Rafatullah Mohmand - The man who can win the World T20 for Pakistan

[arehaan]

Give it a break guys he was making his debut with scoreboard pressure. There were other more experienced players who were all at sea. Hafeez Sarfraz Rizwan cant blame someone for trying.

Hafeez for me was the worst giving catch practice.

 

[Yossarian]

Guys give him time, he can't smash debut 100 on 25 balls. All batsmen performed poor, Sarfi, Hafeez and all others, why ONLY singling out the debutant? Because he is an easy target...

No, because he shouldn't even be in the squad in the first place. Making an international debut, at age 40, as an opening bat in T20 !

Not blaming him - blaming the selectors.

 

[Major]

whats funny is that everyone is surprised with his performance. Everyone knew the guy was a hack in t20, saw him play many times.

But he got his selection due to giving 20 years to domestic cricket. Hes obviously not in the future plans, just giving him the opportunity of having a Pakistan tag to his name.

 

[AlphaFighter]

This is the difference between Pakistani team management and Western team managements. The later can figure and work out a player in a matter of seconds while our's is utterly incompetent when it comes to reading the game.

 

[Hawkeye]

Has issues against the short ball and sheer pace, but who doesn't. Others too failed, can't blame the debutant only.

He'll get better once his nerves settle down.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

i think they want 11 Asad Shafiq in T20s

No brother . I was siding with them.

Look you need to respect the game and respect the opposition.

What was he trying to do ? He is so much experienced.

Every ball he was trying to slog without seeing the length of the ball , making room or charging pacers bowling 140 145 plus and trying to butcher the ball.

I hope he learns and steadies himself on the crease . Go on the front foot and play some drives over the top and through the field . Which on and off in domestic he has managed.

Blind slogging isn't the name of T20 cricket.

You need to be balanced at crease and take calculated risks and also wait for lose balls.

After almost 2 decades he has got the opportunity to play international cricket and he is playing shots like gally cricket whacking.

It looked very embarrassing.

I hope he plays conventional cricket next game and succeeds. InshaAllah.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Hold your horses guys.

He is 39 not 40

 

[90MPH]

Technique and not age is the issue

Yes it is.

For 20/20 matches it should be young players, not someone that's past it or out of his depth.

I don't normally judge a player on 1 match alone but I have seen enough given his age.

 

[Square Drive]

He's being targeted because he wasted around 20 balls which ultimately cost us the match.

If he couldn't hit and even got out 6-7 balls earlier, Wahab and Tanvir could've pulled it off.

Plus he tried to play only 2 shots - the pull and the cut.

As stated above - very disappointing, even for a debutant, especially when you consider the amount of domestic experience he has.

 

[Pak Warrior]

He looked streaky and uncomfortable, but still managed to last longer than Sarfraz. I am not expecting alot from the 40 year old debutant, I was expecting more from Sarfraz and Hafeez

 

[AmirFutureWasim]

Lol, have you guys handed a 40 year old guy a debut in T20......

I can't stop laughing at this.... Lol

this is one of those that gets funnier every time it's mentioned. You can stop laughing now hahah.

 

[90MPH]

you guys really need to stop this. It's baseless speculation. I wish the mods would give a warning for stuff like this. It's demeaning to the players and usually comes with no source.

Say what you want, but stop automatically bumping every player's age up however many years you want based on your pHD degree on "the study of facial decay through a male's life".

Warning for what ?? I'm just saying on what I see on real life. Many for some bizarre reason lie about thier true ages. I have no idea why, ask them not me on why they do it.

 

[AmirFutureWasim]

Warning for what ?? I'm just saying on what I see on real life. Many for some bizarre reason lie about thier true ages. I have no idea why, ask them not me on why they do it.

source your information or don't bother.

I know a lot do. Although it's a lot less common these days. A lot don't as well.

If you're making an accusation, the burden of proof lies on your shoulders. Either provide proof of Rafatullah changing his age or don't make such an accusation.

 

[Bullet Drive]

Looked like a tail ender. Honestly, one of the worst innings I've ever seen.

Awais Zia's knocks were better.

Lets see how he goes in next 2 games.

 

[SunTzu]

To be fair he did better than Hafeez, Sarfaraz and Rizwan. It's only his debut. Let him get a few more games before Selfie is back on the team.

Give some leeway he is on debut and at 40 yrs of age, must have lost lot of reflexes

 

[Saj]

Seems it only takes a few balls for most international bowlers to work out our new batsmen these days!

Not much to work out AJ

 

[Sherlock]

Btw, what happened to Sharjeel?

He was disposed way too quickly imo.

 

[Bullet Drive]

Big problem with Peshawar cricketers. Lot of them failing to deliver. Only Rizwan looks a good one, but even he looks like a tail-ender these days.

 

[ExplicitAI]

A poor mans Awais Zia. Not just him but the entire XI today was embarrassing.

 

[nads_rocks]

If Pakistan are so in dire need of a 40 year old then bring back Misbah out of retirement. He is better than the whole entire team.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Not much to work out AJ

Again this goes back to a point made on another thread about our batsmen been selected from domestic cricket, why are they being picked when there are glaring issues with them that will be exposed at highest level, i actually wonder what ur selectors actually watch when viewing these players.

 

[UP]

Nothing but a hack.

 

[PTI tsunami]

Second coming of Owais zia



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[Usman Chadda]

Seen this guy play. Batted nothing like himself. No idea what happened. Just forgot how to bat. From the stands it looked really horrible.

 

[Firebreaker]

Tbh other newcomers failing on their debut is not a big deal but this guy has been playing for like 20 years in domestic

 

[AmirFutureWasim]

Idk if the above poster was kidding, but I'd seriously consider bringing Misbah back for the t20 world cup. I mean spinning tracks, small boundaries. Slog sweep galore.

Just put no responsibility on his shoulders, tell him to go in at number 5 or 6 and misbah - ul - slog sweep the living crap out of everything.

 

[khalil1986]

This guy is going to win us the WT20? looked absolutely clueless and just as bad as Awais Zia and Shahzaib go as far as hackness is concerned.

His first game but just seemed like a deer in headlights.

 

[Fireworks11]

Too Nervous. Big diff playing in the beautiful Peshawar galis to a big packed stadium in Dubai

 

[ChachaCricket]

Well we know now who should be ignored when it comes to identifying talent.

 

[cricketInsight]

There goes our WT20 hope - hacked and missed.

 

[shaz619]

I love how everyone who hasn't played for Pakistan or isn't in the international team is always capable winning matches & big tournaments for Pakistan.

It's almost as if the eleven players we select is always our second or third string team, since if we field our best team it will be too unfair on the opposition...


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Pretty much this, great post. If I had a dollar for every hyped up talunt I'd be a millionaire; people can give great speeches of how we are not nurturing the future wasim akram or hanif mohammad hiding somewhere in run down neighbourhoods shining someone's shoes but the fact of the matter is that we have players who are just not good enough. Five years ago Mohammad Aamir was the only find that justified the hype.

 

[Suleiman]

A poor mans Awais Zia. Not just him but the entire XI today was embarrassing.

Who is a poor man's imran nazir, who is a poor man's sehwag. So this guy must be like dirt poor.

 

[in_cutter]

This guy? Seriously? He looked clueless.

 

[Bullet Drive]

He didn't time a single shot.

But I felt really bad for him also. Waited 20 years for this day and he was made to look clueless.

 

[Bilal7]

He was making his debut, should get the full series to impress the management. Not talking about Rafatullah but Hacks are an important part of a T20 team, they win you games in this format.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

Lets not get hasty now. i didnt see the innings but I dont think its possible to be even hackier than Awais Zia.

One of my fondest cricketing memories is watching Zia in a t20 vs NZ misstime a pull shot so badly it went over the bowlers head to long on for 4. Didnt think that was physically possible.

 

[FreakCricket]

One of the worst batman i have seen in a long long time, had no clue was stroking his bat like it was a sword. He couldn't play 90 miles bowler at all, looked like a gullly cricket. Rizwan ahmed is another hack with frigid footwork, his technique is so ugly .

 

[AG93]

#BringBackSharjeelKhan

 

[sjahmed23]

#BringBackSharjeelKhan

Seriously, this guy looked much much better than what we've seen recently.

 

[dashing_man]

Nauman was dropped for this guy

 

[Pace90]

PP's hype machine made us excited about IMran Khan Junior and Rafattulah. One guy is a "phast" bowler with speed slower than Afridi and the other is so old and reflexes are so slow, he swings the ball after the keeper grabs the ball, what a joke.

 

[AG93]

PP's hype machine made us excited about IMran Khan Junior and Rafattulah. One guy is a "phast" bowler with speed slower than Afridi and the other is so old and reflexes are so slow, he swings the ball after the keeper grabs the ball, what a joke.

To be fair, Plunkett was bowling with some pace. Still did not look convincing, though I'll take him any day over Shehzad

 

[SunTzu]

PP's hype machine made us excited about IMran Khan Junior and Rafattulah. One guy is a "phast" bowler with speed slower than Afridi and the other is so old and reflexes are so slow, he swings the ball after the keeper grabs the ball, what a joke.

Had to laugh out loud at work

Looking at the all the players listed in the OP, barring the guys who have yet to debut all the others have underwhelmed so far.

 

[hussain.r97]

I'm sorry, but he looked like a complete hack, except he's way past his prime.

Just bring in Nauman Anwar and Sharjeel Khan for gods sake. We need a dangerous opening combo. Not a selfie queen and a domestic veteran hack.

 

[Pak Warrior]

He didn't look great in his debut, but I'll wait till the end of the series before making a judgement on him. Sarfraz and Afridi were horrible, gone just as fast as they came.

 

[Suleiman]

I'm sorry, but he looked like a complete hack, except he's way past his prime.

Just bring in Nauman Anwar and Sharjeel Khan for gods sake. We need a dangerous opening combo. Not a selfie queen and a domestic veteran hack.

Only difference between him and someone like Mukhtar is that Mukhtar is younger and therefore has better reflexes and will connect a few before getting out. This dude's reaction time is waay off. You saw the bat move after the ball thud into the keeper's gloves.

Hack with decent reflexes vs Hack with weak reflexes. Pretty easy choice.

But still, handful of deliveries is too little to discard this guy. Let's see how he goes tomorrow.

 

[zabalestmsm]

Debut match and the guns are out against him. Impatient little kids [emoji14]

Lets give him this whole series at least before starting the round of fire.

 

[cricketInsight]

Debut match and the guns are out against him. Impatient little kids [emoji14]

Lets give him this whole series at least before starting the round of fire.

Lets just say that there was a reason that he hasn't been able to break through over the last 15-18 years. Now we know.

 

[street cricketer]

Lets not get hasty now. i didnt see the innings but I dont think its possible to be even hackier than Awais Zia.

One of my fondest cricketing memories is watching Zia in a t20 vs NZ misstime a pull shot so badly it went over the bowlers head to long on for 4. Didnt think that was physically possible.

 

[11ShadyBrothers]

Shows the knowledge of some posters here. Clear example that many have none.

 

[11ShadyBrothers]

Well we know now who should be ignored when it comes to identifying talent.

Chacha, you might disagree with me. But those who hate on shehzad are the biggest bigots around here. And this OP is just one example.

 

[Pace90]

Chacha, you might disagree with me. But those who hate on shehzad are the biggest bigots around here. And this OP is just one example.

Compared to this guy, Shehzad is Bradman

 

[hussain.r97]

Rafat may have been a decent hack back in his day, but I think his reflexes are going. Anyhow, it was his first game, so he needs to be given a few more chances. However, I don't see him doing well. If we are to pick a hack, go with Sharjeel Khan.

 

[Asadullah]

Expectations got the better of him. Need to be told to bat normally and hit the bad balls only

 

[hussain.r97]

Seems it only takes a few balls for most international bowlers to work out our new batsmen these days!

It only takes a few balls to work a batsmen out at any level in general. It's not really that difficult. Just test them with all you've got.

 

[Square Drive]

Today should be make-or-break for him.

 

[yasir]

Pakistani Think Tank is clueless. He has never played 90+ MPH bowlers in domestic, even when he was in 20s, Now he was facing not one but three 90 MPH bowlers at age of 40, his reflexes were clearly not sharp enough to coupe with that. In ODI Pakistanis played two guys who never looked like openers. Why these things cannot be judged in nets or before selection process?? - This is really embarrassing stuff from management. You are not going to improve new ball batting by randomly throwing players at it

 

[Shaan]

I don't know much about Rafatullah but watching him batting was like how the hell he got picked in national side. I mean from the ball goes on he tried two shot consequatively as if there were no other shots in cricket, and his shots were cut, cut, cut, or pull, pull pull.. No v-shots at all. pakistanis must know him better then first watcher like me, tell me guys does he always played in domestic like this or just he was not the same guy yesterday who played in domestic with much more variational shots, anyone??

If he is that limited with shots, he is not the rightone for anyside, better give a new gun chance.

 

[MRSN]

))

I knew this thread starter would be [MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION] the most passionate Pakistani poster..

but

the reality is Rafat isn't good enough to make Zimbabwe team sadly. If we are gonna be generous to the players then we might as well bring back Shabbir Ahmed,Zunaid Zia .etc..Neither should the Players be picked on the basis of one/two domestic season performance alone. Their technique,their age, their overall domestic performance should be checked.

 

[imshally81]

Even Awais Zia is better than him

 

[Arsal_AK]

Styen, Rabada, Morkel.
Starc, Cummins.
Shami, Aron.
Finn, Wood, Jordan.

These are the guys, he will be facing in the WT20.

Going by his display yesterday; does anyone really think that he wont get murdered by those guys??

He is totally clueless against pace and the short stuff. And with that techinque; an inch of movement will be enough too. He was cutting the ball that were coming into him.

Plus the only shot he has is the cut; which too finds its way to the slip/kepeer more often than not.

 

[Pete Rose]

I would give him more time. It sounds partisan, but he showed more intent than Ahmed Shehzad's entire t20 career so far. Trying too hard to impress.

 

[#GreenRoars]

Lol, at first people were crying that kick out Mukhtar, Shehzad, Awais ZIa out of team, and now they are saying they are better than Raffat.

 

[MRSN]

I would give him more time. It sounds partisan, but he showed more intent than Ahmed Shehzad's entire t20 career so far. Trying too hard to impress.

at least Shehzad has the skills..It's other matter that he plays them when it's do or die but Raffat sadly doesn't have too many shots in the bag and we are yet to see him against spin.

 

[MRSN]

to be really honest Shahzaib Hasan would have done better job. He has been discarded without given full chance.

 

[Pete Rose]

at least Shehzad has the skills..It's other matter that he plays them when it's do or die but Raffat sadly doesn't have too many shots in the bag and we are yet to see him against spin.

I do not think shehzad has the skills to play the limited overs game.

 

[MRSN]

I do not think shehzad has the skills to play the limited overs game.

just because he plays the role he is given doesn't mean he lacks skills..We all see his skills on show when he is given the license to play his natural cricket. His natural game is by far more elegant and classy to watch than any of the openers we have tried in the last few years. He should be allowed to play his game not asked to see of the new ball crap which is part of our coaching manuals..

 

[Pete Rose]

just because he plays the role he is given doesn't mean he lacks skills..We all see his skills on show when he is given the license to play his natural cricket. His natural game is by far more elegant and classy to watch than any of the openers we have tried in the last few years. He should be allowed to play his game not asked to see of the new ball crap which is part of our coaching manuals..

Fantasy

 

[Inzi_fan_No_1]

Watching Rafa yesterday seemed like he was some lucky winner of a raffle ticket prize to be able to bat for Pakistan. He was unbelievably out of his depth.

 

[Hawkeye]

What if Raffatullah owns everyone here today?

Knee jerk reactions.The Shehzad brigade (which are only a couple among all the PPers) are attacking him all guns blazing.

As someone said above, showed more intent than Shehzad has in his entire career.

Anyway, will give him this full series and then decide. I'm not his blind fan, he had trouble facing express pace, but so did others who are wayyyy "young".

Can't have double standards.

 

[11ShadyBrothers]

I do not think shehzad has the skills to play the limited overs game.

I expect an objective view from you pete. This isnt. This is a big fat lie. Shehzad is one of the best openers we have. His t20 SR should be enough to tell you how wrong you are.

 

[11ShadyBrothers]

What if Raffatullah owns everyone here today?

Knee jerk reactions.The Shehzad brigade (which are only a couple among all the PPers) are attacking him all guns blazing.

As someone said above, showed more intent than Shehzad has in his entire career.

Anyway, will give him this full series and then decide. I'm not his blind fan, he had trouble facing express pace, but so did others who are wayyyy "young".

Can't have double standards.

Lol at hawkeye spinning the whole thing as usual.

 

[in_cutter]

Looked surprised & clueless by the pace of Eng bowlers. Shows how poor standard of bowling in Pak domestic cricket has become- these guys bat like Bradman's in domestic cricket.

 

[Asif321]

What did i see yesterday im seriously disappointed with Raffat i havent watched him live before but following his scores and how he gave great starts for Peshawar on consistent basis made me think he is some good player
but he made Mukhtar Ahmed look like Sehwag its not about how much he scored but really he didnt look like International material . here in village we have better batsmen then him
no wonder he was not getting selected BRING BACK SHARJEEL

 

[Pete Rose]

I expect an objective view from you pete. This isnt. This is a big fat lie. Shehzad is one of the best openers we have. His t20 SR should be enough to tell you how wrong you are.

We all chose that one instance that defines our reality. For me it would be shehzads brave batting against Bangladesh (or was it zim?) where he went at a strike rate of 60. The die is cast, after that cowardly display.

 

[#GreenRoars]

What if Raffatullah owns everyone here today?

Knee jerk reactions.The Shehzad brigade (which are only a couple among all the PPers) are attacking him all guns blazing.

As someone said above, showed more intent than Shehzad has in his entire career.

Anyway, will give him this full series and then decide. I'm not his blind fan, he had trouble facing express pace, but so did others who are wayyyy "young".

Can't have double standards.

I have kept my words for this time and i hope we will see this thing today IA.

 

[DesiPassion]

LOL! Troll thread XD

 

[Yossarian]

Has issues against the short ball and sheer pace, but who doesn't. Others too failed, can't blame the debutant only.

He'll get better once his nerves settle down.

Hope he's told "OK, you can now tell your children and future grandchildren you've played for Pakistan. Thanks and goodbye."

 

[Amjid Javed]

Feel sorry for guy as i dont think at current age and stage of his career hes cut out for international cricket, there are better hacks out there that we could have selected to open in T20s.

 

[ChachaCricket]

What if Raffatullah owns everyone here today?

Knee jerk reactions.The Shehzad brigade (which are only a couple among all the PPers) are attacking him all guns blazing.

As someone said above, showed more intent than Shehzad has in his entire career.

Anyway, will give him this full series and then decide. I'm not his blind fan, he had trouble facing express pace, but so did others who are wayyyy "young".

Can't have double standards.

He clearly looked out of place but I'd take him over Shehzad. At least he showed intent and won't waste balls. 0(1), 10(5) or 20(10) will all be more valuable than Shehzad's 30 off 60 balls.