The myth that we will score 160-170 without the Babar-Rizwan opening partnership

[Xoib]

Two games now where they don't fire and we scored 130-140 and not 160 plus as some posters claim making their contribution look meaningless.

Babar and Riz are our two best bats and we will lose 90% of the time without them so stop pushing radom rubbish just for an agenda.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Two games now where they don't fire and we scored 130-140 and not 160 plus as some posters claim making their contribution look meaningless.

Babar and Riz are our two best bats and we will lose 90% of the time without them so stop pushing radom rubbish just for an agenda.

In order for a myth to be dispelled, a player needs to sit out of the game.

Not play 16 off 17 balls and 21 off 23 balls which means around 7 overs which other batsmen could have faced.

So your point is moot.

 

[Xoib]

In order for a myth to be dispelled, a player needs to sit out of the game.

Not play 16 off 17 balls and 21 off 23 balls which means around 7 overs which other batsmen could have faced.

So your point is moot.

Yet others contributed 90 /8 off 80 balls run rate below 7 where is this 160 I do not see and this not the only game watch last game vs Eng for even before conclusive evidence

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Yet others contributed 90 /8 off 80 balls run rate below 7 where is this 160 I do not see and this not the only game watch last game vs Eng for even before conclusive evidence

The only game Rizwan sat out of Pakistan scored 170.

I need more of such games where one of them isn't playing to have a definite conclusion that without him Pakistan won't score 160.

Because even with him, we aren't scoring 160 in last 2 games and the onus is to prove he is essential.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Yet others contributed 90 /8 off 80 balls run rate below 7 where is this 160 I do not see and this not the only game watch last game vs Eng for even before conclusive evidence

This. The last game of the England-Pakistan series showed that Pakistan need Babar and Rizwan to fire upfront for Pakistan to be competitive with the bat.

Unless there are better players of high quality pace, I don't see any other option In Pakistan for the opening slots. Maybe if Fakhar gets back in form, they can put him there but that's about it.

 

[Xoib]

The only game Rizwan sat out of Pakistan scored 170.

I need more of such games where one of them isn't playing to have a definite conclusion that without him Pakistan won't score 160.

Because even with him, we aren't scoring 160 in last 2 games and the onus is to prove he is essential.

Rizwan is not crucial his contributions are since we do not have the quality to over come a bad in the office for Babar/Rizwan combo when one fires we do get 160 plus that game you mention is the game where Babar got going so it still holds my point

 

[daytrader]

The only game Rizwan sat out of Pakistan scored 170.

I need more of such games where one of them isn't playing to have a definite conclusion that without him Pakistan won't score 160.

Because even with him, we aren't scoring 160 in last 2 games and the onus is to prove he is essential.

He doesn't need to prove anything. He's #1 ranked T20I batter in the world. If he's not essential to our cause than who is?

 

[Dr_Bassim]

He doesn't need to prove anything. He's #1 ranked T20I batter in the world. If he's not essential to our cause than who is?

If he is number one T20 batter in the world, surely other teams MUST want him to open instead of their useless openers.

Name me one top team, where he would be welcomed as an opener.

 

[Xoib]

He doesn't need to prove anything. He's #1 ranked T20I batter in the world. If he's not essential to our cause than who is?

Sharjeel since he hit some random 50's in 2016.

 

[daytrader]

If he is number one T20 batter in the world, surely other teams MUST want him to open instead of their useless openers.

Name me one top team, where he would be welcomed as an opener.

Pakistan! He's not in other teams. He's our gem and we wouldn't trade him for anyone in the World.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Pakistan! He's not in other teams. He's our gem and we wouldn't trade him for anyone in the World.

Enjoy your fantasy then and let other team win tournaments.

 

[daytrader]

Enjoy your fantasy then and let other team win tournaments.

I don't care about other teams. Pakistan's best chances for winning bank on Rizwan & Babar. That's the reality. Fantasy would be to wish for a 200 strike rate opener when none exist in the country.

 

[BhootKhan]

Enjoy your fantasy then and let other team win tournaments.

Without them we will win every tournament, enjoy your this fantasy lol.

Pick any match from last two years win/loss
And try to check how they both performed and others as well.

But anyways, whenever you are confronted with facts and figures you tend to chicken out like you did from Rizwan's thread.

For you, performance in one or two matches > 10 matches performance.

 

[Energy]

The bigger myth is we're world beaters if Babar and Rizwan aren't in the team. Our performances in the last 2-3 years have shown that whenever Babar and Rizwan don't score, the others put up scores never seen before. And averages never heard before.

 

[Xoib]

I don't care about other teams. Pakistan's best chances for winning bank on Rizwan & Babar. That's the reality. Fantasy would be to wish for a 200 strike rate opener when none exist in the country.

LOL yes they think Asif Ali will strike 200 odd this guy when he lasts more then 20 balls bat's at a normal strike rate as seen today his SR is only high when he bats 8-10 deleveries most times he gets out in couple of balls hence he avaerges 8 runs this year for a reason.

 

[PakPremi]

I do not understand what is the fascination of changing openers when the issue is clearly in the middle order, whetherthemiddle order has 5 overs to bat or 10 , they are unable to score at a good enough rate or significantly enough runs to help boost the Total. Likes of Shadab or Nawaz, make more impactful contributions than the middle order ever does.
If Falkhar comesback and is fit and in form then ,it maynot be a bad idea for Babar to bat one

 

[SM1989]

I do not understand what is the fascination of changing openers when the issue is clearly in the middle order, whetherthemiddle order has 5 overs to bat or 10 , they are unable to score at a good enough rate or significantly enough runs to help boost the Total. Likes of Shadab or Nawaz, make more impactful contributions than the middle order ever does.
If Falkhar comesback and is fit and in form then ,it maynot be a bad idea for Babar to bat one

Get power hitter openers and have Babar bat in the middle order. That is the suggestion.

 

[Xoib]

Get power hitter openers and have Babar bat in the middle order. That is the suggestion.

Who is this mythical power hitter Warner butler type opener in Pakistan?

 

[SM1989]

Who is this mythical power hitter Warner butler type opener in Pakistan?

Fakhar, Khushdil, Asif, haris etc should be asked to open and score a quick 60 in the powerplay. If they fail then Babar Rizwan can come in and stabilise.

 

[shariqnoor]

The only game Rizwan sat out of Pakistan scored 170.

I need more of such games where one of them isn't playing to have a definite conclusion that without him Pakistan won't score 160.

Because even with him, we aren't scoring 160 in last 2 games and the onus is to prove he is essential.

With Babar making 87 in that game where Rizwan sat out. Currently, the trend is if both Babar and Rizwan fail, Pakistan fails.

I don't wholly subscribe to the view that if Babar and Rizwan are taken out of the team, then this team will never score 160+. Somebody new will step up. But as of now, these two are scoring the bulk of the runs and whenever they get out early, the middle and lower order just cannot seem to bail out the team.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Babar and Rizwan are carrying this team alone. It is proven once again.

 

[Ab Fan]

Opening is an easy job in T20s as you just need to time the ball in gap and you get boundaries there. If you want to check where Pakistan batting stands without Babar and Rizwan, then send one of them at 3 and let Fakhar open.

 

[shariqnoor]

If he is number one T20 batter in the world, surely other teams MUST want him to open instead of their useless openers.

Name me one top team, where he would be welcomed as an opener.

You cannot look at it like that. England has a distinctive style of playing cricket. They don't value their wickets because they have batsmen from 1-10 who are able to hit sixes at will. In their scheme of things, because they have such great depth, they don't require a player of Rizwan's ability. However, England would've 100% have current Rizwan as their opener 10 years back when their depth in batting was non-existent.

Similarly Australia now may not need a Rizwan because they have strengthened their middle order with the likes of Stoinis, David, Wade who all can strike at 250 while also be able to build an innings if asked to come in the 8th over. So a stabilizer at the top of the order isn't what they need.

It's not a matter of whether Rizwan would be welcomed as an opener in other teams or not. It's what Pakistan requires. If Pakistan had Saeed Anwar, Shahid Afridi, Ijaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, Moin Khan, Wasim Akram as their T20 batting lineup, even current Rizwan with his form wouldn't have made the cut. It's all about the situation that is on hand. Currently Pakistan does not have a batter better than Rizwan. So he makes the team purely on merit.

 

[Stewie]

In order for a myth to be dispelled, a player needs to sit out of the game.

Not play 16 off 17 balls and 21 off 23 balls which means around 7 overs which other batsmen could have faced.

So your point is moot.

I don’t think you understood the point. The criticism is that these two play too slow. But the fact is they anchor the innings, none of the other players have shown the ability to stick it out in the middle and do it. Occasional 20s and 30s at a higher strike rate look promising but it’s the consistency that’s missing. The rest can fall like nine pins when they start failing under tricky conditions.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Asif Ali with an average of 15 and strike rate of 135 is the biggest non performer in this team. Is he there to hit one six per inning? Even Hasan Ali can do that lol. He has an average of 14 with a strike rate of 186. Can't believe guys like Imad Wasim are finding it hard to make into this playing XI.

There is so much pressure on Babar and Rizwan now and some fans think opening is the easiest job in cricket.

 

[Gayle_Force]

Fakhar, Khushdil, Asif, haris etc should be asked to open and score a quick 60 in the powerplay. If they fail then Babar Rizwan can come in and stabilise.

What you are suggesting is an idea that may come off once in a while as Fakhar is the only experienced opener in that list.

Reality is most major teams rely on their 4-7 batsmen to come in and strike at 150+ SR. Pakistan does not have that and sending Babar and Rizwan down is not the answer. As good as they are, that is just not their game.

 

[Stewie]

I think eventually they will have to explore the option of pushing at least one of them down. Both of them opening is not going to win us too many games against top opposition. We need someone to throw the bat around in the power play as a sacrificial wicket.

 

[Rana]

I think eventually they will have to explore the option of pushing at least one of them down. Both of them opening is not going to win us too many games against top opposition. We need someone to throw the bat around in the power play as a sacrificial wicket.

Who’s going to throw the bat Stewie? Who’s going to be our Cam Green?

 

[srh]

Two games now where they don't fire and we scored 130-140 and not 160 plus as some posters claim making their contribution look meaningless.

Babar and Riz are our two best bats and we will lose 90% of the time without them so stop pushing radom rubbish just for an agenda.

So you are presenting even the openers bad performances as good performances? For you Babar/Rizwan > Pakistan

 

[TheSultan]

I think eventually they will have to explore the option of pushing at least one of them down. Both of them opening is not going to win us too many games against top opposition. We need someone to throw the bat around in the power play as a sacrificial wicket.

And you know when it will happen - in the middle of a world cup. And sane people have been asking them to try it beforehand so they have an idea how they may go about it.

But......but but......the one thing that's working

 

[srh]

He doesn't need to prove anything. He's #1 ranked T20I batter in the world. If he's not essential to our cause than who is?

You really believe that? Do you also believe Santa lives in North Pole?

 

[PakPremi]

Who’s going to throw the bat Stewie? Who’s going to be our Cam Green?

The same question who is going to throw the bat opening, Sharjeel and Fakhar , if fit enough to play, are not tonking at 200 strike rate either and they fail more often than not to score significant runs.

 

[gazza619]

In order for a myth to be dispelled, a player needs to sit out of the game.

Not play 16 off 17 balls and 21 off 23 balls which means around 7 overs which other batsmen could have faced.

So your point is moot.

Agreed. Really need Fakhar Zaman to open with Rizwan and Babar at no.3

Shan has made things worse.

 

[Rana]

The same question who is going to throw the bat opening, Sharjeel and Fakhar , if fit enough to play, are not tonking at 200 strike rate either and they fail more often than not to score significant runs.

Right

But I doubt Fakhar and Sharjeel will take 30-40 balls to hit a six. Do you think they will?

 

[Bilal7]

If he is number one T20 batter in the world, surely other teams MUST want him to open instead of their useless openers.

Name me one top team, where he would be welcomed as an opener.

Why don't you tell me which team would refuse to take Rizwan in their team? Other than Dr. Bassim's fantasy team where Shadab and Asif can take us to 70 runs in the PP every game.

 

[PakPremi]

Right

But I doubt Fakhar and Sharjeel will take 30-40 balls to hit a six. Do you think they will?

Its not all about 6s. Asif Ali takes few balls to hit 6s but his average contribution to team's cause is negligible.
Fakhar of late has been struggling to score runs in PP, and Sharjeel was more or less one international inning wonder, even his PSL performances are not great.

 

[daytrader]

You really believe that? Do you also believe Santa lives in North Pole?

Yes.

And no, I don't believe in fat fixers

 

[hitthestump]

Why don't you tell me which team would refuse to take Rizwan in their team? Other than Dr. Bassim's fantasy team where Shadab and Asif can take us to 70 runs in the PP every game.

View attachment 117392

Wow. The strike rate column is very telling there. From the way people go on i'd expect Riz-Bab to be close to bottom of that list.

 

[hitthestump]

The only game Rizwan sat out of Pakistan scored 170.

I need more of such games where one of them isn't playing to have a definite conclusion that without him Pakistan won't score 160.

Because even with him, we aren't scoring 160 in last 2 games and the onus is to prove he is essential.

You're the one making the claim my friend. Rizwan has been tight slapping his doubters for a long time and no longer needs to prove anything at all.

In fact 2-3 years ago nobody could have predicted him becoming the #1 batsman in the world, leading Pakistan to 200+ chases and breaking the hoodoo against India.

I guess we have the cluelessness of your ilk to thank for that as it appears to spur him on pretty well. Keep it up )

 

[Suleiman]

I think reality is beginning to set in for me finally. I was always torn on this Babar-Rizwan issue because it’s nowhere near as black and white as the majority of this forum thinks it is.

You can acknowledge that they are limited players who are not up to modern standards of t20 batting as they struggle to hit the long ball and because of that we usually have modest starts unlike the top batting units in t20.

At the same time you can also acknowledge that these two are the only part of the batting equation for Pakistan that works. They are ultra consistent and by hook or by crook they get RUNS. Not at the most admirable strike rate, but they still get them. Which is far more than you can say about the rest of the batting order.

The way Shan, Iftikhar, Khushdil, Haider and Asif Ali are batting currently is absolutely pathetic. And this is where the real problem lies, NOT with Rizwan-Babar, who despite their limitations can still set a decent foundation at around 7 RPO.

Any other top class middle order will take that 7 rpo after the first wicket falls at around 70+ runs and step on the gas. I genuinely believe an international standard batsman batting at 3, 4, 5, 6 should be able to do that. If not all 4 batting positions at least 1-2 should fire between your #3, 4, 5 & 6 batters.

However the truth is we don’t have the openers to replace Rizwan-Babar, nor the replacements for the middle order. Since 2010 this has been Pakistan’s modus operandi in LOIs, save for a few moments (that thankfully came at the same time so we could lift CT 2017).

Before Babar-Rizwan it was Ahmed Shehzad, who was far worse but had similar problems of not being able to penetrate the field, stringing along too many dot balls.

Before Haider Ali, it was Sohaib Maqsood, a brilliant start to their career and then regressed into tullaybaaz who would sky one and get out, scoring in single digits.

Before Asif Ali it was Umar Akmal, who was far more gifted and at least had an absolute gun performance Vs Australia in the 2014 t20 WC, but eventually became a #6 who would get out swinging for the hills and reverting to single digit scores. He’s now languishing in some 2nd XI.

I could go on and on, but the truth is we do not have the batsmen we so desperately want after we watch England, Australia play their games.

There’s no Butler, Warner, Salt, etc waiting in the wings, at least not right now. The fact that we haven’t developed a proper MODERN t20 bat for 10+ years now shows the system is failing- and that’s what needs to be fixed.

England’s LOI transformation from 2015+ was because they had the players but they never selected them due to their approach. We simply don’t have the players. Aren’t majority of the guys we’re trying out absolute killers in PSL? So then what happened? It’s the quality of competition that’s producing these fake hitters.

You need an environment to produce the types of t20 bats the other top teams have, and that environment is not found in our domestic scene.

 

[Kianig89]

RizBar are like a figure among cypher if you have Duckett Brooks buttler batting at 3, 4, 5 for Pakistan then RizBar will have no value and we will still score 180+ 8 outta 10 times if we start at 0/2 after 1 over.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

The only game Rizwan sat out of Pakistan scored 170.

I need more of such games where one of them isn't playing to have a definite conclusion that without him Pakistan won't score 160.

Because even with him, we aren't scoring 160 in last 2 games and the onus is to prove he is essential.

Mohammed Rizwan has an average of 77 with a strike rate of 143 in won matches(22). The following stat is for top 8 teams and he is at number 1 in this list.

https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/e...1;spanval1=span;template=results;type=batting

 

[Saj]

I don't have much faith in the other batters.

They had 10 overs today to work their magic, they managed 65 runs in the last 10 overs.

 

[Oxfordchamp]

Vast majority of Rizwan winning matches are against second string bowling attacks.

 

[Rana]

I don't have much faith in the other batters.

They had 10 overs today to work their magic, they managed 65 runs in the last 10 overs.

I hope Rizwan and Babar are given a 1 year rest from T20is after the World Cup.

Let the boys sink, fail and learn to get out of a hole themselves. Only way we are going to move forward

 

[Rana]

If I were the PCB chairman, I would gladly issue Babar and Rizwan NOCs to play cricket around the world even when Pakistan T20i team is playing Bilaterals so that I can groom the next crop of top 6 who do not have these two eating up 60-70% of the deliveries

I would especially go to India and meet Narender Modi ji and give a special request to him to allow special allowance of Babar and Rizwan to play IPL whilst Pakistan is playing New Zealand. I’m hoping Modi ji would accept my request and accept this peace plea.

My team for the NZ home series would be:

Saim Ayub
Haider Ali
Omair bin Yousuf
Muhammad Harris
Qasim Akram
Shadab Khan (c)
Asif Ali (vc)
Asif Mahmood
Amir Jamal
Mohammad Hasnain
Shahnawaz Dahani


I would tell these boys that the aim is to bat first and target 200+ every game. And you are not getting dropped/changed if you get out for 100 in 9-11 overs. Just go out there, have fun and express yourselves, and break the shackles!

 

[shariqnoor]

The real myth that needs to be busted is that Pakistan was doing really well when it was World number 1 and that the team did not need any tinkering with.

From 2017-2020 when Pakistan was number 1, Pakistan played 30 games (excl. 1 N/R), and only 7 times out of 19 times batting first did Pakistan score more than 180. And only 3 times did they score more than 180 and win against the big boys (Aus, Eng, SA, NZ).

The current team has already scored 200+ 5 times since Rizwan and Babar have started opening.

 

[adzzy786]

I saw today Rizwan was trying to be a lot more aggressive causing him to get out. This pressure we are putting on the top asking them to score faster will result them getting out more often for less runs which will in turn mean we will score less as our middle order is spineless

 

[Farabi]

If I were the PCB chairman, I would gladly issue Babar and Rizwan NOCs to play cricket around the world even when Pakistan T20i team is playing Bilaterals so that I can groom the next crop of top 6 who do not have these two eating up 60-70% of the deliveries

I would especially go to India and meet Narender Modi ji and give a special request to him to allow special allowance of Babar and Rizwan to play IPL whilst Pakistan is playing New Zealand. I’m hoping Modi ji would accept my request and accept this peace plea.

My team for the NZ home series would be:

Saim Ayub
Haider Ali
Omair bin Yousuf
Muhammad Harris
Qasim Akram
Shadab Khan (c)
Asif Ali (vc)
Asif Mahmood
Amir Jamal
Mohammad Hasnain
Shahnawaz Dahani


I would tell these boys that the aim is to bat first and target 200+ every game. And you are not getting dropped/changed if you get out for 100 in 9-11 overs. Just go out there, have fun and express yourselves, and break the shackles!

I actually very much like your intention, as this is the brand of cricket I want to see. But you are assuming that just by bringing in youth and giving them the license, the problem will be magically solved as if that is all that it takes. If only things were that simple...

Pakistan's batting woes aren't JUST an intent/license issue, but more so they are a skill issue. To go at a high SR vs world-class bowling, you need world class skills and technical expertise similar to those possessed by players in top-tier teams.

In every sport, aggressive technique is an extension of defensive technique. Harry Brooks, Warner, and Alex Hales, all have great basics. At international stage, our kids will get exposed to the best of the best who will come with specific plans targeted towards their weaknesses.

The part that you are completely ignoring again and again is that Khusdil, Asif, Ifti, Haider, and Haris were absolute monsters in domestic T20 tournament in 2020-2021, then why do they look like fish out of water in the international stage? The answer is Skill-gaps. Do you think they don't want to play at 150+ SR lol? They are trying their best but they just don't have the game for it today. Their shot range is limited for power hitting (mid-wicket). They don't know how to use the crease well. They cant pick googlies. They cant play short-pitch. They can't pick slower deliveries. They are all waiting for "balls in their area", which hardly comes in international stage as you are not facing Amir Yamin, you are facing Wood, Boult, Starc, etc.

They need to focus on building great basics, 360 degree shot range, fitness and strength training, using the crease, competitive age group, exposure to A teams etc. Without targeted grass-root development like Eng did in 2015-2017, exposing these youngsters to this plan is like feeding lamb to lions. When this crop fails, 2 years later folks will have a list of youngsters who do well in 2024 national t20...rinse repeat.

 

[Suleiman]

I actually very much like your intention, as this is the brand of cricket I want to see. But you are assuming that just by bringing in youth and giving them the license, the problem will be magically solved as if that is all that it takes. If only things were that simple...

Pakistan's batting woes aren't JUST an intent/license issue, but more so they are a skill issue. To go at a high SR vs world-class bowling, you need world class skills and technical expertise similar to those possessed by players in top-tier teams.

In every sport, aggressive technique is an extension of defensive technique. Harry Brooks, Warner, and Alex Hales, all have great basics. At international stage, our kids will get exposed to the best of the best who will come with specific plans targeted towards their weaknesses.

The part that you are completely ignoring again and again is that Khusdil, Asif, Ifti, Haider, and Haris were absolute monsters in domestic T20 tournament in 2020-2021, then why do they look like fish out of water in the international stage? The answer is Skill-gaps. Do you think they don't want to play at 150+ SR lol? They are trying their best but they just don't have the game for it today. Their shot range is limited for power hitting (mid-wicket). They don't know how to use the crease well. They cant pick googlies. They cant play short-pitch. They can't pick slower deliveries. They are all waiting for "balls in their area", which hardly comes in international stage as you are not facing Amir Yamin, you are facing Wood, Boult, Starc, etc.

They need to focus on building great basics, 360 degree shot range, fitness and strength training, using the crease, competitive age group, exposure to A teams etc. Without targeted grass-root development like Eng did in 2015-2017, exposing these youngsters to this plan is like feeding lamb to lions. When this crop fails, 2 years later folks will have a list of youngsters who do well in 2024 national t20...rinse repeat.

Beautifully put and 100% agreed. The gap in skill an Iftikhar or Asif will face at home Vs internationally is night and day. The bowling they have at home never pushed them to work on their technique. You can get away being a leg side tullaybaaz in Pak domestics only for reality to give you a gut punch when you play intl level bowlers.

 

[Zeshan547]

If I were the PCB chairman, I would gladly issue Babar and Rizwan NOCs to play cricket around the world even when Pakistan T20i team is playing Bilaterals so that I can groom the next crop of top 6 who do not have these two eating up 60-70% of the deliveries

I would especially go to India and meet Narender Modi ji and give a special request to him to allow special allowance of Babar and Rizwan to play IPL whilst Pakistan is playing New Zealand. I’m hoping Modi ji would accept my request and accept this peace plea.

My team for the NZ home series would be:

Saim Ayub
Haider Ali
Omair bin Yousuf
Muhammad Harris
Qasim Akram
Shadab Khan (c)
Asif Ali (vc)
Asif Mahmood
Amir Jamal
Mohammad Hasnain
Shahnawaz Dahani


I would tell these boys that the aim is to bat first and target 200+ every game. And you are not getting dropped/changed if you get out for 100 in 9-11 overs. Just go out there, have fun and express yourselves, and break the shackles!

Omair Bin yousaf in the ultra aggresive team? really. And what wrong has Shaheen did?

 

[Stewie]

Who’s going to throw the bat Stewie? Who’s going to be our Cam Green?

That’s the thing, it’s the team think tank who have to decide not me. Not babar and not Rizwan and yet we blame them.

There are plenty of decent choices, Fakhar, Nawaz, any of the current middle order hacks, just promote them and see what happens, sharjeel, is also another one, these days it’s all about hitting over the infield in the power play and most people who can bat half decent can do it. Gone are the days when you had to worry about technically correct proper opening bats. We need to get with the times here.

 

[Jazx]

I actually very much like your intention, as this is the brand of cricket I want to see. But you are assuming that just by bringing in youth and giving them the license, the problem will be magically solved as if that is all that it takes. If only things were that simple...

Pakistan's batting woes aren't JUST an intent/license issue, but more so they are a skill issue. To go at a high SR vs world-class bowling, you need world class skills and technical expertise similar to those possessed by players in top-tier teams.

In every sport, aggressive technique is an extension of defensive technique. Harry Brooks, Warner, and Alex Hales, all have great basics. At international stage, our kids will get exposed to the best of the best who will come with specific plans targeted towards their weaknesses.

The part that you are completely ignoring again and again is that Khusdil, Asif, Ifti, Haider, and Haris were absolute monsters in domestic T20 tournament in 2020-2021, then why do they look like fish out of water in the international stage? The answer is Skill-gaps. Do you think they don't want to play at 150+ SR lol? They are trying their best but they just don't have the game for it today. Their shot range is limited for power hitting (mid-wicket). They don't know how to use the crease well. They cant pick googlies. They cant play short-pitch. They can't pick slower deliveries. They are all waiting for "balls in their area", which hardly comes in international stage as you are not facing Amir Yamin, you are facing Wood, Boult, Starc, etc.

They need to focus on building great basics, 360 degree shot range, fitness and strength training, using the crease, competitive age group, exposure to A teams etc. Without targeted grass-root development like Eng did in 2015-2017, exposing these youngsters to this plan is like feeding lamb to lions. When this crop fails, 2 years later folks will have a list of youngsters who do well in 2024 national t20...rinse repeat.

I like it, very well said

 

[Mamoon]

The Babar and Rizwan drama is well and truly over.

 

[Rana]

The real myth that needs to be busted is that Pakistan was doing really well when it was World number 1 and that the team did not need any tinkering with.

From 2017-2020 when Pakistan was number 1, Pakistan played 30 games (excl. 1 N/R), and only 7 times out of 19 times batting first did Pakistan score more than 180. And only 3 times did they score more than 180 and win against the big boys (Aus, Eng, SA, NZ).

The current team has already scored 200+ 5 times since Rizwan and Babar have started opening.

Great post


















Not

 

[cricketjoshila]

180, pakistani bowlers will defend this.

 

[Rana]

Babar+ Rizwan 10 off 20

Rest of Pakistan 175 off 110

 

[Suleiman]

This myth has been given a facial reconstruction, it’s been busted beyond recognition.

I don’t want to see a RizBab fan cry about the middle order ever again.

Know your role and shut your mouth.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Was always a myth.

 

[Asif321]

God scam has been totally exposed

 

[Markhor]

Babar+ Rizwan 10 off 20

Rest of Pakistan 175 off 110

No comment needed, just a simple recitation of the facts is enough.

 

[DHONI183]

I swear I had a full, an extremely full, bladder by the 14th or the 15th over, but I simply didn't abandon the TV screen and go to the toilet). I just couldn't believe my eyes what I was seeing and didn't want to miss out on what seemed like a rarity of the highest order. Mohammad Haris, Iftikhar, Nawaz, and then obviously Shadab, all of them batted brilliantly.

Pakistan posted the highest T20 World Cup score for a team after losing four wickets for less than 50, and none of this would've happened had Babar, Rizwan, or Shan Masood batted any longer than they did today. Pakistan's T20 team needs an overhaul at the top. These guys will win you some and lose some, but what can't be debated is that they're simply not made for the shortest format of the game. Simply not.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

lol, the RizBar fans going after the middle order for a year or so but it ends up being those 2 players who they worship that let the team down.

Mohammad Wasim won’t do anything so the onus is on Rambo to make changes. Get rid of Babar and Rizwan in T20’s, and the RizBar fans can stick the ICC rankings where the sun doesn’t shine.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

The Babar and Rizwan drama is well and truly over.

Not yet... long it will continue on back of past glory as normal as it is in Pak..

 

[Rana]

No comment needed, just a simple recitation of the facts is enough.

Let me improvise a bit more:

Everyone in the Pakistan side with a Gray Nichols Bat:

12 off 26

Everyone else: 173 off 104

 

[Rana]

Let me improvise a bit more:

Everyone in the Pakistan side with a Gray Nichols Bat:

12 off 26

Everyone else: 173 off 104

Gray Nichols bats sr in the hands of Pakistan in a must win: 47

Selfless Pakistani batsmen sr: 166!

 

[zaidihusain]

Riz-Bab will once again open against Bangladesh and as usual will eat initial 4-5 overs with their defensive batting

 

[Mamoon]

The Babar-Rizwan drama has ended, but their egos are too big and the CS is not far behind either.

Don’t expect any changes. We will be told that they were out of form and we should not ignore two years of performances, look at their rankings and averages etc.

Nothing will change.

 

[jnaveen1980]

May be SA needed both of them bat 15 overs lol

 

[rhony]

Just amazing how Pak won 2 games, almost won 2 games without the contribution of their two most MOTM winners in the past 2 years. Just tells you that "top order" runs are over rated when accumulated.

 

[MRSN]

Reminds me of Misbah days when his fans used to say Pak won't even score 200 if he retires and then look we became better and better after his departure.

Baber and Riz has selfish mindset which is criminal at international stage. Absolutely no player or captain should be allowed to get away with selfish batting mindset like these two have. The game has evolved and we have to catch the world cricket on modern day batting.

This is where PCB has to intervene and get this selfish mindset out of our so called stars. Also they need to be told stats are irrelevant if your team is not getting where it should be.

 

[Rana]

Babar scores in this tournament

0
4
4
6

Going by this pattern, he should get 6 or 8 in the next match

 

[zaidihusain]

Yes SA did a a blunder by getting them out early on. Had they stayed up to 14-15th overs Pakistan might have got total score of 140-150

 

[Rana]

Yes SA did a a blunder by getting them out early on. Had they stayed up to 14-15th overs Pakistan might have got total score of 140-150

The big crucial wicket for Pakistan was Shan Masood

He was all set for a 50 for no good cause

 

[Mamoon]

I would open with Haris and Fakhar in the next T20I series. If Fakhar is not fit, I would open with Haider.

Get two attacking openers and ask them not to worry about getting out, just go out there and take advantage of the PP. No average and ranking flexing allowed.

Have Babar and Rizwan at 3 and 4, and if they think they are the best in the business they should be able to consolidate if Pakistan finds itself two down early on.

Teach Babar and Rizwan a lesson. Unfortunately, it won’t happen because in our minds, Babar and Rizwan is the greatest combo in history.

 

[Rana]

I would open with Haris and Fakhar in the next T20I series. If Fakhar is not fit, I would open with Haider.

Get two attacking openers and ask them not to worry about getting out, just go out there and take advantage of the PP. No average and ranking flexing allowed.

Have Babar and Rizwan at 3 and 4, and if they think they are the best in the business they should be able to consolidate if Pakistan finds itself two down early on.

Teach Babar and Rizwan a lesson. Unfortunately, it won’t happen because in our minds, Babar and Rizwan is the greatest combo in history.

Saim Ayub and Muhammad Harris

Their time is now

 

[zaidihusain]

The big crucial wicket for Pakistan was Shan Masood

He was all set for a 50 for no good cause

Totally agree. The current team has literally killed the concept of power hitting in first 10 overs by giving chances to all accumulators. They want bowling all-rounders like Nawaz & Shadab to do power hitting job in every match

 

[Mas-LFC]

Rizwan is a fine t20 batsman. Some fans need to get off his back. The issue is who is in the other end. Need a quicker batsman there. Babar should bat #3.

 

[Kianig89]

The scientist/ philosophers who propagated RizBar theory should be trialed for favouritism and intellectual dishonesty
At the grandest of stage it is proved that RizBar dou has no worth w.r.t. Pakistan winning matches expect they are only piling up for stats

From Deserts to Arabian Sea to Southern Australia this theory has failed empirically and methodology proved insignificant.

Henceforth from the very first series after the T20WC RizBar should be disbanded and sanity should prevail.

 

[Markhor]

I would open with Haris and Fakhar in the next T20I series. If Fakhar is not fit, I would open with Haider.

Get two attacking openers and ask them not to worry about getting out, just go out there and take advantage of the PP. No average and ranking flexing allowed.

Have Babar and Rizwan at 3 and 4, and if they think they are the best in the business they should be able to consolidate if Pakistan finds itself two down early on.

Teach Babar and Rizwan a lesson. Unfortunately, it won’t happen because in our minds, Babar and Rizwan is the greatest combo in history.

Fully agreed with this (you are on point when giving analysis instead of provoking people).

Nobody is adopting this template of opening with two anchors, yet Pakistani team management has arrogantly doubled down on this strategy which has repeatedly lost us big matches.

The PP is the easiest time to bat, and most openers worth their salt can inflate their averages playing riskless cricket as this pairing have done against mainly modest attacks. Even if we lack the quality and class of the world's best powerhitters - at least we should adopt the right template and mindset !