Sarfaraz Ahmed taking over the gloves from Mohammad Rizwan in the 3rd ODI against South Africa

[Saj]

Opinions on what people think about Sarfaraz Ahmed being brought into the side and also taking over the role of wicket-keeper from the in-form Mohammad Rizwan?

Should they have continued with the guy who is the best wicket-keeper batsman in Pakistan or were they right to bring in Sarfaraz and give him the gloves?

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Opinions on what people think about Sarfaraz Ahmed being brought into the side and also taking over the role of wicket-keeper from the in-form Mohammad Rizwan?

Should they have continued with the guy who is the best wicket-keeper batsman in Pakistan or were they right to bring in Sarfaraz and give him the gloves?

I think 2 wicket keepers was too much and personally i would've opted for Abdullah Shafique but Rizwan on the field is better, he's took some stunning Superman catches in the past.

 

[Slim]

Rubbish decision. Rizwan is both a superior bat and keeper.

 

[MRSN]

This was a pathetic move. It will put unnecessary pressure on Rizwan who had a brilliant run of 12 months. Another milestone for our pathetic vision less team management.

 

[Hasan123]

Sarfraz is certainly a better batter than Aziz or Asif. So if he is playing he has to keep as he never fields in the outfield. Rizwan is very good in the outfield.

Don't think it is that big a deal and it's pretty easy to understand the thinking.

 

[MRSN]

Opinions on what people think about Sarfaraz Ahmed being brought into the side and also taking over the role of wicket-keeper from the in-form Mohammad Rizwan?

Should they have continued with the guy who is the best wicket-keeper batsman in Pakistan or were they right to bring in Sarfaraz and give him the gloves?

Seniority complex. Seniority is worshipped in Pakistan cricket.

 

[MRSN]

Sarfraz is certainly a better batter than Aziz or Asif. So if he is playing he has to keep as he never fields in the outfield. Rizwan is very good in the outfield.

Don't think it is that big a deal and it's pretty easy to understand the thinking.

Well why really play him when we have Haider specialist batsman.

 

[El Generico]

Sri Lanka, South Africa and even Australia have played with two keepers in the recent past, it’s not as rare as some are making it out to be. Sarfaraz is a better batsman then Asif so the move made sense for this series.

Although for long term it makes no sense to stick with Sarfaraz, I rather see Haider Ali in his spot.

 

[Hasan123]

Well why really play him when we have Haider specialist batsman.

Obviously Misbah and Babar don't want to go with an inexperienced player. I would have gone with Haider. I'm just explaining why they went with Sarfraz.

 

[MRSN]

Sri Lanka, South Africa and even Australia have played with two keepers in the recent past, it’s not as rare as some are making it out to be. Sarfaraz is a better batsman then Asif so the move made sense for this series.

Although for long term it makes no sense to stick with Sarfaraz, I rather see Haider Ali in his spot.

Do you really think Sarfraz is good enough to play as a batsman alone? Really?

 

[Mamoon]

Pathetic decision.

Rizwan’s role as WK should not be impacted by Sarfraz’s presence in the side.

Rizwan is the first choice WK not Sarfaraz.

Babar cannot stand up to the senior players.

 

[MRSN]

Pathetic decision.

Rizwan’s role as WK should not be impacted by Sarfraz’s presence in the side.

Rizwan is the first choice WK not Sarfaraz.

Babar cannot stand up to the senior players.

Exactly. Rizwan has looked really nervous today which shows he is feeling the unnecessary pressure created by our crap team management.

 

[Muhammad]

I can’t recall seeing Sarfraz as an outfielder before. I guess he must really suck, as Rizwan is comfortably the superior keeper.

 

[Major]

Na it was a good decision

Thing is, Rizwan can play as a fielder, and hes actually a good fielder.

Sarfraz has never fielded without gloves, so why take a dumb risk?
Its actually a smart move,

 

[sivanand82]

On contrary Pakistan look more energetic and vibrant with Safraz behind the stumps.The spinners are also constantly challenged by him.

 

[El Generico]

Do you really think Sarfraz is good enough to play as a batsman alone? Really?

I would have played Haider but Sarfaraz is definitely a better bat than Aziz or Asif Ali so I get why the management went with him. But like I said for long term they should look at Haider Ali or Saud Shakeel for the number 5 spot.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Right choice and a strategic decision.

Anyone who has seen Rizwan field knows he is an excellent fielder, whereas Sarfraz can only be on the field as a wicketkeeper. So I'm guessing the thinking behind it was to give Sarfraz the gloves since Rizwan would do excellent as a fielder anyways, whereas you would have to find ways to hide Sarfraz on the field if he didn't have the gloves.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

That said I don't support the idea of Sarfraz in the squad. He needs to be sent out to pasture for good and Rohail Nazir should be brought in as the reserve keeper.

 

[Hasan123]

I hope it doesn't affect Rizwan confidence. If it does that than I won't be happy. Rizwan is a very important player .

 

[Snowflake]

Poor decision. After performing so well, Rizwan does not deserve such treatment. Also, you already have a younger and more talented batsman in Haider waiting in the wings!!!

 

[TeymurBlake]

I woke up a lot later than usual and completely missed the Pakistan batting and tuned in when Smuts just got out, so I didn't exactly know how Pakistan batted but I once I found Pakistan batting scorecard I have to say I was surprised with Sarfaraz Ahmed inclusion as well as Hassan Ali for Mohammad Hasnain and Mohammad Nawaz's inclusion.

I personally don't support Sarfi inclusion, he's just there to warm the bench and to provide backup for Riz until Rohail Nazir is ready. Abdullah Shafique is highly touted by Misbah and Waqar so for him not to get a game alongside Haider Ali makes you wonder, why were they brought into the squad.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

This is one of the worst decisions I've seen in team selection in a long time.

Only in Pakistan will you risk demoralizing one of your finest players (Rizwan), one who has not only performed excellently, but has successfully laid claim to being a long term asset to the country.

This at a time when the Pakistan team, not exactly in the best of health, is desperate for players of Rizwan's calibre.

And for what? So that Sarfraz can spout his usual nonsense behind the stumps? If Sarfraz had to play he should have been there as a pure batsman.

Why? Shaking my head.

 

[Rana]

Good decision. Hes a better ODI player and also vocal behind the stumps, tries to read the game and keep the guys motivated and alive in the field.

 

[sshakir411]

He was brought in because both Danish and Asif have been no shows. Makes no sense to have him field if he’s playing. Rizwan is the better keeper but probably a way better fielder as well.

 

[Saj]

Good decision. Hes a better ODI player and also vocal behind the stumps, tries to read the game and keep the guys motivated and alive in the field.

Like some would say, a specialist cheerleader?

 

[Rana]

Like some would say, a specialist cheerleader?

I think he is still a better middle order batsman in comparison to Rizwan, Iftikhar, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Talat Hussain, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah and God knows who we have tried in the middle order instead of Malik and Hafeez.

 

[Saj]

I think he is still a better middle order batsman in comparison to Rizwan, Iftikhar, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Talat Hussain, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah and God knows who we have tried in the middle order instead of Malik and Hafeez.

Most of those that you have named aren't even in the current ODI squad.

Haider Ali has only played 2 ODIs.

 

[Rana]

Most of those that you have named aren't even in the current ODI squad.

Haider Ali has only played 2 ODIs.

The point is, they are still not better than him even in T20s or ODIs. Weve seen enough of them lately. If you think Pakistan should try Haider at 4 or 5 in ODIs then thats a separate discussion. But all of those names that I have listed, I would like sufficient proof to suggest they are better no.4/5 options in comparison to Sarfaraz

 

[world cup captain]

If Sarfraz is playing, he plays as a keeper. It's obvious that Rizwan is miles above Sarfraz as a fielder.

Having said that, I wouldn't have played Sarfraz in the first place. Hopefully, Babar or Misbah had a chat with Rizwan and told him that he is their first-choice keeper till WC 23' so he doesn't take the heat. Likewise, Rizwan should also know that his place isn't threatened by Sarfraz's presence.

 

[rhony]

Shows that Rizwan is good enough to be in the team just as a batsman. Sarfraz is a placeholder for another batsman

 

[burger_uno]

Both Rizwan and Babar have displayed a very high degree of consistency recently while performing at a very high level. One way to ensure that Pak cricket gets the best out of them long-term is to manage their workload especially that of Rizwan who is batting at the top order while keeping in all three formats including in PSL. Taking the burden of wicket keeping from him in ODI will lighten his workload and ensure career longevity. If Sarfaraz fails as a batsman, a new wk-batsman should bought on as replacement for Sarfaraz. This will ensure that Pak develops bench strength and alternative will be available should Rizwan get injured.

Workload management is an important component in achieving success at elite level. Unfortunately in Pakistan, approach is the opposite. Players often play through injury because they are afraid of losing their spots which negatively impacts player and team performance. Clear defined plan at the start of season should remove any doubts. Ideally management should work with medical staff to ensure that players are at their peak for high profile games. Easier said than done when it comes to new approach and Pak cricket.

 

[Rana]

If Sarfraz is playing, he plays as a keeper. It's obvious that Rizwan is miles above Sarfraz as a fielder.

Having said that, I wouldn't have played Sarfraz in the first place. Hopefully, Babar or Misbah had a chat with Rizwan and told him that he is their first-choice keeper till WC 23' so he doesn't take the heat. Likewise, Rizwan should also know that his place isn't threatened by Sarfraz's presence.

How can you tell him that considering he isnt going to be in the top 3 and he has nothing to show as a middle order or lower order batsman so far?

 

[Saj]

The point is, they are still not better than him even in T20s or ODIs. Weve seen enough of them lately. If you think Pakistan should try Haider at 4 or 5 in ODIs then thats a separate discussion. But all of those names that I have listed, I would like sufficient proof to suggest they are better no.4/5 options in comparison to Sarfaraz

Are you seriously saying Haider Ali isn't better than Sarfaraz Ahmed in T20Is or isn't a better option than him in ODIs.

 

[Rana]

Are you seriously saying Haider Ali isn't better than Sarfaraz Ahmed in T20Is or isn't a better option than him in ODIs.

Im talking about the middle order, no.4 and no.5 position. They are completely different propositions to batsmen with the spinners operating and the field well spread. For example, Rizwan has shown that he struggles to get going in such situations with the team under pressure, whereas he is a completely different player when he is allowed to play his shots in the powerplay from the word go.

Nothing so far suggests Haider is a better no.4 or no.5 batsman than Sarfaraz.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Ideal chance to try haider Ali and instead we decided to recall sirfraz and give him the gloved off rizwan.

Is this the plan for 2023 world cup?

Misbah and few others ruining the team need to go.

 

[Zaz]

Im talking about the middle order, no.4 and no.5 position. They are completely different propositions to batsmen with the spinners operating and the field well spread. For example, Rizwan has shown that he struggles to get going in such situations with the team under pressure, whereas he is a completely different player when he is allowed to play his shots in the powerplay from the word go.

Nothing so far suggests Haider is a better no.4 or no.5 batsman than Sarfaraz.

How many chances has he had? If you dont play him how will we know

On paper he is a better prospect with a huge ceiling He needs to play not be sat on the bench with a bits and pieces players playing ahead of him

 

[Saj]

Im talking about the middle order, no.4 and no.5 position. They are completely different propositions to batsmen with the spinners operating and the field well spread. For example, Rizwan has shown that he struggles to get going in such situations with the team under pressure, whereas he is a completely different player when he is allowed to play his shots in the powerplay from the word go.

Nothing so far suggests Haider is a better no.4 or no.5 batsman than Sarfaraz.

Sarfaraz's days as an ODI batsman should be behind him. He has no place being in the One-Day side.

His last 8 ODI scores have been:

13
23
8
3*
18
5*
2*
12

It's a step backwards to recall him.

 

[MenInG]

Babar Azam not talking that much - all I can hear is Sarfaraz!

 

[MRSN]

We are debating Sarfraz while Verreyne is smashing us. Look at the talent coming from the opposition and then look at this thread. Sad state.

 

[Rana]

Sarfaraz's days as an ODI batsman should be behind him. He has no place being in the One-Day side.

His last 8 ODI scores have been:

13
23
8
3*
18
5*
2*
12

It's a step backwards to recall him.

But then who else do we go to? Pakistan's top 3 are set, they are unmovable. Imam, Fakhar and Babar have done so well to establish themselves as a worthy top 3 in world cricket. We cant change these three positions now until after 2023.

The number 4 position looks set to be given to Harris Sohail as soon as he returns and gets going. We have tried Rizwan at number 5 and he doesnt seem to be working there, we need a very reliable batsman who will play spin well and still give our top 4 bats a partnership. Out of all the players that we have tried, none of them have worked or have been convincing enough. The only guy left to try is Sohaib Maqsood once again really

 

[world cup captain]

How can you tell him that considering he isnt going to be in the top 3 and he has nothing to show as a middle order or lower order batsman so far?

Isn't it obvious? Rizwan has been rebuilding innings in test matches and striking well in the T20s. It's only a matter of time he finds his game in ODIs. Sarfaraz on the other hand, he's just about good enough to be the water boy.

 

[El Generico]

Babar Azam not talking that much - all I can hear is Sarfaraz!

I mean Sarfaraz is behind the stump mic so obviously the viewers will hear him more. I don’t think this means he is undermining Babar:

 

[world cup captain]

But then who else do we go to? Pakistan's top 3 are set, they are unmovable. Imam, Fakhar and Babar have done so well to establish themselves as a worthy top 3 in world cricket. We cant change these three positions now until after 2023.

The number 4 position looks set to be given to Harris Sohail as soon as he returns and gets going. We have tried Rizwan at number 5 and he doesnt seem to be working there, we need a very reliable batsman who will play spin well and still give our top 4 bats a partnership. Out of all the players that we have tried, none of them have worked or have been convincing enough. The only guy left to try is Sohaib Maqsood once again really

Haris is not coming back, at least not without crutches. Saud will get his chance at #4 once fit and Rizwan will probably hold #5 with Haider following at #6.

This should be the starting 11 for the next few series.

1. Imam
2. Fakhar
3. Babar
4. Saud
5. Rizwan
6. Haider
7. Faheem
8. Hasan
9. Qadir
10. Shaheen
11. Rauf/Husnain

 

[Rana]

How many chances has he had? If you dont play him how will we know

On paper he is a better prospect with a huge ceiling He needs to play not be sat on the bench with a bits and pieces players playing ahead of him

If you are talking about Haider Ali....

Then my personal opinion (based on my limited understanding of this Game) is that Haider Ali isnt to be trusted with serious batting positions of 3-5. These should only belong to the most reliable players available to you in your country. Nothing about Haider's style of play or approach to the game suggests we can trust him in these batting positions. The guy is a good striker of the ball and therefore he would be perfect for the opening spot or lower down the order at 6, however i would be very surprised to see him negotiate two seasoned spinners bowling at tandem with Pakistan struggling at 40-2 or 70-3. He needs many, many more matches before we can consider him for these positions.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Haider would have been a wiser choice but I can see why they went with Sarfraz as Babar likes to have senior guys on the field.

As for taking the wicketkeeping spot, it was probably only because Rizwan is a darn good fielder while Sarfraz would be very much like Haris Rauf.

The only positives from this move are:
1. Sarfraz gets some confidence from the management by the trust shown by the management.
2. His relative experience behind the stumps arguably helps a little with DRS calls and maybe slight fielding decisions. (Arguably)

 

[UsmanhailsAfridi]

one of the most idiotic decisions

You don't replace your first choice at a position to fill in a backup player, this is ridiculous and exactly how we ruin careers.

What does this do for Rizwan's confidence? This is like asking Afridi to not open the bowling bc some back up bowler can only bowl with the new ball, how absurd would that be?

Rizwan is the #1 keeper in the country, why does he have to give up his spot for Sarfraz to fit in? If we can have Sharjeel field, then Sarfraz can field as well, he won't do worse than Sharfeel.

Here is a scenario, lets say rizwan and sarfraz are both mediocre with the bat for a few innings, who do they drop considering Sarfraz is the keeper now?

 

[UsmanhailsAfridi]

nonsense

his relative experience is yelling at his own players when things are not going well...no one likes it no one at any level

there was a reason Sarfraz lost his spot as player and captain, he was trash

 

[We Bleed Green]

The worst decision of 2021 and perhaps of the last few years.

Firstly he does not deserve a place in the team, his batting is non existent and secondly, what does this do to Rizwan confidence, who was performing so well until Sarfraz starts lurking in the corner.

Sarfraz should go and become lecturer on how to abuse his team mates.

 

[Uzi]

Na it was a good decision

Thing is, Rizwan can play as a fielder, and hes actually a good fielder.

Sarfraz has never fielded without gloves, so why take a dumb risk?
Its actually a smart move,

Sarfaraz shouldn't be in the playing XI in the first place. Haider Ali is a young batsman that has to be given an opportunity ahead of a return for Sarfaraz.

 

[Firebat]

I'm sure Haider Ali will agree that Sarfaraz's experience and know-how really came to the fore today with his run-a-ball 13 and his displacement of the best wicket keeper in world cricket.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Bad decision. Riz is supposed to be the best wicket keeper in the world, why would you give the gloves to Sarfaraz?

 

[BreadPakoda]

Reality is that it’s impossible to defend Sarfaraz’s selection as a pure batsman. So this is a cheap tactic to give him a spot. Does Pakistan not have a single better batsman in domestics than Sarfaraz?

 

[UzmanBeast]

The worst decision of 2021 and perhaps of the last few years.

Firstly he does not deserve a place in the team, his batting is non existent and secondly, what does this do to Rizwan confidence, who was performing so well until Sarfraz starts lurking in the corner.

Sarfraz should go and become lecturer on how to abuse his team mates.

Firstly, Sarfaraz was with the squad for a long time and never got to play, so I don't know how his "presence" shattered Rizwan's confidence.

The simple fact is that Rizwan didn't get any runs under his belt this series, and that's on him, because he had the opportunity to do so in the first two ODIs.

Sarfaraz came in to remove the domestic frauds Asif and Danish seeing as we had no other options for the middle order.

BEFORE ANYONE SAYS THAT HAIDER SHOULD HAVE BEEN SELECTED, THE MANAGEMENT DISCLOSED THAT HE WAS FEELING UNWELL WITH A TOOTHACHE.

That left only Abdullah Shafique, and is it fair to put Abdullah Shafique, and opening batsman, down at 5 where he is clearly not suited, and nor does he have the experience of playing there?

The decision to play Sarfaraz was completely logical given the circumstances, and the reason there's so much criticism is because he didn't score. Had Sarfaraz hit a 50+ score here, I wouldn't hear many people complaining.

If Rizwan was seriously that good, his average wouldn't be in the 20s in ODI cricket. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but people need to understand that Rizwan has been extremely inconsistent in ODI cricket. He is a fantastic test batsman, and did well in T20s, but his ODI form is quite shockingly poor.

If it were up to me, I'd sideline both and play Rohail Nazir.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Reality is that it’s impossible to defend Sarfaraz’s selection as a pure batsman. So this is a cheap tactic to give him a spot. Does Pakistan not have a single better batsman in domestics than Sarfaraz?

Not that impossible.

Abdullah - top order player

Asif - failed in the chances given.

Danish - failed against short-pitched bowling in the chances given.

Haider - unwell due to a toothache

What other options were there to replace these players in the middle order? Would you seriously play Abdullah Shafique, an opening batsman in the middle order where he has no experience and where there's so much pressure?

It's really not that hard to see why Sarfaraz was included in the squad. Middle order batsman, plays spin well. Quite simple actually.

 

[The Viper]

Not that impossible.

Abdullah - top order player

Asif - failed in the chances given.

Danish - failed against short-pitched bowling in the chances given.

Haider - unwell due to a toothache

What other options were there to replace these players in the middle order? Would you seriously play Abdullah Shafique, an opening batsman in the middle order where he has no experience and where there's so much pressure?

It's really not that hard to see why Sarfaraz was included in the squad. Middle order batsman, plays spin well. Quite simple actually.

I thought he was fine to play this game?

 

[Uzi]

I thought he was fine to play this game?

My understanding was that he was fit to play the game today, but wasn't selected.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Not that impossible.

Abdullah - top order player

Asif - failed in the chances given.

Danish - failed against short-pitched bowling in the chances given.

Haider - unwell due to a toothache

What other options were there to replace these players in the middle order? Would you seriously play Abdullah Shafique, an opening batsman in the middle order where he has no experience and where there's so much pressure?

It's really not that hard to see why Sarfaraz was included in the squad. Middle order batsman, plays spin well. Quite simple actually.

Then he shouldn’t be given the keeping gloves. That provides him with a safety buffer. Let him fight it out as a batsman alone. His today’s contribution reads 13 runs + keeping while it should only be 13 runs. Former somehow makes it look more respectable.

And any way, Riz is the better keeper.

 

[Smbhayi]

Opinions on what people think about Sarfaraz Ahmed being brought into the side and also taking over the role of wicket-keeper from the in-form Mohammad Rizwan?

Should they have continued with the guy who is the best wicket-keeper batsman in Pakistan or were they right to bring in Sarfaraz and give him the gloves?

Its more likely to Sarfraz is not good at fielding.. and Rizwan is very good at fielding..

 

[Saj]

Babar Azam today

"The only thought behind this selection was the fact that we had lot of experience in Sarfaraz sitting on the bench and we wanted to utlize that; Also our middle-order was struggling a bit, which is why we brought in Sarfaraz"

 

[Slim]

I think he is still a better middle order batsman in comparison to Rizwan, Iftikhar, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Talat Hussain, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah and God knows who we have tried in the middle order instead of Malik and Hafeez.

Most of those that you have named aren't even in the current ODI squad.

Haider Ali has only played 2 ODIs.

Rana would go to any length to justify Rizwan’s exclusion. His crusade on Rizwan is petty and pathetic which is based on personal hatred and not on objective facts.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

Babar Azam today

"The only thought behind this selection was the fact that we had lot of experience in Sarfaraz sitting on the bench and we wanted to utlize that; Also our middle-order was struggling a bit, which is why we brought in Sarfaraz"

Yeah that was the reason he was chosen to keep wickets as well, to strengthen the middle order. Which latter he also did with his batting performance ......

 

[Rana]

Yeah that was the reason he was chosen to keep wickets as well, to strengthen the middle order. Which latter he also did with his batting performance ......

But he kept really well and did keep the spinners alive throughout the game.

Unlike Autopilot Rizwan who just shuts off and keeps saying “well bowled Sha jeeeee”

 

[We Bleed Green]

But he kept really well and did keep the spinners alive throughout the game.

Unlike Autopilot Rizwan who just shuts off and keeps saying “well bowled Sha jeeeee”

So lets play third spinner in the game so you can copy paste this message again.

Point is you can not play two keepers in one game and if you think Sarfraz is better than Rizwan then I can not argue with your logic

 

[We Bleed Green]

Firstly, Sarfaraz was with the squad for a long time and never got to play, so I don't know how his "presence" shattered Rizwan's confidence.

The simple fact is that Rizwan didn't get any runs under his belt this series, and that's on him, because he had the opportunity to do so in the first two ODIs.

Sarfaraz came in to remove the domestic frauds Asif and Danish seeing as we had no other options for the middle order.

BEFORE ANYONE SAYS THAT HAIDER SHOULD HAVE BEEN SELECTED, THE MANAGEMENT DISCLOSED THAT HE WAS FEELING UNWELL WITH A TOOTHACHE.

That left only Abdullah Shafique, and is it fair to put Abdullah Shafique, and opening batsman, down at 5 where he is clearly not suited, and nor does he have the experience of playing there?

The decision to play Sarfaraz was completely logical given the circumstances, and the reason there's so much criticism is because he didn't score. Had Sarfaraz hit a 50+ score here, I wouldn't hear many people complaining.

If Rizwan was seriously that good, his average wouldn't be in the 20s in ODI cricket. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but people need to understand that Rizwan has been extremely inconsistent in ODI cricket. He is a fantastic test batsman, and did well in T20s, but his ODI form is quite shockingly poor.

If it were up to me, I'd sideline both and play Rohail Nazir.

Even if Sarfraz had scored a century, he would have still remained a completely useless batsmen. One innings can not wipe out years of misery

 

[Saj]

Babar Azam "Sarfaraz Ahmed is in the team with us because we trust in his abilities, and we will try and utilize him in ODIs as a wicket-keeper and batsman at the number 5 position as it suits him best; That is also the position which needs a batsman to move the innings and that is what we were lacking in the previous 2 matches where the middle order was really struggling"

 

[happydavy]

I watched match for half an hour from around 35th over of SA inning and I didn't like one bit how Sarfaraz was commenting and loudly advising the bowlers. I just feel he got to change his behaviour and not act like a captain or coach, when he's not. May be that's just me but I thought if I was Babar, I won't like my keeper to be overly advisory and running to them constantly when I am the captain.

 

[Canistani Hero]

Curious as to how bad Haider Ali's toothache is/was? He seemed to participate in training sessions but nowhere to be seen on game days..maybe he is with T20 folks..Hafeez/Sharjeel etc..?

 

[Bigboii]

Babar Azam "Sarfaraz is with us because we trust in his abilities, and we will try and utilize him in ODIs as a wicket-keeper and batsman at the number 5 position as it suits him best; That is also the position which needs a batsman to move the innings and that is what we were lacking in the previous 2 matches where the middle order was really struggling"

They are thinking of turning Riz into a specialist batsman at least in Loi's...

 

[Rana]

So lets play third spinner in the game so you can copy paste this message again.

Point is you can not play two keepers in one game and if you think Sarfraz is better than Rizwan then I can not argue with your logic

You can’t play 2 keepers in one game? Is that another MCC rule that I do not know about? Last I know, it seems England (world champions) are also breaking this MCC rule.

And maybe Sarfaraz is a better middle order option than Rizwan. Rizwan boy has no chance to break into our top 3, and that’s where he is best suited to bat in ODIs and T20s.

 

[world cup captain]

So lets play third spinner in the game so you can copy paste this message again.

Point is you can not play two keepers in one game and if you think Sarfraz is better than Rizwan then I can not argue with your logic

You can absolutely play two keepers but both have to be exceptional batsmen like Bairstow and Butler. There are better batting options than Sarfaraz so he doesn't warrant a place as a second keeper in the 11.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Curious as to how bad Haider Ali's toothache is/was? He seemed to participate in training sessions but nowhere to be seen on game days..maybe he is with T20 folks..Hafeez/Sharjeel etc..?

We'll see the lad come the t20s, it was a no lose situation for us today.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

You can absolutely play two keepers but both have to be exceptional batsmen like Bairstow and Butler. There are better batting options than Sarfaraz so he doesn't warrant a place as a second keeper in the 11.

Yep, i would've retained Danish or even played Abdullah.

 

[Shazzam]

This was a very poor decision. I am a fan of Sarfraz but even I know he should not be wicketkeeping in front of Rizwan.

 

[Saj]

Curious as to how bad Haider Ali's toothache is/was? He seemed to participate in training sessions but nowhere to be seen on game days..maybe he is with T20 folks..Hafeez/Sharjeel etc..?

He was fine. He had recovered and was fit to play today.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Even if Sarfraz had scored a century, he would have still remained a completely useless batsmen. One innings can not wipe out years of misery

There were clearly no better options...

 

[world cup captain]

Yep, i would've retained Danish or even played Abdullah.

Danish should have been retained. You don't debut a player and drop him 2 games later. It's simply criminal. It's not as if we replaced him with ABD.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Then he shouldn’t be given the keeping gloves. That provides him with a safety buffer. Let him fight it out as a batsman alone. His today’s contribution reads 13 runs + keeping while it should only be 13 runs. Former somehow makes it look more respectable.

And any way, Riz is the better keeper.

Rizwan is the better outfielder of the two, which is why he didn't have the gloves. It's not that difficult to comprehend.

If a batsman scores a 0 and a wicket-keeper scores 0, it's the same in terms of batting.

Rizwan is a keeper himself, so his not keeping makes no difference to his place in the team.

And Rizwan, in ODIs off late, has been shockingly poor to say the least. There's not much separating him and Sarfaraz at the international level in ODI cricket at the moment.

 

[MRSN]

I watched match for half an hour from around 35th over of SA inning and I didn't like one bit how Sarfaraz was commenting and loudly advising the bowlers. I just feel he got to change his behaviour and not act like a captain or coach, when he's not. May be that's just me but I thought if I was Babar, I won't like my keeper to be overly advisory and running to them constantly when I am the captain.

It was so annoying that even the commentators were saying it's best if they put their mike down and allow Sarfraz to do the commentary. Sarfraz looked like desperate with fake ott chirping. I don't think he can fool most people with this obvious fake reactions.

 

[Mainul]

This move isn't a good sign for Pakistan cricket. Management probably wants to settle Sarfraz in the team. Rizwan is way way way better batsman and WK then Sarfraz. Only a mad can take such decision

 

[sohailmm]

If playing Sarfaraz was not enough of a ********* and senseless decision, even bigger injustice has been done by taking away gloves from the premier WK of Pakistan.

I wish Misbah incompetency gets noticed by PCB and Imran Khan. He must be sacked after these horrendous decisions.