[VIDEO] Is Iftikhar Ahmed the finisher Pakistan needs?

[Major]

The youngster beauty played a good innings in the end, what you guys think?

Better option of a finisher than Asif?

 

[Salman4.]

I can bat better than Asif.

 

[angrypathan]

Asif Ali is a better striker, Iftikhar is a better batsman

 

[Mamoon]

That is the problem with pointless series against circus teams. Average players create false hopes before everything comes crashing down against quality opposition.

For Pakistan’s sake, any good performances in this completely irrelevant series should be completely written-off.

 

[m.awais]

Youngster... Lolxx

 

[kingusama92]

Should be in his prime by WC 2023.

 

[Fahdi]

The cameo was useful but was also extremely unconvincing. He looked like a bang average batsman. Asif Ali could have easily done better against this attack.

So I will hold my judgement until he performs against a good side. Although I do not have high expectations.

 

[Rana]

Runs are runs.

Poor chacha Ifti hasn’t been given a proper run and is doing what he can with a small but crucial opportunity

 

[Sir-fraz]

That is the problem with pointless series against circus teams. Average players create false hopes before everything comes crashing down against quality opposition.

For Pakistan’s sake, any good performances in this completely irrelevant series should be completely written-off.

Yep totally agree with you here.. we should performances against this sl side with a grain of salt

 

[saeed5646]

Doesn't look any way near quality. He won't survive long

 

[DRsohail]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] thats is the problem with our fans. two sixes and he become permannat member of the suqad.

 

[Abdulm123]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] thats is the problem with our fans. two sixes and he become permannat member of the suqad.

Your damn right about that

 

[Usman Chadda]

Akmal or Asif for the number 6 spot. Slim pickings.

 

[DRsohail]

none of Asif and him shoild play.

 

[Abdulm123]

If this was against the Sri Lanka main team I would have been impressed but this is Sri Lanka C

 

[Ahmed216]

The cameo was useful but was also extremely unconvincing. He looked like a bang average batsman. Asif Ali could have easily done better against this attack.

So I will hold my judgement until he performs against a good side. Although I do not have high expectations.

Asif Ali is more of hit or miss. Iftis batting at least had good shot selection.
And he averages almost double of asif in list A.
He has runs behind him

 

[Darkrai]

1 decent inning against the SL b team isn't enough to make this conclusion.

 

[Fahdi]

Asif Ali is more of hit or miss. Iftis batting at least had good shot selection.
And he averages almost double of asif in list A.
He has runs behind him

I don't rate Asif Ali very high either.

 

[QalandarFan]

Lmao I saw the scorecard and I knew this tread would be in full flow on PakPassion. )

 

[ask_analyse_act]

He gives another option as part time spin, so obviously lot better option than Asif

Asif doesn’t qualify to be in the Odi squad with his power hitting alone, same applies to UA

Need players who can bat sensibly and be a reliable batsman to bat with tail + hit hard at the end.

 

[Plumb]

First.... can anyone explain How in the world is he a 29 yr old
second he won't last 10 balls against NZ,Aus,Eng

 

[Hasan123]

I have never rated him. But let’s see how he does after a run in the side.

 

[srh]

The youngster beauty played a good innings in the end, what you guys think?

Better option of a finisher than Asif?

No. Pakistan needs Umar Akmal for this role.

 

[Big Mac]

Need more than a little cameo like today to convince me one way or another.

 

[Rana]

No. Pakistan needs Umar Akmal for this role.

Pakistan can also try playing Fakhar down the order.

Babar
Imam
Harris
Sarfaraz
Fakhar

 

[Mercurial]

Good find. We can finally move on from Hafeez/Malik. HE is just 29, can easily play till the 2023 WC. His List A stats are strong enough to keep him till the 2023 WC. He will enjoy fast pitches more.

 

[Usman]

That is the problem with pointless series against circus teams. Average players create false hopes before everything comes crashing down against quality opposition.

For Pakistan’s sake, any good performances in this completely irrelevant series should be completely written-off.

Agreed, except that this lad's List A average is exceptional. I appreciate that Pak domestic cricket is often poor quality, but when you judge his stats against our established odi players, he certainly holds his own.

I'm not saying Iftikar will be the next big star, but I won't dismiss him entirely either, until he's had a chance against the big boys. In the meantime, well played - he can do nothing more than score against the opposition he's facing and he did that today.

 

[QalandarFan]

Pakistan can also try playing Fakhar down the order.

Babar
Imam
Harris
Sarfaraz
Fakhar

I don't know Fakhar doesn't really seem like the type of guy who can go big from ball 1. He needs more time to get his eye in. Truth is we really don't have anyone that can play that ABD, Buttler, Pandya, or Hetmeyer role for us.

We need to find someone and groom them. Enough with the Umar Akmal nonsense too hasn't done anything for a decade and somehow he'll be a beast upon his return.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Iftikhar's selection is redundant considering Imad plays almost the same role.

Only one of them should be selected. The other spot should go to a proper hard-hitting batsman like Umar Akmal who can also score the same amount of runs at a similar strike rate but has a higher ceiling as a batsman.

 

[Markhor]

Iftikhar's selection is redundant considering Imad plays almost the same role.

Only one of them should be selected. The other spot should go to a proper hard-hitting batsman like Umar Akmal who can also score the same amount of runs at a similar strike rate but has a higher ceiling as a batsman.

The theory has been tested to failure enough times.

Iftikhar has lots to prove but his domestic record could no longer be ignored.

 

[Bewal Express]

Not seen his innings today, did uncle ifty look the part against this SL 2nd string?

 

[Ami]

Still not sure about spots no 5 and 6.
Top 4 are fine and workable.
Lower order from Imad down isn"t bad either.
2 of Sarfaraz, Rizwan, Iftikhar and Asif Ali in contention at the moment...may be only Riz is capable but at no.5?...Not sure.
Pak team is still work in progress with optimum output of around 300...not the must - have 320 to 340 bracket yet.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

It's just too soon. Need to perform at the least in 2/3 series to be a regular or main part.

Also he isnt a slogger so can bat in the middle overs as well. He is very similar to Misbah technique wise as well.

 

[CadPakFan]

That is the problem with pointless series against circus teams. Average players create false hopes before everything comes crashing down against quality opposition.

For Pakistan’s sake, any good performances in this completely irrelevant series should be completely written-off.

Who do you suggest would be a good option for number six?

 

[chacha kashmiri]

This is his last opportunity to prove he’s not the Graeme hick of pakistan
Seems to freeze on the big stage and doesn’t look like he can clear big boundaries a la hafeez etc

 

[topspin]

I don’t care what he accomplishes. The problem is he’s an age fudger and is this not a prospect for the 2023 WC. He’s definitely not 29

 

[CricketDon]

Runs against a c team and he’s become a ATG

 

[Nasty Naz]

Far too early but its a nice start and a glimmer of hope. Certainly a more useful player than Asif Ali.

I still think Khushdil Shah is the ideal #6 type hitter.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Definitely. He's also only 29.

 

[ManFan]

OP’s delusions of grandeur for anything Misbah related seem to know no bounds.

 

[DrSchultz]

He is at least 33 I think. Perhaps someone from Peshawar can enlighten us.

 

[Mamoon]

Who do you suggest would be a good option for number six?

Unfortunately there aren’t many options. I just don’t see anyone who can come in against the likes of Archer, Starc, Rabada, Bumrah, Boult etc. and score a 50 in 30 balls or something. Still you have to try someone. I think perhaps Khushdil Shah could be given a go. He is clearly a potentially long-term investment unlike Iftikhar and Asif Buttler Ali.

Or Pakistan could do something innovative and open with Babar and Imam, pushing Fakhar down to number 6. However, it would be a very bold move and we don’t do such experiments. It is especially unlikely when you have Misbah at the helm because his lack of flexibility is well-documented.

All in all, this position is a big problem for Pakistan and requires a batsman who can maintain 35@110 stats against quality opposition.

 

[Mobashir]

If Sharjeel comes back he can open with Imam and Fakhar can then move down the order at 5/6.

Khushdil Shah looks to be good but I don't see Misbah giving him any chance.

On topic, Iftikhar is a pure average player, not international material at all.

 

[topspin]

Unfortunately there aren’t many options. I just don’t see anyone who can come in against the likes of Archer, Starc, Rabada, Bumrah, Boult etc. and score a 50 in 30 balls or something. Still you have to try someone. I think perhaps Khushdil Shah could be given a go. He is clearly a potentially long-term investment unlike Iftikhar and Asif Buttler Ali.

Or Pakistan could do something innovative and open with Babar and Imam, pushing Fakhar down to number 6. However, it would be a very bold move and we don’t do such experiments. It is especially unlikely when you have Misbah at the helm because his lack of flexibility is well-documented.

All in all, this position is a big problem for Pakistan and requires a batsman who can maintain 35@110 stats against quality opposition.

Excellent post with some good suggestions.

Fakhar does need to bat lower down the order because he's not great against the new ball. Khushdil Shah is a very promising upcoming batsman as well.

As you quite rightly said, Misbah isn't the most innovate thinker, so there's no point having our hopes up.

The problem I have with Iftikhar, even if he does perform, I very much doubt he'll be able to last till the next WC. It doesn't take a genius to see that he is not 29, but more like 35-37.

 

[Mainul]

Pakistan should find out a wicket keeper batsman cum finisher like Dhoni. Sarfraz isn't doing anything in batting

 

[Mirpur express]

That is the problem with pointless series against circus teams. Average players create false hopes before everything comes crashing down against quality opposition.

For Pakistan’s sake, any good performances in this completely irrelevant series should be completely written-off.

Couldn’t agree more

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Unfortunately there aren’t many options. I just don’t see anyone who can come in against the likes of Archer, Starc, Rabada, Bumrah, Boult etc. and score a 50 in 30 balls or something. Still you have to try someone. I think perhaps Khushdil Shah could be given a go. He is clearly a potentially long-term investment unlike Iftikhar and Asif Buttler Ali.

Or Pakistan could do something innovative and open with Babar and Imam, pushing Fakhar down to number 6. However, it would be a very bold move and we don’t do such experiments. It is especially unlikely when you have Misbah at the helm because his lack of flexibility is well-documented.

All in all, this position is a big problem for Pakistan and requires a batsman who can maintain 35@110 stats against quality opposition.

Khushdil cannot play pace.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Khushdil cannot play pace.

Didn't he score a lot in Pakistan Cup earlier this year? Or was it just spin bashing?

 

[Mamoon]

Khushdil cannot play pace.

That is probably true for everyone except Babar, Haris and Hafeez (unless there is movement).

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Didn't he score a lot in Pakistan Cup earlier this year? Or was it just spin bashing?

Yeah, mainly spin bashing.

 

[Rayyman]

?

Imad is already Pak's finisher. A smart batsman who will 9/10 times get at least 80 in the last 10 overs if he comes in early enough. Clutch player, but he is being used wrong imo. Good enough to bat at #6.

Highest strike rate in the last 3 years:
Maxwell: 119.8
Buttler
Perera
De Villiers
Pandya
Imad: 114.4
Ali
Roy
De Grandhomme: 107.8

Imad has a great SR, ahead of these guys and also Miller and Stokes.

But he doesn't hit sixes. Out of the Top 10 he has 15 sixes, compared to Buttler who has 61.

So Pakistan need a six-hitter because 6 > 4 and those extra two runs add up over innings'.

Asif Ali imo has good potential as a six-hitter but he has to improve his defensive game.

Iftikhar to me has no future in this team.

 

[Mobashir]

That is probably true for everyone except Babar, Haris and Hafeez (unless there is movement).

Umar Akmal.
No one has yet hit pace in T20 internationals like Umar Akmal did.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Umar Akmal.
No one has yet hit pace in T20 internationals like Umar Akmal did.

Umar lacks intelligence and that will not change.

 

[DRsohail]

He is at least 33 I think. Perhaps someone from Peshawar can enlighten us.

he is atleast 33��

 

[moghul]

Umar lacks intelligence and that will not change.

Same is the issue with Asif, lack of intelligence. This youngster ( Iftikhar ) is much smarter.

 

[Zakirktk]

Still early days to judge him but can be a better option than Asif Ali with the his bowling

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Looks like a club batsman on first viewing. No fluency at all.

 

[Bewal Express]

Looks like a club batsman on first viewing. No fluency at all.

When your career is on the line, you have to play carefully. Looks a better player of the short ball than Harris and seems ok but need a bigger sample

 

[Rana]

Quite a decent batsman and a decent bowler.

Good cricketer I recon.

 

[Pakprideuk]

Not bad is he?

 

[MenInG]

Making a very decent case for himself for sure.

 

[Usman Chadda]

The finisher we don't deserve

 

[Syed1]

It is amazing the drive and desire he has even at this advanced age..... Allah lambi umar bhakshay Ameen

 

[moghul]

Youngster played well today.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

He bowled better than Nawaz, Shadab and Imad.

He batted better than Sarfraz, Malik or Hafeez.

Not bad at 6, right?

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Misbah-ul-Haq "We are looking at Iftikhar Ahmed as a utility player to fill in a gap where we don’t have an off-spinner against left-handers – also at the number 5-6 position he can play the role of a finisher which he has done for Karachi Kings" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvSL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvSL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1179458519445188611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Mercurial]

He should be persisted with till the 2023 WC, until and unless we find Gary Sobers.

 

[AdamM97]

Two good games for Iftikhar. Looking forward to seeing him bat again.

 

[Hawkeye]

Khushdil cannot play pace.

That is true.

Khushdil is a dud, really bad vs pace [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] . As is Rizwan.

Umar Akmal.
No one has yet hit pace in T20 internationals like Umar Akmal did.

The reason we keep going back to Umar is, there's nobody else!

Even after all these years, we still haven't found anyone who can play and attack pace with ease.

Umar Akmal is still that batsman who can do it, and that's why we need him. He's the need of the hour. Babar, Haris are also other two batsmen who can play pace with ease.

But we need more. Hafeez was good too but his time is up.

 

[Third_Umpire]

Terrible hack. The kind of player that inspires hope in anyone, that they too can play international cricket.

 

[Saj]

Doing the job.

Opposition isn't the strongest, but he's doing what's being asked of him.

Ifti version 3 looks ok to me at the moment.

 

[Titan24]

Terrible hack. The kind of player that inspires hope in anyone, that they too can play international cricket.

Even if he can be called a hack with avg of 52 in list A and 40 in FC, he still can be persisted with because of his ability to bowl pretty handy off spin. The problem with the likes of Asif Ali and other so called finishers was that they added nothing to the combination other than the ability to hit a few, while Iftikhar is a proper batsman who can grind in if required.

 

[Rayyman]

He bowled better than Nawaz, Shadab and Imad.

He batted better than Sarfraz, Malik or Hafeez.

Not bad at 6, right?

His bowling was more effective than the other 3 all-rounders because he is am offies vs SL left handers.

But as a batsman he is better aside from maybe Imad.

 

[nextover666666]

Doing the job.

Opposition isn't the strongest, but he's doing what's being asked of him.

Ifti version 3 looks ok to me at the moment.

Exactly can only judge him Agaisnt stronger opponents and different conditions as well

 

[KingKhan12]

He bowled better than Nawaz, Shadab and Imad.

He batted better than Sarfraz, Malik or Hafeez.

Not bad at 6, right?

Shoaib Malik and Hafeez wasn't playing and if they was they would out batted chacha iftikhar

 

[PerfectionPersonified]

I see Misbah v2 in him. ODI. You make up your mind ...

 

[HappyWarsFan]

I see Misbah v2 in him. ODI. You make up your mind ...

That's excellent then. Would love a solid middle order batsman who can stabilize the innings or change gears and hit big - just like what Misbah did..

 

[The Viper]

He has done half decently so far.

His List A average does suggest that he should fare much better than Asif Ali as he can hopefully bat for longer periods.

 

[Shazzam]

That's excellent then. Would love a solid middle order batsman who can stabilize the innings or change gears and hit big - just like what Misbah did..

I think you have been following the wrong batsmen all your life.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

I think you have been following the wrong batsmen all your life.

Yes he usually played defensive but he had a team full of monkeys batting. He can defintely hit big. The guy has one of the fastest centuries in Test cricket... (100 off 54 i think) vs Australia!!