani captain in the middle. The last good tactical captain we had was Salman Butt whilst the last good mentor on field we had was Sarfraz. If Rizwan has to do well he has to do both tactical and people related aspects of captaincy, so far the signs are good.

Babar seemed to be smiling a bit too much during today’s game, even at moments that called for a serious focus on fielding. It almost felt as though he was putting on a display, signaling that he’s moved on from the disappointment of losing the captaincy and is now enjoying cricket in a new way, focusing solely on his role as a team player. However, there might still be signs that he’s struggling to fully come to terms with how things played out.

After all, the last two years have been a turbulent period for Pakistan cricket, plagued by politics and distractions that no professional team should have to endure. For Babar, who led the side with passion and faced constant scrutiny, adapting to a new role amidst these challenges is no small feat. His visible effort to appear relaxed could reflect resilience but it also hints at the emotional toll of a difficult transition.

 

[PakPremi]

Tbf, he's a shareef guy, and does respond appropriately so I'm willing to discuss with him.

In waiting to hear his reply however, Since rizwan verbatim stated their was no plan when it comes to batting.

Infact their wasn't any plan for bowling. He was blank for 90% of the game, then randomly switched on and made Misbah level changes .

I never have time for long discussions as I just come on PP for views of fans and indulge in quick discussions where I see someone is unfairly criticising a player. I am not a particular fan of anyone but team Pakistan, so I would criticise those who contribute very little and defend those who I feel play well enough till a better replacement comes. BTW I was one of the first ones to call out Babar fir his captaincy, and will give Rizwan atleast couple of series before judging his.
I think MMHS and Mamoon both defined my take on the match, Rizwan was trying to stabilise and then he started to go for runs when both KG and Babar got out, but as I said before got carried away and played a poor shot after the boundary. So his plan was obviously to get to get to decent total that would had been around 250ish considering downfall of top order, but it was not to be. Same as Aussies plan was to knock off 203 with their top order but they had to be rescued by their tailend too.

 

[mominsaigol]

I never have time for long discussions as I just come on PP for views of fans and indulge in quick discussions where I see someone is unfairly criticising a player. I am not a particular fan of anyone but team Pakistan, so I would criticise those who contribute very little and defend those who I feel play well enough till a better replacement comes. BTW I was one of the first ones to call out Babar fir his captaincy, and will give Rizwan atleast couple of series before judging his.
I think MMHS and Mamoon both defined my take on the match, Rizwan was trying to stabilise and then he started to go for runs when both KG and Babar got out, but as I said before got carried away and played a poor shot after the boundary. So his plan was obviously to get to get to decent total that would had been around 250ish considering downfall of top order, but it was not to be. Same as Aussies plan was to knock off 203 with their top order but they had to be rescued by their tailend too.

Rizwan was trying to stabilise and then he started to go for runs when both KG and Babar got out, but as I said before got carried away and played a poor shot after the boundary.

Thanks for clarifying.

^^ I somewhat agree with this. But I do feel he and Agha both shpuld have rotated strike more. Agha and rizzu took way too long and hogged the strike and both played rash shots.

Pakistan needs to learn to rotate strike

 

[khyberlion]

Riz did well on captaincy debut, though WK, batting at #4 is never a good option for captaincy. Game was much, much closer than loosing inside 35 overs - in fact this one is probably among the closest game in many years between PAK-AUS in Australia.

At the end he was teams highest scorer and PAK was all-out 20 balls earlier, therefore his strike rate is irrelevant here, neither his slow start. Babar was out foxed by a harmless top-spinner/flipper while Ghulam is just not skilled enough for Australian tracks - there is absolutely no excuse that those two got out trying to up scoring rate, due to Rizwan’s slow start.

I think, biggest problem for PAK was that, they (& the fans, I must say based on PP) had absolutely no clue about the playing conditions & per for the course. I saw couple of overs and then & then wrote that 260 will be a very good score to defend under light despite PAK not having a genuine spinner. Our taste (& judgement) is perverted watching 300+ ODIs on absolute belters and on 55 metre grounds, but this was MCG & the early summer out field is too sluggish - PAK’s 203 was more closer to 250 than 200.

The blunder that PAK batting (& think tank including Rizwan) made that they were chasing a target batting first, instead of focusing on playing out 50 overs first. PAK will never defend any total if Australia bats out 50 overs, therefore it was a 10 wicket game and Rizwan rightly figured that out. Had team batted out for 50 overs - Riz was biggest culprit here - after staying so many overs, he should have played for a selfish hundred, PAK could have ended 250+. Some chancy slogs from SSA & Naseem added like 50+ to the total, otherwise the was PAK planned their batting, 150 was touch & go.

Aussies will be careful next time - they slogged their way towards 203 and almost got caught off-guard, but I’m afraid next time they know that PAK attack can hurt them, they’ll be more careful - PAK will need close to 300 next time, if they are to defend scores.

A rare poster here who actually understands the game. Clueless posters here think it always a 400 pitch. Should have played Arafat Minhas ameer Jamal. Both in my opinion better options then hussnain.

 

[Rana]

A rare poster here who actually understands the game. Clueless posters here think it always a 400 pitch. Should have played Arafat Minhas ameer Jamal. Both in my opinion better options then hussnain.

How were Australia easily getting 6-8 runs per over without breaking a sweat if it was a 250 wicket??

 

[mominsaigol]

How were Australia easily getting 6-8 runs per over without breaking a sweat if it was a 250 wicket??

The rauf hat trick changed the game.

You gotta give credit to good bowling. Pitch wasn't difficult beyond uneven bounce

 

[Rana]

The rauf hat trick changed the game.

You gotta give credit to good bowling. Pitch wasn't difficult beyond uneven bounce

These outdated fans from Wasim Raja’s backside will pop up here and tell you that the pitch was a 250 pitch….



Hahahahhahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah

 

[MMHS]

The rauf hat trick changed the game.

You gotta give credit to good bowling. Pitch wasn't difficult beyond uneven bounce

Target was 200 - Aussies knew they can coverup mini collapse. Chasing a target like 200, you can adopt both options - blast away and bring the target so close that asking rate is out of question and even the tail can score few runs that left. Or, you can make sure that you don't loose early wicket and near the target methodically for one last final push. Aussies tried first one and today almost lost the game. Had the target been 250, it would have been all together a different ball game - Aussies would have known that they won't get away with against a penetrative attack without one big or couple of significant partnerships. You probably have noticed, for DWL target setting, every team will take 200 in 20 overs than 300 in 50.

And, this is not a new tactics - that Kanpur ODI where Afridi scored 100 of 44, PAK was chasing 240ish total and ball was supposed to take turn later - so, plan was to go after early and bring the target to a level from where middle order can push around for singles and chase the rest - it over-clicked that day hence PAK won inside like 35 overs, 4 or 5 down, had it been 128-4 after 15, still would have won because target was 240, may be for 8/9 down and inside 48 overs. But, it didn't work at Bangalore 1996 - PAK was 85/0 after 10, 115/2 after 15 and 134/4 after 20 ..... because, target was 289 - India had the space to make a come back through wickets. That would have been the difference of a target between 203 and 245 on that MCG track last night.

Even then, had PAK fielded well, taken their catches, a bit more disciplined about extras, .... Aussies would have lost this game!!!!

No, the wicket wasn't that easy - of all the demons on wicket, ask any batsman, he'll say that the most disturbing element is uneven bounce - it doesn't allow batsmen to be assured of going to front foot or back foot - you can leave moving or turning balls on length or line if it's consistent on bounce, but not so easy if it's uneven. On a more even & easy paced track, I am 100% sure Babar would have been full stressed forward and would have survived that flipper from Zampa which kept a shed low from length, while Rizwan won't have ever miscued a sweep, that bounced more than he expected - he is a master of that shot at least. And, Abdullah got one that jumped a foot higher than his expectation to kiss the edge....

Besides, never underestimate the size of the boundary - 10 metres hardly matter against modern compressed bats, most of the sixes these days easily clear 70+ metres... BUT, but you need lot, lot more guts to loft knowing that the rope is 10 metres behind. And, that out field cost both teams at least 10-12% runs. Slow outfield on a smaller ground hardly matters because the scoring shots are mostly one or boundary; but it matters massively on larger grounds - a boundary can end up just for a couple or even single.

Anyway, Aussies got their lesson that PAK attack will hurt them if they are not careful - it's not the cannon fodder Pom attack; I am sure they'll be more methodical in next two games.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Not big fan of his captaincy, however give credit where due.

His field placement was excellent especially Niazi at gully along with Saim. If Niazi had taken that catch things would have been even more interested. Second how he placed third man very fine (Again Niazi) to take catch of Marnus and thirdly he placed his best fielder on mid-wicket and instructed bowler to take a chance.

Also he didn't panicked because of having only 4 genuine bowlers and did not use 5th bowler knowing the fact match won't go anywhere beyond 40 overs. 9/10 Pak captains would have used at least 5 overs of 5th bowler upfront. Misbah had done is million times in past, bowling 5th option to be on safer side.

Overall good captaincy but how long he will survive, lets see .

 

[TheSultan]

He was blank the whole game and suddenly sprang to life after the hat trick and went back to his acting ways.

Did someone forget to plug the Rizzu Samsung charger Into him?

This is exactly it. He was clueless, bereft of ideas, very subdued and basically had given up. A combination of good bowling and poor batting by the Aussies brought Pakistan back in to the match. Only at that point did he become someone proactive. More “pro-acting” than proactive, but I suppose at least he was vocal.

Even then, we lost! So what is there to shout about with his captaincy?!

Bonus point for keeping the 4 bowlers on, but it was the logical thing to do. The only reason I give him a bonus point for that is a lot of our captains have always tried to fit that 5th bowler in. So good, but anyone with any brain would have done that.