[VIDEO] "There's no point in changing Pakistan's opening combination now": Wahab Riaz

[MenInG]

Wahab Riaz chats about Pakistan's chances against New Zealand in the Semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Mohammad Haris' brilliance, who should open against New Zealand, Pakistan bowlers' excellent performances and more.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QQ9MPpVuX8I" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>​

 

[Colorblind Genius]

So how does he want to resolve the issue and get the most out of opening partnership?

Does he provide a solution for openers to effectively play their role and bat like other good teams?

Whats the worst that can happen if Baber goes one down or two down?

 

[MenInG]

So how does he want to resolve the issue and get the most out of opening partnership?

Does he provide a solution for openers to effectively play their role and bat like other good teams?

Whats the worst that can happen if Baber goes one down or two down?

Watch the video in full and let us know about the other points he makes.

 

[TheSultan]

Wahab has said he does think the opening combination needs to change, but it shouldn’t happen in the middle of a tournament for stability’s sake.

My own opinion is that you have to do whatever it takes to win and the stability argument is a bit weak. Those wins in the CT 17 and WC 2009 were done because by accident or by design Pakistan were willing to change their openers mid tournament.

 

[zaidihusain]

I think no need to try new opener in crucial match like semis & final. There will be unnecessary pressure on new opener to perform on such a big occasion and it might disturb team balance. But new openers must surely be tried after this WC

 

[KhanNn]

There is no balance to start with and no stability. If they're allowed to change positions for Nawaz and Shadab then why can't they do it with Babar and Haris?

 

[SpiritOf1903]

They got a lottery ticket. Don't waste it. Even 55-3 is better than 38-0 after 6. Batsmen have to be positive. Simple ss. Kiwis have great bowlers. NZ post 170+ it's 9ver. Likewise Pakistan need to post a similar score

 

[Rana]

Let them continue now

Let the pair run it’s course

 

[Cricket-lion]

Let them continue now

Let the pair run it’s course

We did same by continuously selecting Hassan in last world cup, that selection eventually bit us. Bettet to make changes and excel.

 

[Bezli]

Let’s backup our guys now. They were the reasons we played semis last year.

 

[moghul]

No change, that's a losing mentality . Team has been let down by tuk tukking of this opening pair, something needs to be done. Kiwi must be hoping Pak will persist with this pair.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Balanced analysis from Wahab. Seems like that show with Amir and Saleem, he's been told to add more masala because of majority of people like to watch stuff like that.

 

[Arfan Shafiq]

‘’After the worldcup you can think over it, what we need to do about it.’’.

Talk about too late. Wasn't Wahab part of the 2017 champions trophy. When we replaced Shehzad Ahmad for Fakhar Zaman? Babar is a great player, but during a WC you look for what will help you win the tournament. It's not for long term planning. It's not like you're changing the opening partnership for ever. But during a WC you'd hope that the management/team does whatever it needs to do to win this tournament. I would think that they've identified that Babar opening isn't working. That needs to be rectified during the WC. Even if it doesn't work out, you can (hopefully) say that you've tried everything in your power to help the team win. But doing nothing and hoping (against all odds) that miraculously everything will click for Babar and he'll start scoring at an awesome strike rate is not only foolish but also a bit cowardly.

 

[Stewie]

depending on the situation, I think they should keep themselves flexible. Its all about being brave. Babar can move down the order and still cause a lot of damage to the opposition. Its not about him and Rizwan opening. It is about them performing and giving themselves the best opportunity to succeed.

 

[Rana]

We did same by continuously selecting Hassan in last world cup, that selection eventually bit us. Bettet to make changes and excel.

If you make the change now and it fails

RizBar will haunt us for another 2 years

 

[Cricket-lion]

If you make the change now and it fails

RizBar will haunt us for another 2 years

I rather that then not being flexible and not playing the best team combination. We got a chance to win the world cup, we should not take it for granted.

 

[srh]

Wahab has said he does think the opening combination needs to change, but it shouldn’t happen in the middle of a tournament for stability’s sake.

My own opinion is that you have to do whatever it takes to win and the stability argument is a bit weak. Those wins in the CT 17 and WC 2009 were done because by accident or by design Pakistan were willing to change their openers mid tournament.

Agree. In WC 2009 Pakistan was going nowhere with Salman Butt as T20 opener and YK was brave enough to realize the problem. and drop Salman Butt from the team.

So there is precedence. If Babar is brave then he can drop Rizwan from the team and move himself to #3.

 

[Saj]

I found it interesting that he was saying that it should be Rizwan going down the order rather than Babar.

Interersting move - could Rizwan survive in the middle-order especially with the fielders out.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

No change, that's a losing mentality . Team has been let down by tuk tukking of this opening pair, something needs to be done. Kiwi must be hoping Pak will persist with this pair.

Exactly!

No one is telling me, what's the worst that can happen IF we change the two openers who are totally out of form.
What's the risk of moving Rizwan and/or Baber down the order, even better, drop Rizwan, bring in Haider Ali or Asif Ali, and make Harris open the innings and keep the wickets.

What's the worst that can happen with this?

 

[Colorblind Genius]

I found it interesting that he was saying that it should be Rizwan going down the order rather than Babar.

Interersting move - could Rizwan survive in the middle-order especially with the fielders out.

Rizwan has only one primary shot, and that's a cross sweep towards midwicket. If the fielders are deep, he may not get a boundary, he will get caught if he tries to hit a six.
May be he sticks to taking singles and doubles towards midwicket and then try to find an occasional 4 towards any other direction in the wagon wheel - all of which is his weak point.

 

[shamaan]

Should not change the batting order now for the Semi Final or Final.

 

[Sherazkhalid]

I been thinking the same, does it make sense to throw Harris as opener in Semi or Final. It's like whatever we do should go perfectly or else there will be complains either way.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Should not change the batting order now for the Semi Final or Final.

or else what's gonna happen?

 

[hitthestump]

We did same by continuously selecting Hassan in last world cup, that selection eventually bit us. Bettet to make changes and excel.

Agreed. Not just that, Babar stuck with the plan for Hasan Ali to bowl out at the death when the situation called out for one more over of Imad Wasim.

Babar is not timing the ball and not finding the fence at all in the powerplay is unacceptable.

Babar still has a role to play but it is whilst the field is spread and he can run hard. He will find his touch that way too.

 

[pratiktc]

Just bat first and get to 160. Enough for Pak bowlers to defend.

 

[shamaan]

or else what's gonna happen?

Or else Haris will be made scapegoated

 

[TeymurBlake]

I think the order will likely be changed with Babar coming down the order to probably No.4 with Shan Masood opening with Rizwan or open with Haider for Shan. Mohammad Harris must stay at No.3.

 

[Concerned]

Just need the openers to bat 4 overs and then move aside for the batsmen with intent.

 

[Rana]

I found it interesting that he was saying that it should be Rizwan going down the order rather than Babar.

Interersting move - could Rizwan survive in the middle-order especially with the fielders out.

Rizwan moving into the middle order would be like a Juvenile moving into a grown man prison.

 

[Snowflake]

Rizwan has only one primary shot, and that's a cross sweep towards midwicket. If the fielders are deep, he may not get a boundary, he will get caught if he tries to hit a six.
May be he sticks to taking singles and doubles towards midwicket and then try to find an occasional 4 towards any other direction in the wagon wheel - all of which is his weak point.

Fair question. Dropping Rizwan might be too big of a risk as makeshift keepers can make critical mistakes behind the stumps - so, I don't think that's a viable solution.

Moving Babar down would have absolutely no negative impact. Rizwan, however, cannot survive in the middle/lower order as the guy cannot hit big.

 

[Snowflake]

I think the order will likely be changed with Babar coming down the order to probably No.4 with Shan Masood opening with Rizwan or open with Haider for Shan. Mohammad Harris must stay at No.3.

No chance in hell Babar is moving down. He'd view that as a personal defeat. The guy is as ziddi as they come. It's not a strategic decision for him, it's a zidd. He feels like he's earned that spot given past performances.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Fair question. Dropping Rizwan might be too big of a risk as makeshift keepers can make critical mistakes behind the stumps - so, I don't think that's a viable solution.

Moving Babar down would have absolutely no negative impact. Rizwan, however, cannot survive in the middle/lower order as the guy cannot hit big.

I think we MUST have a surprise factor in the batting order - because - I am sure NZ pace bowlers have clearly figured out how to get Rizwan's wicket. We should try to disrupt their opening bowling attack plan and send in someone other than Rizwan.

slightly short ball going on top of the 6th stump on the off side, and he tries to play it towards midwicket. He has to change this game, his stance and his footwork to surprise the NZ opening pacers otherwise, they will eat him alive. Lets hope I am wrong.

 

[Sherazkhalid]

Rizwan moving into the middle order would be like a Juvenile moving into a grown man prison.

I think that could actually work out especially if other team is under pressure, the field is spread out, ball is not going much at that time, and he would have less pressure and can't put away bad balls.

 

[Rana]

I think that could actually work out especially if other team is under pressure, the field is spread out, ball is not going much at that time, and he would have less pressure and can't put away bad balls.

Best of luck

He failed in the middle and was elevated to open so that he can work. His only hope is to open

But I guess he has some runs and an average behind him now, so he should have more confidence in the middle than what he has displayed for the past 5 odd years where he just couldn’t offer anything

 

[Kroll]

We did same by continuously selecting Hassan in last world cup, that selection eventually bit us. Bettet to make changes and excel.

I rather that then not being flexible and not playing the best team combination. We got a chance to win the world cup, we should not take it for granted.

He's tired and exhausted of repeating the same thing which many people are now only waking up to. Cut him some slack.

 

[ZafarKhan2022]

If you don't want to change the batting order at least Rizzy and Bobby should be told they need to "hit out or get out" so others can use the powerplay

 

[SpiritOf1903]

If you don't want to change the batting order at least Rizzy and Bobby should be told they need to "hit out or get out" so others can use the powerplay

We're forgetting this is still a largely powderpuff middle-order averse to pressure

 

[Plumb]

Enough of this whole opening nonsense... you don't make such huge changes in such tournaments or Big games. Our players are not mentally tough to handle such drastic changes.

 

[abughio]

I was also thinking the same.. either rizwan should go down or babar should face first up.

 

[Visaal-E-Yaar]

Many rumors are out there from last night that they will change openers today lets see

 

[Sherazkhalid]

Best of luck

He failed in the middle and was elevated to open so that he can work. His only hope is to open

But I guess he has some runs and an average behind him now, so he should have more confidence in the middle than what he has displayed for the past 5 odd years where he just couldn’t offer anything

I don't remember when he batted in the middle tbh, but at start of innings, everyone is sharp, bowler running in, everyone alert, plus everyone is in circle so any mistimed shot will go to the bowler. I don't know, I feel he may become a trump card later on.

 

[daytrader]

Would like to see an over of spin in PP

 

[MenInG]

Good call Wahab on openers!

 

[shamaan]

I made the same call that Babar and Rizwan should remain openers.

 

[MenInG]

Speaking in a TV interview

"Laptop chief selector [Wasim] did the poor selection. He didn't have justification for non-selection of players like Imad Wasim, Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed"

"Shoaib and Imad performed well in T20 World Cup 2021. Why their performance didn't come on his laptop? Why they were ignored for T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia? What was their fault?"

"I know Ramiz Bhai was the last authority. The chief selector was bound to communicate with us but in our culture, you communicate with people who always agree with you. You don't communicate to the people who know how to defend their stance,"

"There must be a limit to favouritism. It's not right to sideline players calling them over-aged. If age is important, then the rule must be the same for everyone"

"Take the example of Misbah Bhai, who performed for Pakistan at 40+ age. I think the peak of any cricketer starts after the age of 30. There are a lot of other examples too. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis, all are 30+, but performing for their teams,

"In my opinion, age must not be the criteria. If any senior player is worthy for the team, he should be selected regardless of age," he maintained.

"There have been a lot of highs and lows in my career but I always try to believe in my hard work and skills"

"My job is to perform and make my case stronger. Obviously, it's World Cup year and I really want to represent Pakistan once again"

"I won't lie here, Nadem Khan [ex-Director High-Performance Center] allowed me to train in NCA every time. Yes, Amir and some other players, who didn't play for Pakistan during the last two years, weren't allowed. But, I always trained there and utilized all their facilities"

"Najam Sethi's arrival is good for cricket. I hope he does justice with players like me, Sarfaraz, Hafeez, Malik and Hassan Ali who have performed well for Pakistan"

 

[Markhor]

Speaking in a TV interview

"Laptop chief selector [Wasim] did the poor selection. He didn't have justification for non-selection of players like Imad Wasim, Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed"

"Shoaib and Imad performed well in T20 World Cup 2021. Why their performance didn't come on his laptop? Why they were ignored for T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia? What was their fault?"

"I know Ramiz Bhai was the last authority. The chief selector was bound to communicate with us but in our culture, you communicate with people who always agree with you. You don't communicate to the people who know how to defend their stance,"

"There must be a limit to favouritism. It's not right to sideline players calling them over-aged. If age is important, then the rule must be the same for everyone"

"Take the example of Misbah Bhai, who performed for Pakistan at 40+ age. I think the peak of any cricketer starts after the age of 30. There are a lot of other examples too. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis, all are 30+, but performing for their teams,

"In my opinion, age must not be the criteria. If any senior player is worthy for the team, he should be selected regardless of age," he maintained.

"There have been a lot of highs and lows in my career but I always try to believe in my hard work and skills"

"My job is to perform and make my case stronger. Obviously, it's World Cup year and I really want to represent Pakistan once again"

"I won't lie here, Nadem Khan [ex-Director High-Performance Center] allowed me to train in NCA every time. Yes, Amir and some other players, who didn't play for Pakistan during the last two years, weren't allowed. But, I always trained there and utilized all their facilities"

"Najam Sethi's arrival is good for cricket. I hope he does justice with players like me, Sarfaraz, Hafeez, Malik and Hassan Ali who have performed well for Pakistan"

Poor comments from Wahab. I swear these seniors seem more interested in looking out for each other than the long-term interests of Pakistan cricket.

Malik cannot handle half-decent pace bowling anymore. He'd have been a sitting duck on seaming, bouncy early season Australian wickets.

 

[Kianig89]

So Wahab wants Pakistan to field a grandpa XI, as follows
Players like hafeez Malik Amir and Sarfraz have no business in Loi's now stop the whinge

Haroon Rashid will be even worst than Mwasim mark my words

 

[MenInG]

Poor comments from Wahab. I swear these seniors seem more interested in looking out for each other than the long-term interests of Pakistan cricket.

Malik cannot handle half-decent pace bowling anymore. He'd have been a sitting duck on seaming, bouncy early season Australian wickets.

Tbh this is very predictable from all players who are left out for whatever reason.

 

[TeymurBlake]

Call it a day mate.

 

[zaidihusain]

Speaking in a TV interview

"Laptop chief selector [Wasim] did the poor selection. He didn't have justification for non-selection of players like Imad Wasim, Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed"

"Shoaib and Imad performed well in T20 World Cup 2021. Why their performance didn't come on his laptop? Why they were ignored for T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia? What was their fault?"

"I know Ramiz Bhai was the last authority. The chief selector was bound to communicate with us but in our culture, you communicate with people who always agree with you. You don't communicate to the people who know how to defend their stance,"

"There must be a limit to favouritism. It's not right to sideline players calling them over-aged. If age is important, then the rule must be the same for everyone"

"Take the example of Misbah Bhai, who performed for Pakistan at 40+ age. I think the peak of any cricketer starts after the age of 30. There are a lot of other examples too. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis, all are 30+, but performing for their teams,

"In my opinion, age must not be the criteria. If any senior player is worthy for the team, he should be selected regardless of age," he maintained.

"There have been a lot of highs and lows in my career but I always try to believe in my hard work and skills"

"My job is to perform and make my case stronger. Obviously, it's World Cup year and I really want to represent Pakistan once again"

"I won't lie here, Nadem Khan [ex-Director High-Performance Center] allowed me to train in NCA every time. Yes, Amir and some other players, who didn't play for Pakistan during the last two years, weren't allowed. But, I always trained there and utilized all their facilities"

"Najam Sethi's arrival is good for cricket. I hope he does justice with players like me, Sarfaraz, Hafeez, Malik and Hassan Ali who have performed well for Pakistan"

As per Wahab there has to be a seniority quota in team so that senior players can continue playing till 50. He is giving example of Misbah who was totally inconsistent in last 2-3 years of his test career. Misbah did scored some runs against West Indies but against rest of the teams he was poor. I am not a fan of Rizwan but Sarfraz has no role in T20s. For how long he wants Shoaib Malik to play??

 

[MenInG]

According to some reports, Wahab Riaz will become a sports minister for the interim Punjab Govt after BPL!

 

[Saj]

Wahab has confirmed to me that he will be the new Minister of Sports in the caretaker Government of Punjab. He will take the oath after returning from the Bangladesh Premier League.

 

[shujaatraza]

So the sports minister will play PSL and also hopes to make a comeback for Pakistan team. Wow..surely the first time in Pakistan that a sitting sports minister is an active player as well.

 

[gazza619]

I rather a sportsperson became a sports Minster but what are his credentials?