[VIDEOS] "In Pakistan I am famous as a finisher" : Iftikhar Ahmed

[Usman Chadda]

Plain obvious he struggles against teams who have done homework against his gameplan. He is not mentally strong enough to overcome that and replicate his domestic form. We would get more out of Haider Ali to be honest, quite a big howler to drop him when he had scored two fifties in his last three games.

 

[ZaidTR]

Should be replaced asap.

 

[shamaan]

Plain obvious he struggles against teams who have done homework against his gameplan. He is not mentally strong enough to overcome that and replicate his domestic form. We would get more out of Haider Ali to be honest, quite a big howler to drop him when he had scored two fifties in his last three games.

When did he score two fifties ?

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alhamdulillah - Game Changer of the Match award 38* and 0/8 off two overs <a href="https://twitter.com/shpageeza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shpageeza</a> league against Pamir Zalmi. <a href="https://t.co/7qZFRR8d6e">pic.twitter.com/7qZFRR8d6e</a></p>— Iftikhar Ahmad (@IftiAhmed221) <a href="https://twitter.com/IftiAhmed221/status/1551591145435693056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

Back in the fold again for the Asia Cup - but does he deserve a place?

 

[shamaan]

Back in the fold again for the Asia Cup - but does he deserve a place?

Bearing in mind the world cup is in Australia then yes.

 

[Kroll]

Bearing in mind the world cup is in Australia then yes.

What, based on two games he played three years ago? Guy has been woeful ever since and I can't see him turning into Viv Richards all of a sudden. Incidentally, how many of those two games did he actually help Pakistan win?

 

[shamaan]

What, based on two games he played three years ago? Guy has been woeful ever since and I can't see him turning into Viv Richards all of a sudden. Incidentally, how many of those two games did he actually help Pakistan win?

Have you got any other suggestions?didn't no it was an individual game.

 

[gazza619]

Ifti has some really strong links.

 

[Kroll]

Have you got any other suggestions?didn't no it was an individual game.

Well, they don't exactly blood new players do they, always recycling the same trash, so its difficult to name drop when there isn't much on the menu. But getting back to your question, even Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique finished with higher SR than so called finisher Iftikhar.

But if you're going by all rounder, then Imad Wasim would be the most logical option, I think he should have been in ahead of finisher because he's finished himself. Granted, Imad isn't much of a fielder but Iftikhar's is non-existent.

 

[shamaan]

Well, they don't exactly blood new players do they, always recycling the same trash, so its difficult to name drop when there isn't much on the menu. But getting back to your question, even Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique finished with higher SR than so called finisher Iftikhar.

But if you're going by all rounder, then Imad Wasim would be the most logical option, I think he should have been in ahead of finisher because he's finished himself. Granted, Imad isn't much of a fielder but Iftikhar's is non-existent.

Even if they don't blood youngsters you should still be able to provide names from the domestic teams.Thats becouse they batted in the top 3 could they do the same job in the middle order or late middle order or are you suggesting they should be given a chance in we're iftikhar bats.

When was the last time Imad batted in the top 6 ?

 

[Kroll]

Even if they don't blood youngsters you should still be able to provide names from the domestic teams.Thats becouse they batted in the top 3 could they do the same job in the middle order or late middle order or are you suggesting they should be given a chance in we're iftikhar bats.

When was the last time Imad batted in the top 6 ?

Where did I suggest Imad bats in the top 6? It just means a reshuffling of the order to accommodate him or adding someone else instead. Heck if a so called accumulator Rizwan can prosper in T20, then someone like Shafique could too.

This would mean Khushdil or Haider would take Iftikhar's spot. Or if they play both Asif and Khushdil at 5 and 6, Iftikhar might not get a spot, all depends on Asia Cup showing but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[daytrader]

Seems to be in some form in the KPL, Iftikhar. was striking at 300 in the last match and a fighting knock of 43 from 33 balls today.

 

[shamaan]

Where did I suggest Imad bats in the top 6? It just means a reshuffling of the order to accommodate him or adding someone else instead. Heck if a so called accumulator Rizwan can prosper in T20, then someone like Shafique could too.

This would mean Khushdil or Haider would take Iftikhar's spot. Or if they play both Asif and Khushdil at 5 and 6, Iftikhar might not get a spot, all depends on Asia Cup showing but I'm not holding my breath.

I didn't say you did.I wouldn't accommodate Imad but I'd stil take him part of t20 squad in competition with Nawaz.Rizwan is a keeper so he has some leeway.Shafique I would keep him in odis and tests and stay away from t20s.I would play Khushdil ahead of Asif Ali and Haider Ali instead of Iftikhar.

 

[MenInG]

All upto Iftikhar to show what he's made of!

 

[daytrader]

Looking in good nick today. Needs to play a guiding hand to go as deep as possible

 

[Major]

i think it was a decent performance by him. Not easy with teh good bowling, but he still got the scoring done. He doesnt only slog but also rotates strike

 

[Salman4.]

He was batting very well. Needed some luck. But he always gets unlucky in such situations.

 

[Major]

like it or not, but our Chacha did finish off Rohit Sharma and Kohli

 

[Marooned]

He looked good. Atleast, he is a proper batsman and isn't a hack.

Khushdil-asif both can't be in the team. Replace one with Haider Ali next game.

 

[arif_2021]

He looked good. Atleast, he is a proper batsman and isn't a hack.

Khushdil-asif both can't be in the team. Replace one with Haider Ali next game.

i would pick asif ali over khushdil

andi agree that haider ali should be tried

 

[Concerned]

I feel he is trying to secure his place but at the same time match situations demands
a more aggressive innings.

Looks a good batsmen, not sure how soon about his reflexes though.

 

[Savak]

He deserves his shot given his T20 performance in the National T20 cup last year.

He should have bowled an over or two. Atleast the guy has a brain and can be trusted to bat according to the situation unlike Asif Ali

 

[Zaz]

Was decent today

A much better batting option than the other 2 who arent even proper batters

 

[shamaan]

He batted okay without being spectacular.

 

[Wahid1234]

How this 45 year man still in the pakistan team is beyond a joke. Has to be the one worst player to ever wear the pakistan jersey. Every time I’ve watched him he’s struggled big time just not cut out for international cricket

 

[Savak]

How this 45 year man still in the pakistan team is beyond a joke. Has to be the one worst player to ever wear the pakistan jersey. Every time I’ve watched him he’s struggled big time just not cut out for international cricket

He scored a classy 60 plus against Australia in 2019. He contributed to a match winning effort against Sri Lanka in 2019 and Australia in 2022. He was the top performer in the national T20 in 2021. He is perfectly suited to international cricket.

 

[LegendAli]

He scored a classy 60 plus against Australia in 2019. He contributed to a match winning effort against Sri Lanka in 2019

and in what logical sense do performances from 3 years ago mean anything now in 2022?

 

[Savak]

and in what logical sense do performances from 3 years ago mean anything now in 2022?

He was the man of the tournament in the National T20 cup in 2021 last year. He was not our worst performer today.

 

[Local.Dada]

I am not blind to see where the chacha jokes come from but apart from that don’t know why this guy gets ridiculed. Yesterday he looked the most dangerous of all batsmen. I felt he was going to take the game away from us if he lasted a few more overs. I have seen him play a very good T20 knock vs a very good Aussie attack before. He is probably going to be an X factor. I don’t know how his bowling is rated but he kind of gives me the Shahid Afridi vibes as a cricketer.

 

[TheSultan]

I’m sorry - he’s a serial failure. “He looked good yesterday”- ok, let’s assume for a minute he did. Why didn’t he make it count? Even at his best he’s mediocre. These part time cricketers are not reliable at all

 

[shariqnoor]

I don't have a problem with Iftikhar being the guy in the middle-order at 2 down. He's still miles better than the likes of Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah who are out of tune in international cricket. Kamran Ghulam/Saud Shakeel don't have the power to hit consistently in T20s. For now Iftikhar is a safe bet. He needs to be given a solid run in the side. Like 15-20 T20Is at the very least at number 4 position.

 

[Saj]

Looking at yesterday's innings, I thought he looked good. In fact he was starting to give the innings some impetus but was dismissed at just the wrong time.

It was a clever piece of bowling by Pandya.

I've not lost hope with Ifthi as yet.

 

[fight_club]

He looked very compact and played at a good click. His game against pace is very impressive as well will be handy in Australia

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Just need to replace Asif ali with Haider ali or Agha Salman

 

[MenInG]

Happy Birthday Iftikhar Bhai

Born: September 3, 1990 (age 32 years), Peshawar, Pakistan

 

[gazza619]

He is pointless in the XI. His bowling is far from threatening, and his 25 ball 30 wont be missed. I rather play a pacer in place of him.

 

[Kroll]

He is pointless in the XI. His bowling is far from threatening, and his 25 ball 30 wont be missed. I rather play a pacer in place of him.

He has a not so insignificant following on here. T20 is such a format that it can make these types of mediocre journeymen look good on the odd occasion.

He had his purple patch in the Aus series three years ago and done nothing since, yet we still have posters clinging onto that. Also, being late forties going on fifty, I'm not sure why he's getting persisted with.

 

[Salman4.]

Reminded me of the NZ game.

 

[Saj]

A marvellous 2 not out from the legend today.

On a more serious note, I thought he might have got an over or two against India.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

A marvellous 2 not out from the legend today.

On a more serious note, I thought he might have got an over or two against India.

I thought the same.

It is clear that spinners were effective on the pitch. Why did Babar not use him?

Maybe he needs to earn Babar's trust and a good way to start will be against Afghanistan.

 

[MenInG]

Boy did he enjoy his few moments of fame, or what!?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Can't say he isn't a finisher. First the knock against New Zealand, now this

On a more serious note, I think he is capable of a lot more than people give him credit for. And I have a feeling that he will deliver an impactful performance very soon.

Some people here seem to have very short memories, but I haven't forgotten how around the same time last year everyone was clamoring for his inclusion into the T20 side (and right so) because he was flattening the competition in the domestic T20 cup.

Like Nawaz, he has earned a place based on years of hardwork and consistency in the domestic set-up. My advice to fans would be to have some patience and not immediately start advocating their favorite 'flash in the pan' 21 year old who may be good 5 years from now.

 

[shamaan]

Can't say he isn't a finisher. First the knock against New Zealand, now this

On a more serious note, I think he is capable of a lot more than people give him credit for. And I have a feeling that he will deliver an impactful performance very soon.

Some people here seem to have very short memories, but I haven't forgotten how around the same time last year everyone was clamoring for his inclusion into the T20 side (and right so) because he was flattening the competition in the domestic T20 cup.

Like Nawaz, he has earned a place based on years of hardwork and consistency in the domestic set-up. My advice to fans would be to have some patience and not immediately start advocating their favorite 'flash in the pan' 21 year old who may be good 5 years from now.

I will 100% pick Iftikhar in the team.

 

[shaz619]

A marvellous 2 not out from the legend today.

On a more serious note, I thought he might have got an over or two against India.

I think he is picked in the team as a lucky mascot, bit like Fawad Alam back in 09-19

 

[Rellu_Katta]

A marvellous 2 not out from the legend today.

On a more serious note, I thought he might have got an over or two against India.

Babar not using Iffti chacha and khushdil as bowling options is just plain stupid

 

[CricketingMinds]

Can't say he isn't a finisher. First the knock against New Zealand, now this

On a more serious note, I think he is capable of a lot more than people give him credit for. And I have a feeling that he will deliver an impactful performance very soon.

Some people here seem to have very short memories, but I haven't forgotten how around the same time last year everyone was clamoring for his inclusion into the T20 side (and right so) because he was flattening the competition in the domestic T20 cup.

Like Nawaz, he has earned a place based on years of hardwork and consistency in the domestic set-up. My advice to fans would be to have some patience and not immediately start advocating their favorite 'flash in the pan' 21 year old who may be good 5 years from now.

What did Ifti chacha do vs NEW zealand?? I remember it being Asif who hit those big sixes of Biult and Southee to win the game in 2021 T20 WC

 

[arif_2021]

What did Ifti chacha do vs NEW zealand?? I remember it being Asif who hit those big sixes of Biult and Southee to win the game in 2021 T20 WC

iftikhar didn't play against NZ...

iftikhar should have come at 5 after nawaz instead of khushdil. khushdil was sent because hes left handed.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

What did Ifti chacha do vs NEW zealand?? I remember it being Asif who hit those big sixes of Biult and Southee to win the game in 2021 T20 WC

He hit a winning six with 2 runs remaining. This was a during the T20 series.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Babar not using Iffti chacha and khushdil as bowling options is just plain stupid

It's stupid that his bowlers are bowling well and he wants to use their full quota, instead of wasting overs on part-timers?

 

[Marooned]

Can't say he isn't a finisher. First the knock against New Zealand, now this

On a more serious note, I think he is capable of a lot more than people give him credit for. And I have a feeling that he will deliver an impactful performance very soon.

Some people here seem to have very short memories, but I haven't forgotten how around the same time last year everyone was clamoring for his inclusion into the T20 side (and right so) because he was flattening the competition in the domestic T20 cup.

Like Nawaz, he has earned a place based on years of hardwork and consistency in the domestic set-up. My advice to fans would be to have some patience and not immediately start advocating their favorite 'flash in the pan' 21 year old who may be good 5 years from now.

Yeah, he absolutely killed it in all 3 formats in last domestic season.
And he isn't a hack, not sure why people think so. He is a proper batsman.

 

[Rellu_Katta]

It's stupid that his bowlers are bowling well and he wants to use their full quota, instead of wasting overs on part-timers?

what happens if a bowlers goes for runs, or is injured, or cramped , wats the solution Mr Newton?

and everyone is stupid that they want to have 6 bowling options ? u have cracked the code of "only use 5 bowlers" lol

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Is he related to Misbah? There are so many similarities(both physical and cricket) between these two.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

what happens if a bowlers goes for runs, or is injured, or cramped , wats the solution Mr Newton?

and everyone is stupid that they want to have 6 bowling options ? u have cracked the code of "only use 5 bowlers" lol

What's 'if' Einstein? Why don't you focus on the real world? instead of the hypothetical one?

Pakistan's bowling attack has been the best in the tournament by a country mile. Every bowler has bowled well and done their part. The idea that we should use 6 bowlers just because "everyone have 6 bowling options" is probably one of the stupidest things I have heard on this forum. And that covers alot of ground.

 

[Saj]

Lets see what he's made of.

Big chance for him against a good bowling attack.

Started well.

A 50 today would be great.

 

[daytrader]

30 off 33 today, a pedestrian inning that prevented a possible collapse but couldn't go on to finish the match. I'm tempted to drop him for the WC and replace with a fast bowling all rounder but that might make our batting a bit thin. Also has a really good record in Australia.

 

[Saj]

He's been around for so long yet it seems he rarely performs.

When he was needed today, he flopped again.

 

[JimmyGetsBuckets]

I can’t remember any memorable performance from chacha ji

 

[Rana]

That was an atrocious performance by him especially after Shadab made it easier for Pakistan with those 20+ 2 overs

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Started his inning well but then bogged down badly when he just needed to knock around and keep the scoreboard ticking.

The guy literally dominates limited overs cricket in domestic tournaments but doesn't replicate it at the big stage. His calculated big shots don't get timed well enough at international level. Think he is not good at handling pressure well even though his instincts and premeditation is good.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Is he related to Misbah? There are so many similarities(both physical and cricket) between these two.

Nah. Misbah is a niazi while Iftikhar is a Pashtun.

Misbah actually looked his official age or maybe slightly younger. Plus Misbah succeeded in Test cricket with very good temperament while Iftikhar struggles with it.

 

[NeVerMind]

Started his inning well but then bogged down badly when he just needed to knock around and keep the scoreboard ticking.

The guy literally dominates limited overs cricket in domestic tournaments but doesn't replicate it at the big stage. His calculated big shots don't get timed well enough at international level. Think he is not good at handling pressure well even though his instincts and premeditation is good.

He is the Mark Ramprakash of limited overs cricket in Pakistan. Needs to replaced prior to the T20 series against the English alng with Khusdil and Fakhar...

 

[Rana]

Started his inning well but then bogged down badly when he just needed to knock around and keep the scoreboard ticking.

The guy literally dominates limited overs cricket in domestic tournaments but doesn't replicate it at the big stage. His calculated big shots don't get timed well enough at international level. Think he is not good at handling pressure well even though his instincts and premeditation is good.

He could have been bowled out on his first ball today too

I do think he can offer something but I was so disappointed with him today

Shadab handed the game to Pakistan on a platter by scoring heavily in 2 overs during a tense period

But Iftikhar showed no urgency to continue with the momentum and just handed it right back to Afghanistan with his pointless dots straight after

 

[BunnyRabbit]

He could have been bowled out on his first ball today too

I do think he can offer something but I was so disappointed with him today

Shadab handed the game to Pakistan on a platter by scoring heavily in 2 overs during a tense period

But Iftikhar showed no urgency to continue with the momentum and just handed it right back to Afghanistan with his pointless dots straight after

There is no excuse for not being able to chase down 130 in a t20i regardless of the conditions or opposition.

The frustrating thing about Iftikhar is that he does everything right to get into the team but when he does get into the team, he stops doing what he is good at.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

He is the Mark Ramprakash of limited overs cricket in Pakistan. Needs to replaced prior to the T20 series against the English alng with Khusdil and Fakhar...

Still a better selection that what our powerpoint selector has in his mind as replacement for no.4. The great Agha Salman.

 

[Saj]

Today was the ideal opportunity for him to show what he is capable of.

A low total to chase, batting at number 4 on the type of pitch he must have batted on lots of times.

Pace your innings, build your innings and then see your team to the end.

Instead he started well, then got bogged down, then left everything to Shadab and then threw his wicket away.

Lousy batting.

 

[Chip32]

He’s the best we have at the moment. Although, I would have Masood at 4, with Ifti and Asif to follow.

 

[DRsohail]

Finisher lol

 

[shamaan]

What's 'if' Einstein? Why don't you focus on the real world? instead of the hypothetical one?

Pakistan's bowling attack has been the best in the tournament by a country mile. Every bowler has bowled well and done their part. The idea that we should use 6 bowlers just because "everyone have 6 bowling options" is probably one of the stupidest things I have heard on this forum. And that covers alot of ground.

I agree what is the need to bowl your 6th bowler when your main bowlers are doing the job.

 

[shamaan]

Very poor from Iftikhar he was set and should have seen the game throw but he gave his wicket away from a poor delivery.

 

[finalfantasy7]

he's not a number 4 at all, we need to think about his selection.

realistically we need to add shaan massod= as opener with rizwan, barbar at 3, fakhar last chance at 4, haider ali at 5, asif ali 6, shadab 7, imad wasim 8, rauf 9, naseem shah 10, shaheen 11

 

[Saj]

Iftikhar Ahmed at the Asia Cup 2022:

Innings 6
Runs 105
Average 26.25
Awful strike-rate of 100.96

Look at the strike-rate.

Is he playing in ODIs?

 

[Grunge101]

Well done Ifti..a strike rate of 100 throughout. And not even bowling before the final.

Only in Pakistan. Only in pakistan

 

[SpiritOf1903]

He finished the match alright

 

[shah_1]

A fraud batsman

 

[iRfaN_LA]

He is a lower order slogger at best. Playing him at 2 down is criminal

 

[Kroll]

Waste of space, should be the end for him.

 

[Forum363]

He had something about him but just never made it at the right time.

He’s finished now, his reflexes are slow and even if he does well- it’s just not worth the investment given his age.

Should have played his last game for Pakistan.

 

[Salman4.]

Better showing tonight. The last hit would've gone for a six too if it weren't for the breeze. I would have backed him to get atleast 1 more six in the over and finish with 5 6s.

 

[MenInG]

Fairplay to Ifti - did provide some runs for Pakistan today

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