This Pakistani World Cup team has already performed better than the 2015 World Cup team

[DRsohail]

In 2015 we won only one match against top opposition and that was more like a fluke.
We have already won two matches against top ranked side.
Hope we win tomorrow but for me this team has easily outperformed The 2015 wc team.

 

[Pak Crescent]

I think if you're trying to make a comparison or check on progress - its not apples to apples as there's a big difference in Australia/NZ pitches vs English pitches.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

I agree. That team was an absolute disaster just on paper. Embarrassing time

 

[Mean&Green]

Our best World Cup team 2011 afridis team finished on top of their group and even ended Australia’s unbeaten streak of like 30 years. We were also the best team of the World Cup until we choked against India in the semi final or maybe it was something else

 

[Hasan123]

So what? Who cares? Our aim should to be to get to the semis. Outperforming what happened in 2015 is nothing to do banghra over.

 

[DRsohail]

So what? Who cares? Our aim should to be to get to the semis. Outperforming what happened in 2015 is nothing to do banghra over.

Just to show some fans that Micky Arthur is not that bad compared to the one we had and our captain at that time was horrible in his stratagies,painful times .We should win tomorrow.

 

[DRsohail]

Our best World Cup team 2011 afridis team finished on top of their group and even ended Australia’s unbeaten streak of like 30 years. We were also the best team of the World Cup until we choked against India in the semi final or maybe it was something else

We were not the best,our batting was very weak,spinners were saving us.

 

[DRsohail]

I think if you're trying to make a comparison or check on progress - its not apples to apples as there's a big difference in Australia/NZ pitches vs English pitches.

With that team we would have lost here tour fast bowling and spin department both were worst,the least said about our batting approach the better it is.

 

[gazza619]

PCB, Mickey, Inzi and Safaraz would be hoping for the whole nation to think this way so that they can all keep their jobs.

 

[Hasan123]

Just to show some fans that Micky Arthur is not that bad compared to the one we had and our captain at that time was horrible in his stratagies,painful times .We should win tomorrow.

Mickey Arthur is not a bad coach. But I thought he would have done more to get rid of the seniors rather than sit back . Also his love for spin bowling all rounders is annoying. Specialist spinners is the way to go in all formats.

 

[Syed1]

Not hard to outperform Misbah's team. Worst captain in our history. Can't believe a pathetic player like him even played a single match beyond 2011 WC semi.

 

[DRsohail]

[MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION] yes agreed .

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION] yes agreed .

Thank you. I wouldn’t mind a change after the WC. A coach who has played the game recently and can bring some modern thinking would be the way to go for me.

 

[DRsohail]

Not hard to outperform Misbah's team. Worst captain in our history. Can't believe a pathetic player like him even played a single match beyond 2011 WC semi.

worst in Odi not test.In tests he was gold.Where are Misbah lovers????Even Sarfaraz has outperformed him as a captain who is receving so much hate but.......

 

[MMHS]

In 2015 we won only one match against top opposition and that was more like a fluke.
We have already won two matches against top ranked side.
Hope we win tomorrow but for me this team has easily outperformed The 2015 wc team.

I think, 2015's format was such that PAK had to win just 1 game for QF and they did that against one of the favorites. So far, in this WC PAK have won one against Poms, which is probably at per with SAF of 2015, but not much else. PAK have to make SF, at least win against NZ & BD to out perform 2015. AT present, I'll say at per.

 

[hitthestump]

I think, 2015's format was such that PAK had to win just 1 game for QF and they did that against one of the favorites. So far, in this WC PAK have won one against Poms, which is probably at per with SAF of 2015, but not much else. PAK have to make SF, at least win against NZ & BD to out perform 2015. AT present, I'll say at per.

None of the top teams were forced to beat each other to qualify. You just had to bash the minnows and you were through to the knockouts no problem.

Terrible format and certainly dilutes the win against SA even more.

 

[JaDed]

Our best World Cup team 2011 afridis team finished on top of their group and even ended Australia’s unbeaten streak of like 30 years. We were also the best team of the World Cup until we choked against India in the semi final or maybe it was something else

Aus streak of 12 years..unless you mean 30 matches or something..

 

[JaDed]

Well this team would had performed similarly on those pitches.. Aus pitches aren’t kind to Pakistani players..

 

[hashimafzal]

I wouldn't say any such thing yet. We still have 3 games to play and going 0-3 or even 1-2 would put us on par with our 2015 performance. Sure we might have won an extra game here or there but we should measure if our overall program has progressed. And with that being said, do you think we've actually made forward progress as a team?

 

[JaDed]

England brings out the best among Pakistani players..surprisingly they ve never won a Wc in Eng but have in Aus where they actually perform the worst nowadays..

 

[waleed88]

In 2015 we won only one match against top opposition and that was more like a fluke.
We have already won two matches against top ranked side.
Hope we win tomorrow but for me this team has easily outperformed The 2015 wc team.

An English team that was beaten by Srilanka and Australia as well, and has yet to play NZ and India.

A South African side that is the second worst team of the tournament?

I doubt that....

 

[waleed88]

In that same world cup we also lost to India West Indies and Australia (in the quarters)...

so we haven't really progressed this is not progression guys

 

[CricFan2012]

Not hard to outperform Misbah's team. Worst captain in our history. Can't believe a pathetic player like him even played a single match beyond 2011 WC semi.

You're too harsh.

He is surely not our worst Captain, because he did win a few fair test matches without chuckers in 2016 vs England.

Misbah is surely overrated here.

Had cheaters Ajmal and Hafeez bowling, making his W/L inflated and achievements look dubious.

His high average was due to eating so many dot balls, its actually not hard to get a decent strike rate if you sacrifice your strike rate as you can block out good balls like in a test match but with no test fields or more overs to face against the best bowlers.

 

[Titan24]

Just to show some fans that Micky Arthur is not that bad compared to the one we had and our captain at that time was horrible in his stratagies,painful times .We should win tomorrow.

We cant ignore the PSL factor which started from 2016 and many players in the squad only came into limelight because of that. Also Amir was not available during that duration. Outside of PSL only 3 new players are in the squad in Imam, Imad and Babar. Imad and Babar came in during previous tenure while Imam is the only player who isnt the product of PSL and came in the team during this regime.

So I think giving all the credit of this to Mickey is not right.

 

[Obaidd]

In 2015 we won only one match against top opposition and that was more like a fluke.
We have already won two matches against top ranked side.
Hope we win tomorrow but for me this team has easily outperformed The 2015 wc team.

What if Pak doesn’t win against Ban and Afg? Then it would have underperformed?

You base your criteria on wins against the big teams only which is very arbitrary IMO.

 

[GrandMaster]

minnow mentality.

 

[coy0607]

2015 was an utter disaster - a low bar to beat and shouldn't be threshold this team aims for

 

[MMHS]

We cant ignore the PSL factor which started from 2016 and many players in the squad only came into limelight because of that. Also Amir was not available during that duration. Outside of PSL only 3 new players are in the squad in Imam, Imad and Babar. Imad and Babar came in during previous tenure while Imam is the only player who isnt the product of PSL and came in the team during this regime.

So I think giving all the credit of this to Mickey is not right.

Trust me, one day you all will agree - PSL is a curse for PAK Cricket. PCT would have been a better unit under same management without PSL. PSL's only contribution should have been pouring money into PAK domestic cricket, which BCCI or BCB is doing.

I understand from where you are coming, and it's a bit off topic (I do agree Arthur & Co. had more to deliver) but giving credit to PSL for whatever success isn't going to help PAK cricket, that is not the purpose of PSL either. If PAK cricket is to depend on 20 overs game to scout players, then it's a bigger problem. You can't give credit to PSL just because most of the new faces have come through PSL (since it's starting) - rather it's concerning, you never know how many quality prospects are missing out for that PSL filter. At the end of the day, 6 teams and maximum 24 young players are not enough, and this 20 overs format is the last place to scout, judge, nurture, develop players.

I can categorically point out the damages that PSL has caused to PAK cricket - and this is just for cricket, not off the field issues. Yes, not everything is PSL's fault, rather PCB is mis-using PSL but still, at the end blame will go to PSL. Here are the ways that PSL is damaging PAK cricket

1. Biggest damage of PSL is that, it has destroyed the fundamental skills of PAK players - both bowlers & batsmen. This game is built & developed around the fundamental skills of the game - batting basics: concentration, proper shot making ability, good defense, placement, timing, rotation, building partnership. And, bowling basics: bowling control & discipline, swing, seem, use of new ball, bowling intelligence, setting up batsmen, concentration, pace, endurance (of fast bowlers). Even fielding & running (between the wickets) - T20 is all about athleticism, saving runs and banging boundaries; and PCT drops maximum amount of crucial catches, misses run-outs and misses singles.

2. It has destroyed the basic scouting structure of PAK cricket. Just like fatalist people believe in miracles, PCT management (& fans) dream like one Shadab or Asif Ali or Shaheen or Hasnain will emerge from PSL and serve PAK cricket for 12+ years. And, that effort has resulted into several useless "talent hunting" programs, which is utter useless exercise. Effectively, PSL has reduced PAK's possible player pool to bare minimum.

3. PSL has completely shifted the focus of PAK cricket - even from National team. What PCB is bothered most about is a gala PSL, which isn't a bad thing but unless PCB learns to share it's focus appropriately, PAK cricket will gradually decline. Even at individual level, most PAK young players are fading away alarmingly, which I interpret as a loss of focus and hunger. Seven weeks stardom is replacing the pride of wearing PAK Cap, and performing at global stage!!!!!

4. It has created an unbalanced (polarized) financial system, which is built on pampering just about 40-50 players - never a good idea for any professional model that can't ensure the survival of bottom tier. Also, if this persists, corruption will creep into the entire system - younger players will put more focus on contacts and favors more than developing skills, because entry to PSL even as a back-up is financially more rewarding than entire FC season. This will gradually do permanent damage to skill set of PAK players in future.

There are other minor issues, which can be over looked, but these 4 are body blow to PAK cricket, and directly or indirectly, blame goes to PSL.

 

[Obaidd]

Trust me, one day you all will agree - PSL is a curse for PAK Cricket. PCT would have been a better unit under same management without PSL. PSL's only contribution should have been pouring money into PAK domestic cricket, which BCCI or BCB is doing.

I understand from where you are coming, and it's a bit off topic (I do agree Arthur & Co. had more to deliver) but giving credit to PSL for whatever success isn't going to help PAK cricket, that is not the purpose of PSL either. If PAK cricket is to depend on 20 overs game to scout players, then it's a bigger problem. You can't give credit to PSL just because most of the new faces have come through PSL (since it's starting) - rather it's concerning, you never know how many quality prospects are missing out for that PSL filter. At the end of the day, 6 teams and maximum 24 young players are not enough, and this 20 overs format is the last place to scout, judge, nurture, develop players.

I can categorically point out the damages that PSL has caused to PAK cricket - and this is just for cricket, not off the field issues. Yes, not everything is PSL's fault, rather PCB is mis-using PSL but still, at the end blame will go to PSL. Here are the ways that PSL is damaging PAK cricket

1. Biggest damage of PSL is that, it has destroyed the fundamental skills of PAK players - both bowlers & batsmen. This game is built & developed around the fundamental skills of the game - batting basics: concentration, proper shot making ability, good defense, placement, timing, rotation, building partnership. And, bowling basics: bowling control & discipline, swing, seem, use of new ball, bowling intelligence, setting up batsmen, concentration, pace, endurance (of fast bowlers). Even fielding & running (between the wickets) - T20 is all about athleticism, saving runs and banging boundaries; and PCT drops maximum amount of crucial catches, misses run-outs and misses singles.

2. It has destroyed the basic scouting structure of PAK cricket. Just like fatalist people believe in miracles, PCT management (& fans) dream like one Shadab or Asif Ali or Shaheen or Hasnain will emerge from PSL and serve PAK cricket for 12+ years. And, that effort has resulted into several useless "talent hunting" programs, which is utter useless exercise. Effectively, PSL has reduced PAK's possible player pool to bare minimum.

3. PSL has completely shifted the focus of PAK cricket - even from National team. What PCB is bothered most about is a gala PSL, which isn't a bad thing but unless PCB learns to share it's focus appropriately, PAK cricket will gradually decline. Even at individual level, most PAK young players are fading away alarmingly, which I interpret as a loss of focus and hunger. Seven weeks stardom is replacing the pride of wearing PAK Cap, and performing at global stage!!!!!

4. It has created an unbalanced (polarized) financial system, which is built on pampering just about 40-50 players - never a good idea for any professional model that can't ensure the survival of bottom tier. Also, if this persists, corruption will creep into the entire system - younger players will put more focus on contacts and favors more than developing skills, because entry to PSL even as a back-up is financially more rewarding than entire FC season. This will gradually do permanent damage to skill set of PAK players in future.

There are other minor issues, which can be over looked, but these 4 are body blow to PAK cricket, and directly or indirectly, blame goes to PSL.

1,3 and 4 can apply to IPL as well but we have seen India has become stronger, even in tests.
IPL 2019 didn’t affect India’s WC selection so point 2 perhaps doesn’t apply to them.

The difference is that BCCI is a much more professional organisation than PCB. Indian selections are deliberate and well-thought. Hasnain’s selection shows how whimsical decision-making can be in Pakistan. Also I feel that Indian batsmen in general are more naturally talented than Pak batsmen and also handle pressure better. So a Hardik Pandya (IPL product) will be fitter, smarter, and more suitable than a Faheem Ashraf (PSL product).

 

[Titan24]

Trust me, one day you all will agree - PSL is a curse for PAK Cricket. PCT would have been a better unit under same management without PSL. PSL's only contribution should have been pouring money into PAK domestic cricket, which BCCI or BCB is doing.

I understand from where you are coming, and it's a bit off topic (I do agree Arthur & Co. had more to deliver) but giving credit to PSL for whatever success isn't going to help PAK cricket, that is not the purpose of PSL either. If PAK cricket is to depend on 20 overs game to scout players, then it's a bigger problem. You can't give credit to PSL just because most of the new faces have come through PSL (since it's starting) - rather it's concerning, you never know how many quality prospects are missing out for that PSL filter. At the end of the day, 6 teams and maximum 24 young players are not enough, and this 20 overs format is the last place to scout, judge, nurture, develop players.

I can categorically point out the damages that PSL has caused to PAK cricket - and this is just for cricket, not off the field issues. Yes, not everything is PSL's fault, rather PCB is mis-using PSL but still, at the end blame will go to PSL. Here are the ways that PSL is damaging PAK cricket

1. Biggest damage of PSL is that, it has destroyed the fundamental skills of PAK players - both bowlers & batsmen. This game is built & developed around the fundamental skills of the game - batting basics: concentration, proper shot making ability, good defense, placement, timing, rotation, building partnership. And, bowling basics: bowling control & discipline, swing, seem, use of new ball, bowling intelligence, setting up batsmen, concentration, pace, endurance (of fast bowlers). Even fielding & running (between the wickets) - T20 is all about athleticism, saving runs and banging boundaries; and PCT drops maximum amount of crucial catches, misses run-outs and misses singles.

2. It has destroyed the basic scouting structure of PAK cricket. Just like fatalist people believe in miracles, PCT management (& fans) dream like one Shadab or Asif Ali or Shaheen or Hasnain will emerge from PSL and serve PAK cricket for 12+ years. And, that effort has resulted into several useless "talent hunting" programs, which is utter useless exercise. Effectively, PSL has reduced PAK's possible player pool to bare minimum.

3. PSL has completely shifted the focus of PAK cricket - even from National team. What PCB is bothered most about is a gala PSL, which isn't a bad thing but unless PCB learns to share it's focus appropriately, PAK cricket will gradually decline. Even at individual level, most PAK young players are fading away alarmingly, which I interpret as a loss of focus and hunger. Seven weeks stardom is replacing the pride of wearing PAK Cap, and performing at global stage!!!!!

4. It has created an unbalanced (polarized) financial system, which is built on pampering just about 40-50 players - never a good idea for any professional model that can't ensure the survival of bottom tier. Also, if this persists, corruption will creep into the entire system - younger players will put more focus on contacts and favors more than developing skills, because entry to PSL even as a back-up is financially more rewarding than entire FC season. This will gradually do permanent damage to skill set of PAK players in future.

There are other minor issues, which can be over looked, but these 4 are body blow to PAK cricket, and directly or indirectly, blame goes to PSL.

Thanks for such a detailed analysis. I completely agree with you and I have also mentioned few times that some of the players were brought into international cricket too early while some were brought in unduly.

PSL is definitely not the final solution to success and as you have mentioned its something you cant regularly rely on to get players. However, the scouts, coaches and selectors of Pak team in last 7-8 years had been so poor that they couldnt find a single decent talent for few years. PSL gave bit of light in those years which wasnt and shouldnt be its main purpose at all.

I also think few players who should have been playing for Pak at the moment are not with team only because of too much focus on PSL but considering few people who were incharge of national team with no eye for talent, I dont think they would have selected or found any decent talent even if PSL wasnt there.

PSL will never give a finished product and is like a cheat sheet for people who cant or dont do their job of scouting players and finding talent for national teams.

PSL has helped somewhat because people in selection committee and with national team were too poor to find any talented cricketers themselves, with PSL atleast Pak team is getting something however as I mentioned earlier those products are not finished products at all and some players which are developed in domestics in last few seasons and are young should have been groomed with national team.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Not hard to outperform such a rubbish team under a rubbish captain, who has been instrumental in the destruction of our ODI cricket.

Quite a few posters here, who are now a 'realistic' bunch and predict the death of Pakistan cricket every step, were actually optimistic about Pakistan's chances back then. Its funny to see them bash this current team

 

[The_Odd_One]

Not really, need to beat at least one of NZ and BD and not lose to AFG.

 

[MMHS]

1,3 and 4 can apply to IPL as well but we have seen India has become stronger, even in tests.
IPL 2019 didn’t affect India’s WC selection so point 2 perhaps doesn’t apply to them.

The difference is that BCCI is a much more professional organisation than PCB. Indian selections are deliberate and well-thought. Hasnain’s selection shows how whimsical decision-making can be in Pakistan. Also I feel that Indian batsmen in general are more naturally talented than Pak batsmen and also handle pressure better. So a Hardik Pandya (IPL product) will be fitter, smarter, and more suitable than a Faheem Ashraf (PSL product).

It can be applied to any such PL or SL, but it's not - why, I have explained that in first part and No. 3 is exactly for this one.

BCCI is using IPL as a money making tool, which should be it's only role; but they are developing their game focusing on the traditional method. Hardik Padeya isn't IPL product, neither Faheem a PSL product - 4 overs joke doesn't produce fast bowling all-rounders. Faheem played at least 3 seasons before PSL and his FC stats were commendable - even before PSL, I advocated for him several times (you can check past posts) based on his FC stats that read that time average of around 29 with bat and 25 with ball. The difference is, Hardik's fundamentals were developed in FC system, IPL only made him more professional, experienced and smarter .... Faheem's fundamentals were poor, but not exposed in PAK domestics, neither it improved in PSL, hence despite smartening up considerably through PSL, he is badly exposed at higher level.

Indian batsmen are not more talented, neither born with a better stress management gin - they are developed into those qualities through their domestic system well before IPL. Batting is highly methodical skill that's system developed, and it can't be developed in 20 overs game. This is the fundamental difference there - all those so called exposure of IPL actually is secondary, unless the basics are perfected.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Not hard to outperform Misbah's team. Worst captain in our history. Can't believe a pathetic player like him even played a single match beyond 2011 WC semi.

I can't believe people still think this. It wasn't Misbah that was the problem, it was rest of the team.

Just look at that squad and how awful almost all of the players are on it. It could be Imran Khan as the captain on the squad and they would get blown out because it was a minnow talented level squad.

 

[MMHS]

Not hard to outperform such a rubbish team under a rubbish captain, who has been instrumental in the destruction of our ODI cricket.

Quite a few posters here, who are now a 'realistic' bunch and predict the death of Pakistan cricket every step, were actually optimistic about Pakistan's chances back then. Its funny to see them bash this current team

I am not sure who are those realistic bunch, but I am definitely one of those who thought that PAK team of 2015 could have made it to much higher level.

BUT, NOT BECAUSE that PAK team suddenly Zinda ho gaya tha, rather because of the format - a sh!tty format that had given a secured QF spot for 8 teams and PAK was luckier than Poms, that the 3 non-favorite teams in their group were IRL, ZIM & UAE ... instead of BD, AFG & SCT. And, after the QF, it was basically matter of 3 good days. PAK's misfortune was that AUS lost to NZ in group stage hence PAK had to face them in QF, otherwise a QF against NZ at Adelaide .......

Coming to this team, I probably had written at least 3 times that, due to the format, PAK's (any teams) biggest challenge is to make the first cut - that's SF. After that, it's about 2 good days and going by the AFG-IND game, if the AFGs make it to SF somehow (say 6 teams are disqualified for some reason) - on a drier surface, even they can fancy their chance for a WC final, may be even win it.

This current team is running 6-23 against WC opponents - let them achieve something first, no one will bash them; in fact praise them just like after ENG win. Winning against Kiwis tomorrow can be a great start for that. Misbah's team beat SAF in an elimination game, let Sarfraz's team do that against Kiwis, their achievements automatically will blow their trumpet.

 

[Chokli]

Different formats

 

[Chokli]

Not hard to outperform such a rubbish team under a rubbish captain, who has been instrumental in the destruction of our ODI cricket.

Quite a few posters here, who are now a 'realistic' bunch and predict the death of Pakistan cricket every step, were actually optimistic about Pakistan's chances back then. Its funny to see them bash this current team

Misbah saved our cricket

 

[light]

a win against this current SA team is hardly a win vs a top team. They are playing worst than this current lankan team. That should say alot. I still think 2015 performance was better.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Definitely. But then should Misbah's ODI team , which was only half decent because of ajmal and hafeez, even be a standard for the current team?

 

[ManFan]

That team was THE single worst side to ever play for PAK in a WC.

Yes; even worse than 07’.

They were so darpok that they were 1-4 against the mighty WI bowling attack and 2-4 against the all-conquering ZIM bowling side.

Carrying two 40+ year olds, (make that three with Afridi’s recent confession), an overweight Umar Akmal, incompetent Shehzad, “Can’t-lick-a-run” Maqsood, and two of the worst fielders to grace the Pakistan cap (Rahat Ali and Mohammad Irfan), and Ehsan Adli as the right-arm-choice!

Dark days indeed.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

Our best World Cup team 2011 afridis team finished on top of their group and even ended Australia’s unbeaten streak of like 30 years. We were also the best team of the World Cup until we choked against India in the semi final or maybe it was something else

No way was the 2011 team our best team. Not even 4th best.

 

[hafizexpress]

I agree. That team was an absolute disaster just on paper. Embarrassing time

I would have that team's bowling over this team's though. Irfan, Wahab and Rahat all rich in form and firing was a treat to watch and it really got us to the QF, as the batting was downright hopeless. In this team, only Amir is bowling consistently well and to some extent Wahab, but even they aren't able to take top order wickets.

 

[shockbound]

In 20th century, minus 2007 team, this is the worst team with worst performance so far. They have barely won any quality game while losing to ordinary teams. I wont be surprised if Afghan/Bangla end up kicking/double kicking us out, such is the level of this team. We are barely one man bowling attack in this world cup (two if spin counts).

 

[DRsohail]

We cant ignore the PSL factor which started from 2016 and many players in the squad only came into limelight because of that. Also Amir was not available during that duration. Outside of PSL only 3 new players are in the squad in Imam, Imad and Babar. Imad and Babar came in during previous tenure while Imam is the only player who isnt the product of PSL and came in the team during this regime.

So I think giving all the credit of this to Mickey is not right.

What happened to Sohaib Maqsood duri g Local coaches era, any batsman that developed?? Imam and Babar were not the same during their first days but They Improved, last time we had ciaches under whom evwry local batmsan deteriorated, Yes Micky was not ip to the standard but defibrely better.

 

[DRsohail]

An English team that was beaten by Srilanka and Australia as well, and has yet to play NZ and India.

A South African side that is the second worst team of the tournament?

I doubt that....

Let see but beating number one side in WC is huge achievement, people day we may lose to Bang , who but in 2015 this Bang side and we would have lost as well, If we lose to Afghan then ut will be bad.

 

[topspin]

Misbah saved our cricket

No dude, come on he was the main reason why we plummeted down to 9th (shortly after the WC). If he was still captain, we probably would have lost 8 or 9 matches in the group stages, like we did 6 years under his leadership in the CT, when we lost every game. Let this sink in just for a second pal.

Don't get me wrong, I despise Sarfraz, but there is no doubt he's a better ODI captain, albeit not the hardest thing to accomplish. He led the team really well today with his aggressive fields and lead by example with the gloves. He took an absolute blinder to remove Ross Taylor. If Misbah was captain, he would have set out defensive fields at an earlier stage of the game and subsequently allow the NZ batsmen to score freely. He also had an appetite for oldies in the team, so I'm pretty sure he would have picked Malik in this team as well and discarded Shaheen for the rest of the tournament, given his reciprocal phobia for picking youngsters.

His captaincy did not save Pakistan, but held us back when everyone was adopting the modern brand of cricket in the 2010s.

 

[moghul]

Misbah saved our cricket

Misbah destroyed our cricket. His captaincy was the main reason for our poor show in 2015.

 

[MMHS]

Credit to PAK they have gathered themselves at the right time - two more wins, regardless of SF or not, team can keep their head high. Today’s innings by Babar is definitely one of top 5 by a Pakistani batsman in WC - chasing a tough target, against a good attack, on a tricky wicket, under almost elimination threat. And, without that innings, Shaheen was surely the MoM.

Great job, kudos.

 

[BDfanforever]

Not sure what is too difficult to see here. Pak has a decent side in both batting and bowling. When everything goes their way they are almost unstoppable.

 

[Pakpak]

Definitely. But then should Misbah's ODI team , which was only half decent because of ajmal and hafeez, even be a standard for the current team?

Half decent due to 2 players chucking away*

 

[Usman Chadda]

In 20th century, minus 2007 team, this is the worst team with worst performance so far. They have barely won any quality game while losing to ordinary teams. I wont be surprised if Afghan/Bangla end up kicking/double kicking us out, such is the level of this team. We are barely one man bowling attack in this world cup (two if spin counts).

Pakistan fans. Making our team proud since time immemorial.

Some of us are waiting, before we proper unleash ourselves. Proud of how this team has come back. We criticize aswell, but the criticism is limited to cricketing discussions. The few idiots here with personal agendas and attention-seeking keera really need to get a hold of themselves. Don't support this team if you don't have the heart for it.