Shoaib Malik captaincy - Performance Watch

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shoaib Malik is captaining Pakistan for the first time since 20th February 2010 - a T20I versus England in Dubai <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvPAK</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1089442177258803200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


After the frenetic and often loud captaincy of Sarafraz Ahmed, we will not experience possibly a different style - so people can now judge whether "aggressive" style of Sarfaraz is what works for Pakistan or the more laid back one from Malik.

 

[Saj]

First thing that is noticeable is how calmer it is out there on the field.

 

[Square Drive]

Keeping the slips in, very good to see.

 

[Chokli]

First thing that is noticeable is how calmer it is out there on the field.

of course, a leader like sarfraz is straight out of the 80s or 90s where the stereotype of a boss was that he's supposed to breathe down your neck and make your life a living hell.

malik was always a decent captain, but i don't think he deserves to be in the side.

 

[Sunny_majoka]

i can see malik captaining in world cup if rizwan performs in both remaining odis.
i will back rizwan to bat at no.4

 

[Majid Khan]

i can see malik captaining in world cup if rizwan performs in both remaining odis.
i will back rizwan to bat at no.4

If that happens there’s more chance of Fakhar Zaman getting dropped and Sarfraz replacing him as opening batsman , just to get him back into team as captain. And then wait and drop Rizwan at the first opportunity when he fails and status quo carries on.

 

[Snowflake]

First thing that is noticeable is how calmer it is out there on the field.

Would be interesting to see how that affects the performance on field. We've already seen a dropped catch and a missed runout

 

[nextover666666]

Would be interesting to see if Rizwan performs in the games he played and if Malik wins both series ODI and t20 what happens to Sarfraz than

 

[Mueez]

Giving spinners a longer spell.

Very good.

 

[Abdullah719]

 

[xricket]

Great captaincy so far, Attacking and sensible

 

[MRSN]

Great out of the box thinking by Malik. Sarfraz would have taken spin off after 22 overs. It was a very good move by Malik.

 

[MRSN]

View attachment 87394

Brilliant

 

[xricket]

View attachment 87394

Exactly. I loved this stuff. It just built unnecessary pressure on batsman, especially psychological pressure as well. Brilliant move!

 

[aukhan]

Awesome always wanted him to lead us again. Malik is the best captain for limited overs format. So refreshing to see a sensible captain.

 

[MRSN]

Imade bowling his 10th over and taking Amla's wicket..his captaincy keeps getting better. What a tactician.

 

[Hasan123]

Much better than Sarfraz. Hafeez or Malik can be captain till the WC but after that we must make a younger player captain.

 

[aukhan]

This is what you call aggressive captaincy...loving the way he is building up pressure. The so called attacking captaincy of shouting from the top of your lungs was disgusting to see as a fan. The calm sensible approach of malik is brilliant. 2007/2008 ki yaad agayi

 

[Haseeb 22]

Malik has always been the real captain of this team anyway. This just makes it official.

 

[Mueez]

Malik shutting his haters up...

 

[MRSN]

If that happens there’s more chance of Fakhar Zaman getting dropped and Sarfraz replacing him as opening batsman , just to get him back into team as captain. And then wait and drop Rizwan at the first opportunity when he fails and status quo carries on.

Unfortunately we needed a strong PCB head to break this status quo but we have a clueless guy.

 

[MRSN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shoaib Malik is captaining Pakistan for the first time since 20th February 2010 - a T20I versus England in Dubai <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvPAK</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1089442177258803200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


After the frenetic and often loud captaincy of Sarafraz Ahmed, we will not experience possibly a different style - so people can now judge whether "aggressive" style of Sarfaraz is what works for Pakistan or the more laid back one from Malik.

Sarfraz is agressive with only using his mouth. He is not sharp or proactive captain to think outside the box like Malik did today.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Good. We have supporters of yet another 'non-playing' captain

Malik has been good last couple of years but need more clutch stuff from him.

 

[Saj]

Commentators saying, Pakistani players playing with smiles on their faces today.

 

[aukhan]

Bolwing changes and field placing was impressive today. Lets hope we chase it down.

 

[Theo_14]

Tactical changes ie use of spinners in the middle, setting field accordingly was top class by Malik.

Well balanced and composed decision that clearly were effective.

 

[xricket]

Commentators saying, Pakistani players playing with smiles on their faces today.

They are happy with Malik. I remember how saifi instead of owning up his failures of batting, while we were playing test matches, put blame on bowlers. He is just not in the sense for leading, or the keeping due to his poor fitness levels

 

[xricket]

Also, he pushed himself down, rather than leading up in second match, while we were batting first. Really goes to show a lot, what he thinks of himself in terms of ability and confidence.

 

[Titan24]

Said it multiple times that players didnt look happy under Sarfaraz.

Who would be when after everyball you are being shouted at

 

[Mamoon]

I am overwhelmed by deja vu right now.

This takes me back to the second ODI in Australia in 2016-2017, when Hafeez replaced the struggling Azhar as captain and was "proactive" in the field and restricted them to a low total which we chased. As a result, everyone wanted him to replace Azhar as permanent captain.

 

[Chokli]

I am overwhelmed by deja vu right now.

This takes me back to the second ODI in Australia in 2016-2017, when Hafeez replaced the struggling Azhar as captain and was "proactive" in the field and restricted them to a low total which we chased. As a result, everyone wanted him to replace Azhar as permanent captain.

lol yes in melbourne

 

[Titan24]

Exactly. I loved this stuff. It just built unnecessary pressure on batsman, especially psychological pressure as well. Brilliant move!

Exactly and these tactics insured we get them to 164 all out from 122/3 rather then getting hit for 300 by the end

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Commentators saying, Pakistani players playing with smiles on their faces today.

Probably because they know they won't get a mouthful from the skipper after every little mistake

 

[xricket]

Exactly and these tactics insured we get them to 164 all out from 122/3 rather then getting hit for 300 by the end

They were 119-2. That's a great achievement. And all it took was the change of captaincy

 

[Shandarchowka]

The best possible captain who is respected by all around him! Malik is back with a bang. Look at how comfortable our players are with the new captain! Let's hope Malik leads us in WC as well!

 

[Titan24]

They were 119-2. That's a great achievement. And all it took was the change of captaincy

Captain is cricket is really important, a poor captain can make a good team look mediocre and a good captain can make a poor team competitive.

 

[Titan24]

The best possible captain who is respected by all around him! Malik is back with a bang. Look at how comfortable our players are with the new captain! Let's hope Malik leads us in WC as well!

Agreed but I dont think its gonna happen and its a shame that Malik has not much cricket left.

 

[xricket]

I am overwhelmed by deja vu right now.

This takes me back to the second ODI in Australia in 2016-2017, when Hafeez replaced the struggling Azhar as captain and was "proactive" in the field and restricted them to a low total which we chased. As a result, everyone wanted him to replace Azhar as permanent captain.

Malik is a lot better than hafeez. Hafeez doesn't really appear to be aggressive and is an over-thinker instead of being logical at times. His poor performance doesnt' instill confidence as well. Also, he enjoys righteousness, as back when amir had to get back, he made sure to oppose him. This kind of thing, makes him not able to own mistakes when he should

 

[Square Drive]

I am overwhelmed by deja vu right now.

This takes me back to the second ODI in Australia in 2016-2017, when Hafeez replaced the struggling Azhar as captain and was "proactive" in the field and restricted them to a low total which we chased. As a result, everyone wanted him to replace Azhar as permanent captain.

My sentiments exactly.

It is what it is man. Sarfraz atleast seemed like a good choice (unlike Azhar), and he did lead us to a title. However, his time's up now.

There's still another 11 ODIs until the WC. Still not late to realize that Malik's the man that should be leading us in the WC. Better late than never.

 

[Madplayer]

Game of thrones plot has been revealed here. Malik is going to sit on the iron throne.

 

[Markhor]

Anyone would look like Clive Lloyd in comparison with Sarfraz.

However can't complain about Malik's captaincy. His cricketing brain has never been in question, it's his own batting against any quality pace bowling.

 

[Markhor]

Probably because they know they won't get a mouthful from the skipper after every little mistake

It reminds me of school and how the kids breathe a sigh of relief when the strict teacher is off sick, and the cool, laid back teacher takes over the lesson.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

One thing he did exceptionally well and something that no Pakistan captain after Younus Khan has done: he blocked the easy singles and kept the slips on.

That was so refreshing to see! If he hadn't done that then Amla would have cruised to another 100.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

It reminds me of school and how the kids breathe a sigh of relief when the strict teacher is off sick, and the cool, laid back teacher takes over the lesson.

Hahahh exactly

 

[shaz619]

It would be good if Sarfraz either retires or has some kind of injury which keeps him away from the team, his style would be good for a short while but over a long term period it will be disastrous, it shocks me a guy with so much experience can be this incompetent and lack mental stability. Malik has always had a brilliant cricket brain and should be the guy to lead us in the WC but it is highly unlikely.

 

[aloo paratha]

Good. We have supporters of yet another 'non-playing' captain

Malik has been good last couple of years but need more clutch stuff from him.

Malik has still been 5 times better than Sarfraz. He's been used wrong at times. Hafeez and Malik shouldn't be set in stone at 4 and 5, Malik should come first if we lose our second wicket after the 20th over, but if we lose our second wicket at the 10th over, Hafeez should come in first. you should be playing to your batsmen's strengths, Malik can boss the spinners around in the middle overs, meanwhile Hafeez is the better player against pace.

 

[aloo paratha]

The one thing I admire about Malik, is the way he presents himself. Compare him to Sarfraz, the difference is night and day. Sarfraz is an embarrassment to the country.

 

[nextover666666]

He was outstanding in how he placed the fielders and bowling changes as well . Really impressed with how he used the spinners as well

 

[Sherlock]

Players looked happier with Shoaib Malik's captaincy

Just watching the body language today was completely different from when Sarfaraz is captaining the side. The players seemed to me to be more happier with how to bowl and field.

I guess not having someone shout and shake their heads over every bad ball has its upside...who knew.

Also I liked how Malik kept the fielders in attacking positions when we needed a wicket. He helped Shadab/Imad out with close fielders which put pressure on the batsmen and in-turn helped us peg the score back in the middle overs.

It's something I've liked from Malik's past excursions as captain and I felt the same way about Hafeez as captain too.

Captains need to trust the bowlers and fielders and vice-versa.

I get he, or Hafeez won't and shouldn't be long-term choices for the captaincy but I do feel the players responded better today than they have in the past.

It was a good performance by the bowlers and a professional chase by the batsmen.

 

[waleed88]

People made all these claims that players look happy with Hafeez's captaincy in the 2017 series against Australia where we won 1 game.

Subsequently we lost 3 games on a trought after that..

Even in the premier league a change in manager brings about a change in moral for a couple of games..

Then it tapers down as soon as the initial adrenaline has gone out of the system.

 

[mesmerizer85]

Just one good match and people are hyping Shoaib malik to the moon

I mean like seriously after Azhar Ali's failures as Captain there were doubts on Shoaib malik to take over captaincy as his team was failing in PSL. Moreover, his form is definitely not as good like Dhoni. This is the reason Sarfraz was handed over captaincy just before CT which we luckily won. There too people were crediting the bowlers so why not here? Just one game as people are like Shoaib malik will win us the next World Cup. Calm down people. Lets see the next games and then talk.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

His form seemed ok when he was Pakistan’s best player in the Asia cup.

He’s not out of form, he’s just never had the ability to play against pace.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

If i can remember correctly Malik was nearly begging with tweets & re-tweets and stuff to return as captain when MISBAH retired after CWC2015 and PCB went with Azhar ali and then with Sarfraz

Hafeez or Malik should have been the choice since 2015, Waqar n MISBAH made a blunder with Azhar ali and later on got the beta beta Sarfraz

 

[Sherlock]

People made all these claims that players look happy with Hafeez's captaincy in the 2017 series against Australia where we won 1 game.

Subsequently we lost 3 games on a trought after that..

Even in the premier league a change in manager brings about a change in moral for a couple of games..

Then it tapers down as soon as the initial adrenaline has gone out of the system.

If it's a couple of games then it's good enough to win the series

 

[mesmerizer85]

How many cups or series has PAK won under his captaincy? People should read his article on Wikipedia first. Malik's captaincy lasted two years. A report by the coach and manager criticised his leadership, claiming that Malik was "a loner, aloof and involved in his own little world, which is OK but not when the team required a fully committed captain We do not see any meaningful communication between players and captain other than his five-minute talk during the team meeting".[21]

 

[Titan24]

You are getting it wrong.

Its not only about winning or loosing, obviously every captain looses some games. Its about getting the best out of players and knowing their strengths and weaknesses.

Malik's field placements, bowling changes were spot on that. On top of that Pak players looked happy and showed great attitude throughout the game.

Would you like playing under a captain who shouts at you after every bowl? I guess most wont so its not surprising that players looked more energetic and had smile on their face under Malik. Even commentators were saying that.

Most importantly he finished the SA innings unlike Sarfraz against BD from 11/3 to 250 odd, NZ 40/3 while in deficit and then went on to score match winning lead or recently SA in 2nd ODI from 80/5.

Sarfaraz doesnt read the game well.

 

[Titan24]

How many cups or series has PAK won under his captaincy? People should read his article on Wikipedia first. Malik's captaincy lasted two years. A report by the coach and manager criticised his leadership, claiming that Malik was "a loner, aloof and involved in his own little world, which is OK but not when the team required a fully committed captain We do not see any meaningful communication between players and captain other than his five-minute talk during the team meeting".[21]

You definitely missed this part of wikipedia:

Pakistan's coach, Bob Woolmer, was a strong advocate of Malik's case to become captain; in Woolmer's opinion Malik was "the sharpest tactical tack among his group ... a real presence on the field".[21] Former skipper Imran Khan also backed Malik for the role, stating "He appears to have a good cricket brain and could turn out to be a very good choice for Pakistan cricket".[22] Malik was appointed captain on 19 April 2007 by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), his experience considering his relatively young age and consistent performances were cited as other reasons for his appointment.[22] At the age of just 25, he was Pakistan's fourth youngest captain.[21]

In Malik's first series as captain, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka 2–1 in an ODI series in Abu Dhabi. His next assignments were home Test and ODI series against South Africa, which Pakistan lost 1–0 and 3–2 respectively. 3–2 was the score in favour of India when Pakistan subsequently played an ODI series against their arch-rivals. Malik hit 89 and took three wickets in the final match, which Pakistan won by 31 runs.

 

[mesmerizer85]

I think you got it wrong here. You didn't notice today That Hasan Ali wasn't bowling else he would have leaked runs and SA would have scored 250+

 

[Titan24]

I think you got it wrong here. You didn't notice today That Hasan Ali wasn't bowling else he would have leaked runs and SA would have scored 250+

Who is stopping Sarfaraz to play players he want?

Reality is whoever he is gonna play, he is gonna shout at him and he doesnt know strengths and weaknesses of his bowlers and opposition batsmen.

Yes individual brilliance can hide the lack of tactics from Sarfaraz on occasions but when there is no individual brilliance most of the results will be like Asia Cup.

 

[mesmerizer85]

Kindly also read the post captaincy part on Wikipedia :

In March 2010, Shoaib Malik was given a one-year ban from the national team by the PCB, who charged him for infighting within the team. It was part of a dramatic cull of players after Pakistan's winless tour of Australia, resulting in the fining or banning of seven players.[27]

 

[Greenstorm]

I think you got it wrong here. You didn't notice today That Hasan Ali wasn't bowling else he would have leaked runs and SA would have scored 250+

At one point, we were actually missing Hassan Ali. He averages 25 in ODIs for a reason.

 

[mesmerizer85]

Bro, all I am saying is our spectators are quite impulsive on deciding on anything that looks good for the first time. Lets just wait for the remaining matches and T20s to conclude. We can then say Malik is definitely worth it with this new team.

 

[Titan24]

Kindly also read the post captaincy part on Wikipedia :

In March 2010, Shoaib Malik was given a one-year ban from the national team by the PCB, who charged him for infighting within the team. It was part of a dramatic cull of players after Pakistan's winless tour of Australia, resulting in the fining or banning of seven players.[27]

Internal politics within team and lack of professionalism in PCB is reflective of Pak cricket of last decade and a half.

Malik and Dhoni became captain at the same time almost, Dhoni played youngsters to avoid these kind of internal politics while Malik was stuck with some senior rebels.

 

[Swing]

The same players seemed to be playing smarter under Malik as compared to when they were just being shouted at from behind the wicket by Sarfraz. It's the contrast that people saw from the previous game and this one that has them praising Malik.

The fact that Malik is actually a pretty decent captain is another thing.

 

[Majid Khan]

Sometimes players make mistakes in their 20s as they are also human like the rest of us, and mature in their later years and become better captains — Malik looks a lot calmer and sensible these days , and cricketing wise he’s always looked a smart and thinking player unlike some of his contemporaries from U19 level (Imran Nazir for example).

If anyone remembers Wasim Akram in his first stint as captain also struggled to unite the team and himself accepts he was behaving immaturely at that stage and later on became one of Pakistan’s best captains, gelling youth and experience into a unit.

 

[Titan24]

Bro, all I am saying is our spectators are quite impulsive on deciding on anything that looks good for the first time. Lets just wait for the remaining matches and T20s to conclude. We can then say Malik is definitely worth it with this new team.

Its not about Malik, I care about Pakistan cricket team and surely all of us have seen enough of Sarfaraz to conclude he isnt good enough as captain.

 

[Titan24]

Sometimes players make mistakes in their 20s as they are also human like the rest of us, and mature in their later years and become better captains — Malik looks a lot calmer and sensible these days , and cricketing wise he’s always looked a smart and thinking player unlike some of his contemporaries from U19 level (Imran Nazir for example).

If anyone remembers Wasim Akram in his first stint as captain also struggled to unite the team and himself accepts he was behaving immaturely at that stage and later on become one of Pakistan’s better captains.

Well put.

 

[mesmerizer85]

Let me remind you that Hasan Ali's form is not as it used to be like in CT17. Did he perform during the Asia Cup? What about the high scoring Eng ODI where he was the second worst to Wahab Riaz?

 

[ask_analyse_act]

You are getting it wrong.

Its not only about winning or loosing, obviously every captain looses some games. Its about getting the best out of players and knowing their strengths and weaknesses.

Malik's field placements, bowling changes were spot on that. On top of that Pak players looked happy and showed great attitude throughout the game.

Would you like playing under a captain who shouts at you after every bowl? I guess most wont so its not surprising that players looked more energetic and had smile on their face under Malik. Even commentators were saying that.

Most importantly he finished the SA innings unlike Sarfraz against BD from 11/3 to 250 odd, NZ 40/3 while in deficit and then went on to score match winning lead or recently SA in 2nd ODI from 80/5.

Sarfaraz doesnt read the game well.

This exactly,,, Clueless captain running around like a headless chicken, ranting the oppositions too, also hiding behind a debutant... He had displayed all forms of his stupidity in this series, he should be sacked as captain imho...

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Kindly also read the post captaincy part on Wikipedia :

In March 2010, Shoaib Malik was given a one-year ban from the national team by the PCB, who charged him for infighting within the team. It was part of a dramatic cull of players after Pakistan's winless tour of Australia, resulting in the fining or banning of seven players.[27]

Well that era was a nightmare where a shoe shop owner was made the PCB chairman who is like another Sarfraz good for shouting, fining, banning and calling the opponents as fixers when his team players were caught red hand...

 

[Hasan123]

No one is over hyping him. He did a good job today and deserves some praise. He isn't an ATG skipper but a safe pair of hands till the WC.

Sarfraz has lost the players and is a rubbish tactician and crap player.

 

[JaDed]

Dhoni's form is good, you guys have very low standard for.middle.order ,Dhoni was an Atheist Middle order he is not even a shadow of his former self.anymore.

 

[mesmerizer85]

Ok lets say Shoaib does seem to lead this team in an effective manner and we keep winning, we can appoint him for ODIs and keep Sarfraz for the T20s where we are the best

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Captaining in one-off match is easy. You dont have pressure. You feel happy that you were the second in line. You are there to prove a point. Players like the refreshing change and respond. Hafeez also did excellent in one-off match against Aus but when he was the actual captain for a tournament he was embarrassing.

I have always liked Malik the captain since his stint with Sialkot Stallions going way back to 2006-2007. He groomed players like Haris Sohail under him. But if things dont get right Malik is not the right man. He resigned from captaincy of Karachi Kings on slightest of pressure and issues where he should have shown guts. He even deliberately lost a doemstic match when he was not happy with the umpires. Thats a sign of great weakness. You dont give up like that.

Anyways for a makeshift captain its ok to have him.

 

[mesmerizer85]

Captaining in one-off match is easy. You dont have pressure. You feel happy that you were the second in line. You are there to prove a point. Players like the refreshing change and respond. Hafeez also did excellent in one-off match against Aus but when he was the actual captain for a tournament he was embarrassing.

I have always liked Malik the captain since his stint with Sialkot Stallions going way back to 2006-2007. He groomed players like Haris Sohail under him. But if things dont get right Malik is not the right man. He resigned from captaincy of Karachi Kings on slightest of pressure and issues where he should have shown guts. He even deliberately lost a doemstic match when he was not happy with the umpires. Thats a sign of great weakness. You dont give up like that.

Anyways for a makeshift captain its ok to have him.

Probably his way of thinking suits more the ODIs format (Due to his calmness) and not so much the shorter format where we are already doing well under Sarfraz

 

[Chokli]

Let me remind you that Hasan Ali's form is not as it used to be like in CT17. Did he perform during the Asia Cup? What about the high scoring Eng ODI where he was the second worst to Wahab Riaz?

asia cup was the only time he was off color

high scoring eng odi? that was his debut series dude where everyone was carted around... hasan alone didn't concede 444.

he's been pretty decent in this series

 

[Chokli]

Hafeez also did excellent in one-off match against Aus but when he was the actual captain for a tournament he was embarrassing.

Anyways for a makeshift captain its ok to have him.

one was an ODI the other was a T20....and they were 5 years apart.

 

[ManFan]

Was about to post my thoughts but saw that [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] already had. In fact, he had a similar field set in the last ten overs against a spinner.

A one-off match is very easy to captain because you know that there are no repercussions for your failures and success can only elevate you higher.

The players like Malik’s calming presence as it is a nice break from Sarfraz’s nervous energy. But, Malik also left KK in the hands of Ravi Bopara after failing.

He’s too old, weak as a player, and most importantly, not able to toughen it out when the politics come into play.

With that said, it is amazing how after PP is dissatisified with one non-performing captain that they want him replaced with another non-performing individual.

 

[rhony]

Was about to post my thoughts but saw that [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] already had. In fact, he had a similar field set in the last ten overs against a spinner.

A one-off match is very easy to captain because you know that there are no repercussions for your failures and success can only elevate you higher.

The players like Malik’s calming presence as it is a nice break from Sarfraz’s nervous energy. But, Malik also left KK in the hands of Ravi Bopara after failing.

He’s too old, weak as a player, and most importantly, not able to toughen it out when the politics come into play.

With that said, it is amazing how after PP is dissatisified with one non-performing captain that they want him replaced with another non-performing individual.

Nailed it. Malik will lobby for a spot as a "future captain groomer" after the WC. His 26 ball 31 was a big reason for Pak's loss the other day. His failure when the team needed him the most in 2nd ODI is being ignored. His 50s in crisis will help the team reach 220 which is always a losing cause. He can't play pace. He won't and can't bowl.

 

[Saj]

Sometimes players make mistakes in their 20s as they are also human like the rest of us, and mature in their later years and become better captains — Malik looks a lot calmer and sensible these days , and cricketing wise he’s always looked a smart and thinking player unlike some of his contemporaries from U19 level (Imran Nazir for example).

If anyone remembers Wasim Akram in his first stint as captain also struggled to unite the team and himself accepts he was behaving immaturely at that stage and later on became one of Pakistan’s best captains, gelling youth and experience into a unit.

Very true.

Even his team mates looked calmer today, more smiles, more relaxed and there was a sense of everyone knowing what they were doing without being shouted at.