Should Pakistan go with an unchanged lineup for the game against India?

[MenInG]

What changes should be made if any to the team that won against Hong Kong?

Tbh this wasn't the best test but looks to me this team is the ideal one.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Pakistan are way too strong for any Asian team at the moment.

The Champions Trophy proved that.

And it will be proved again at the Asia Cup.

Our core of 10 to 15 players are good enough to win every time.

Oh and a point.

I know I will be crucified for this one, but personally I don't think that Sarfraz is an amazing captain. He is adequate and his core players make sure they perform and that's why he gets the plaudits.

You can give him Misbah's team and I doubt he would be able to convert the Azhar's and Hafeez's into world beaters.

 

[ARK Rafay]

Yes. The current team specially bowlers looked they were all warming up and ready to peak in their next game.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Pakistan are way too strong for any Asian team at the moment.

The Champions Trophy proved that.

And it will be proved again at the Asia Cup.

Our core of 10 to 15 players are good enough to win every time.

Oh and a point.

I know I will be crucified for this one, but personally I don't think that Sarfraz is an amazing captain. He is adequate and his core players make sure they perform and that's why he gets the plaudits.

You can give him Misbah's team and I doubt he would be able to convert the Azhar's and Hafeez's into world beaters.

You can give Imran Misbah’s team and you’re looking at Imran giving an early retirement. That team had the most useless and hopeless players I have ever seen in all of Pakistan’s history. Allah ka shukar hai we have moved on from that era.

 

[Square Drive]

Pakistan are way too strong for any Asian team at the moment.

The Champions Trophy proved that.

And it will be proved again at the Asia Cup.

Our core of 10 to 15 players are good enough to win every time.

Oh and a point.

I know I will be crucified for this one, but personally I don't think that Sarfraz is an amazing captain. He is adequate and his core players make sure they perform and that's why he gets the plaudits.

You can give him Misbah's team and I doubt he would be able to convert the Azhar's and Hafeez's into world beaters.

Misbah is a main reason he had that team of his. He was too busy getting his buddies selected.

 

[ads101]

Might as well. No one's place is really in danger except Faheem's. And even him if we're sure we want to play an allrounder or a 2nd spin bowler, little competition in the squad. Nawaz hasn't been incredible in international cricket so far, and no other spin bowler apart from Nawaz or Shadab selected in squad.

I could see possibly Haris coming in for Fahim as he strengthens the batting as well as providing some spin bowling. But don't think that'll happen unless our batting really gets shot out and there's a dire need to strengthen it. And it creates the same issue, no specialist batsman really wants to bat at 7.

 

[happydavy]

Bowling unit looked very good, and if given a decent total to defend, they will win against India. However, Pakistan's batting lower middle order is too raw, i mean Asif Ali/Shadab/Faheem have like what 300 ODi runs amongst them? Pakistan top 5 have to ensure that at 40 overs mark, Pakistan is just 3 down.

 

[RamLakhan]

I am looking at it as 3 matches ODI series between India and Pakistan! Not bothered about finals as much (India has won more Asia Cups and World Cups than any Asian team!) Any team winning 2-1, 3-0 (or 2-0 in case either or both don't enter finals!) will be the best team (currently) for me!

 

[Peshwa]

With the current form and team combination Pakistan looking too strong for other Asian teams including India

Pakistan should remain unbeaten throughout the tournament

The only question is who will face Pakistan in final

Can SL/BAN surprise India to reach final
With ths joke of a Indian batting lineup can't rule out the possibility of BD or SL reaching the final

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Misbah is a main reason he had that team of his. He was too busy getting his buddies selected.

Its easy to deflect blame to past era personas when the current era cricketers are genuinely better.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Amir out and Nawaz in.

 

[BDfanforever]

Pakistan cup to loose.

It's a shame Virat Kholi is not playing and Tamim Iqbal got injured. Otherwise, it would been interesting to see how each of these teams fared at full strength.

 

[RamLakhan]

With the current form and team combination Pakistan looking too strong for other Asian teams including India

Pakistan should remain unbeaten throughout the tournament

The only question is who will face Pakistan in final

Can SL/BAN surprise India to reach final
With ths joke of a Indian batting lineup can't rule out the possibility of BD or SL reaching the final

You never know what happens even in HK match, DK is due for an anti-miracle after his latest T20 triumph!

 

[B_Positive]

Yes they should not change the lineup. At least for now there is no need. We have our semis birth confirmed. If we lose against India then we can ponder on it. But I dont think it will happen.

 

[Duckworth Lewis]

Harris for Imam, but highly unlikely.

 

[Duckworth Lewis]

Never have I seen Pak fans being so optimistic. I expect Indian spinners wrecking havoc and Pak pacers taken to cleaners in not so friendly fast bowling conditions, especially if India bats first.

 

[MenInG]

Never have I seen Pak fans being so optimistic. I expect Indian spinners wrecking havoc and Pak pacers taken to cleaners in not so friendly fast bowling conditions, especially if India bats first.

Yep I fear the same but humour is pls

 

[MenInG]

Amir out and Nawaz in.

How brave a move would that be?

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

How brave a move would that be?

Well India rested Kohli. Didn't they?

 

[MenInG]

Well India rested Kohli. Didn't they?

He rested himself

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Only change might be Amir for Shaheen but it won't happen.

 

[the_outsider]

He rested himself

Unless he is part of the selection committee, Kohli did not rest himself.

 

[Pakhs]

Amir and Shadab didn’t bowl that well, the pitch seem to turn so two spinners will be better. Maybe rest Amir and get Nawaz in. Can’t say anything about batting all did okay.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Ideally Haris for Malik but won't happen..

Plus I don't understand why we are underrating India so much. They have a v.good team without Kohli too. Plus I don't believe one Kohli could have won them the match. One player can't win you matches alone unless you are the captain with your tactical decisions.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Pakistani fans are being overly optimistic, similar to how we'd been previous to the first CT match. I see us losing this match because of Kuldeep and Chahal. If there's one particular type of bowling Pakistani batsmen cannot play, it is wrist spinners. Amit Mishra, Bishoo and others have been classic examples of this.

And quite frankly, I see Rohit and Dhawan destroying the bowling.

 

[Shafi]

Pakistan are way too strong for any Asian team at the moment.

The Champions Trophy proved that.

And it will be proved again at the Asia Cup.

Our core of 10 to 15 players are good enough to win every time.

Oh and a point.

I know I will be crucified for this one, but personally I don't think that Sarfraz is an amazing captain. He is adequate and his core players make sure they perform and that's why he gets the plaudits.

You can give him Misbah's team and I doubt he would be able to convert the Azhar's and Hafeez's into world beaters.

What will happen if we loose all 3 matches against India and fail to qualify in final? Because Dhoni is a real captain and better than Kohli?

 

[Shafi]

Our batting is way too weak and bowling is pretty average. Don't have too much hope.

 

[Slim]

Our batting is way too weak and bowling is pretty average. Don't have too much hope.

What will you do if we end up winning? I would like a wager with you.

 

[Ummii]

I'd prefer Masood over Imam, which is not gonna happen at any way.

Also I'd love to see Shaheen as well. But that is not gonna happen as well.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Pakistan are way too strong for any Asian team at the moment.

The Champions Trophy proved that.

And it will be proved again at the Asia Cup.

Our core of 10 to 15 players are good enough to win every time.

Oh and a point.

I know I will be crucified for this one, but personally I don't think that Sarfraz is an amazing captain. He is adequate and his core players make sure they perform and that's why he gets the plaudits.

You can give him Misbah's team and I doubt he would be able to convert the Azhar's and Hafeez's into world beaters.

Misbah persisted with them unlike Imran and Sarfi who slowly showed the doors to the seniors and now only Malik remains

During the Misbah era there was no policy regarding selection players like Akmals,Farhat kept coming in and out of the side unlike Sarfraz who knows which players he wants to slect and groom.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Pakistani fans are being overly optimistic, similar to how we'd been previous to the first CT match. I see us losing this match because of Kuldeep and Chahal. If there's one particular type of bowling Pakistani batsmen cannot play, it is wrist spinners. Amit Mishra, Bishoo and others have been classic examples of this.

And quite frankly, I see Rohit and Dhawan destroying the bowling.

What are you saying?

Pakistanis were the most skeptical before the first CT match primarily because majority of the players were unknown back then and had no star names like Afridi.

 

[coy0607]

Its easy to deflect blame to past era personas when the current era cricketers are genuinely better.

There was always talent in Pakistan. Misbah always choose the safe route by going after 30+ year olds

Sarfraz took risks and invested in a young team. That alone make him great

 

[coy0607]

Only change that would make sense on recent form is Amir out and either Shaheen or Nawaz in

I don't think they're ready to drop Amir just yet thou

 

[Noman]

Misbah is a main reason he had that team of his. He was too busy getting his buddies selected.

misbah was the worst odi captain We ever had. He worst so stupid selected stupid odi players so he could look good playing his tuk tuk odi cricket game. Yes, he was a fine test captain and selection was good overall. But his odi selection was the worst We ever had in history of Pakistan

 

[Gotham Cronie]

Dead rubber. Give the following a go:

Haris Sohail
Muhammad Nawaz
Junaid Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi

 

[Syed1]

Pakistan are way too strong for any Asian team at the moment.

The Champions Trophy proved that.

And it will be proved again at the Asia Cup.

Our core of 10 to 15 players are good enough to win every time.

Oh and a point.

I know I will be crucified for this one, but personally I don't think that Sarfraz is an amazing captain. He is adequate and his core players make sure they perform and that's why he gets the plaudits.

You can give him Misbah's team and I doubt he would be able to convert the Azhar's and Hafeez's into world beaters.

One fundamental aspect of captain's job description is to play and retain players that fit in with their future plans and have the talent and ability to perform at the highest level.


Why is it that under Misbah we continued to see the likes of Shehzad and Akmal fail match after match, but under Sarfaraz they have been promptly sent on their way.


It's an easy cop out to say "oh Misbah had a mediocre side"... well then what did captain saviour did to fix that situation? Other than playing his buddies and oldies. How many youngsters debut during Misbah's dark days?

 

[MenInG]

Last warning stick to the topic

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Rest Shinwari (because of the injury scare). Play Shaheen in his place. Replace Amir with Nawaz. The rest are fine.

 

[Syed1]

Amir out and Nawaz in.

Considering Amir's performance the last time these two sides met they will never drop him, but on merit Amir should be benched and Nawaz should play.

 

[Hasan123]

Would have liked to see have seen an extra spinner, wouldn't start Nawaz. So I'll stick with the same team. Very poor from Inzi to select 6 pacers for UAE conditions and select 2 spin bowling all rounders. Can't believe someone who played international cricket for 15 years , who played under 1 of the greatest players/captains ever ,and played in every major test playing nation in all formats doesn't select a specialist spinner in UAE conditions. Absolute no defence of this.

 

[the_outsider]

Rest Shinwari (because of the injury scare). Play Shaheen in his place. Replace Amir with Nawaz. The rest are fine.

Shinwari looked like the only bowler who was bowling proper wicket taking balls against HK.

Dropping him would be a big mistake.

 

[The intelligent Supporter]

What changes should be made if any to the team that won against Hong Kong?

Tbh this wasn't the best test but looks to me this team is the ideal one.

Harris in for Imam ?

 

[Nfc120]

Would have liked to see have seen an extra spinner, wouldn't start Nawaz. So I'll stick with the same team. Very poor from Inzi to select 6 pacers for UAE conditions and select 2 spin bowling all rounders. Can't believe someone who played international cricket for 15 years , who played under 1 of the greatest players/captains ever ,and played in every major test playing nation in all formats doesn't select a specialist spinner in UAE conditions. Absolute no defence of this.

Specialist spinner is required for test series in UAE. RIght now, they are trying to build a team for the world cup, where pace will play the major role. Asia cup is not important. Management is looking towards the next year, they are far sighted here, and deserve credit. They are taking the tournament seriously in terms of finding the correct team combination, and getting into the habit of victory in pressure matches.

India will make the same mistake for the WC as they did in the England series. Not preparing enough, and disrespecting opposition that is preparation for what they consider the "main event" i.e. (england test series, or world cup campaign). THey think they're too good, and look down and such paltry prep. This asia cup is the ideal tourney for pakistan to fine tune their team and winning attitude. We desparately need exposure.

Again, the real downfall of management will be if they do not select a specialist spinner to partner Yasir shah in the upcoming australia/ new zealand series. Although i think shadab is an ideal foil for him, another specialist spinner should be selected to replace either shadab or yasir if one or the other does not perform up to mark.

 

[Hasan123]

Specialist spinner is required for test series in UAE. RIght now, they are trying to build a team for the world cup, where pace will play the major role. Asia cup is not important. Management is looking towards the next year, they are far sighted here, and deserve credit. They are taking the tournament seriously in terms of finding the correct team combination, and getting into the habit of victory in pressure matches.

India will make the same mistake for the WC as they did in the England series. Not preparing enough, and disrespecting opposition that is preparation for what they consider the "main event" i.e. (england test series, or world cup campaign). THey think they're too good, and look down and such paltry prep. This asia cup is the ideal tourney for pakistan to fine tune their team and winning attitude. We desparately need exposure.

Again, the real downfall of management will be if they do not select a specialist spinner to partner Yasir shah in the upcoming australia/ new zealand series. Although i think shadab is an ideal foil for him, another specialist spinner should be selected to replace either shadab or yasir if one or the other does not perform up to mark.

We already have 5 fast bowlers who have played LO cricket for us. That is more than enough for the WC. They have added Shaheen in which I am not against. But why not try to win the series to gain some confidence for the WC? Why not a select a team based on the conditions? We might end up winning the Asia Cup but selecting spinner should have been a given.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Last time i saw haris on the field he was stuff as a log , I don't know if things have gotten better but if he is still as stiff then he should be on the bench. Shinwari will be test against a real opposition this time , lets see how he performs. There is no need for any change at the moment.

 

[waleed88]

Pakistan are way too strong for any Asian team at the moment.

The Champions Trophy proved that.

And it will be proved again at the Asia Cup.

Our core of 10 to 15 players are good enough to win every time.

Oh and a point.

I know I will be crucified for this one, but personally I don't think that Sarfraz is an amazing captain. He is adequate and his core players make sure they perform and that's why he gets the plaudits.

You can give him Misbah's team and I doubt he would be able to convert the Azhar's and Hafeez's into world beaters.

Don't agree with the first part of your post... The core is good but still a long way off

 

[waleed88]

misbah was the worst odi captain We ever had. He worst so stupid selected stupid odi players so he could look good playing his tuk tuk odi cricket game. Yes, he was a fine test captain and selection was good overall. But his odi selection was the worst We ever had in history of Pakistan

Misbah was a captain as good as his team was... this was the era when we thought Umar Akmal was held back from his potential because Misbah asked him to play slowly, while Shehzad was already more talented and successful than Tendulkar. We added a chubby Nasir Jamshed, a whiny Younis Khan, a stiff Sohaib maqsood and declining Afridi (incompetent with the ball) and you can get a squad that was as shambolic as you will ever see in Pakistan's history... we were struggling to beat Zimbabwe in that tournament.