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[VIDEOS/PICTURES] Can Asif Ali be tried as a T20I opener?

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PakLFC

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Can Asif Ali not open for us? Okay he may not last but if he does will surely give the innings much needed impetus as opposed to the over cautious approach of Babar and Rizwan. The more I think off Asif Ali opening the innings the more i like it:ht
 
No he is not good enough.

But he shouldn't have had the most unique role in the history of cricket either as a number 8 2 ball slogger.

Either the management should have faith in him up the order (3-6) depending on situation...or he shouldn't in the side.
 
PakLFC said:
Can Asif Ali not open for us? Okay he may not last but if he does will surely give the innings much needed impetus as opposed to the over cautious approach of Babar and Rizwan. The more I think off Asif Ali opening the innings the more i like it:ht
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Really? What are you thinking about?

Is it his prowess against the moving ball?
Is it his ability to pierce gaps and rotate strike?
Is it his wide array of shot selection?
Is it his mindblowing LA and international stats?
It is his proven track record as an opening batsman?
Is it his ability to slug it out in tough conditions and preserve his wicket?

If you answered yes to any of the above you may be insane. See your doctor.
 
I suggested this in the other thread. He could do what McCallum did for the Blackcaps in WC15 or he could just fail but it's worth taking a chance. It's not like he's doing good at his current position
 
hitthestump said:
Really? What are you thinking about?

Is it his prowess against the moving ball?
Is it his ability to pierce gaps and rotate strike?
Is it his wide array of shot selection?
Is it his mindblowing LA and international stats?
It is his proven track record as an opening batsman?
Is it his ability to slug it out in tough conditions and preserve his wicket?

If you answered yes to any of the above you may be insane. See your doctor.
Click to expand...

Stop it! He is like Lala Afridi capable of hitting big 'uns in power plays when there is plenty off space. Don't need any shrink to tell me that. In T20's we need to think out of the box instead of the norm. It is not about preserving his wicket but getting the team off to a fast start allowing his partner to anchor the innings from the other end. His opening the innings record can't be good when he's never been given the chance or would you rather the same boring and slow partnerships of Rizwan and Babar?
 
PakLFC said:
Stop it! He is like Lala Afridi capable of hitting big 'uns in power plays when there is plenty off space. Don't need any shrink to tell me that. In T20's we need to think out of the box instead of the norm. It is not about preserving his wicket but getting the team off to a fast start allowing his partner to anchor the innings from the other end. His opening the innings record can't be good when he's never been given the chance or would you rather the same boring and slow partnerships of Rizwan and Babar?
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Serious question. Why not give Shaheen Afridi the opening bat?

He can hit big sixes and has also never been tried. He fits all the criteria you think we need for someone to be an opener.

It's quite embarassing how people think opening the batting simply involves 'hitting it over the infield'. No offence but that's how you can distinguish between people who don't really get cricket and have never played to any reasonable level.
 
hitthestump said:
Serious question. Why not give Shaheen Afridi the opening bat?

He can hit big sixes and has also never been tried. He fits all the criteria you think we need for someone to be an opener.

It's quite embarassing how people think opening the batting simply involves 'hitting it over the infield'. No offence but that's how you can distinguish between people who don't really get cricket and have never played to any reasonable level.
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T20 cricket isn’t Test cricket

Why doesn’t Babar and Rizwan not open in Tests if they are specialist openers?
 
Asif Ali should be tried in batting positions 1-11 and then given the chance as Coach, followed by Chief selector and then finally Chairman.
 
Concerned said:
Asif Ali should be tried in batting positions 1-11 and then given the chance as Coach, followed by Chief selector and then finally Chairman.
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That’s the trajectory which Rizwan is following btw
 
This experiment could have been tried in the Subcontinent but he is a sitting duck against bouncers, short pitched deliveries in Australia.
 
YousafTheBeast said:
This post needs to be tagged with every RizBar fan.
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I’m just trying to work this out

Has T20 opening all of a sudden become on par with opening in Test cricket? Surely skippers would have 4 slips and a gully if that were the case in T20?
 
hitthestump said:
Serious question. Why not give Shaheen Afridi the opening bat?

He can hit big sixes and has also never been tried. He fits all the criteria you think we need for someone to be an opener.

It's quite embarassing how people think opening the batting simply involves 'hitting it over the infield'. No offence but that's how you can distinguish between people who don't really get cricket and have never played to any reasonable level.
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Asif is a proper batter where as Shaheen a tailender capable of hiiting the odd six. Asif is in the team for getting quick runs.

Rather you are one of those who is afraid of change and trying something new. You'd much rather the same defensive approach that gets us nowhere other then the exit door of the tourny. You know nothing about the T20 format at all, obviously. In T20 a fast 50 in 6 overs is much better then a slow 70 in 15 overs.

Now if Asif does the business as opener you'd get all defensive saying "I was not against him opening the innings". I know your type too well.
 
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They can try out Asif Ali as an opener. It may work.

If Shahid Afridi could open, why not Asif?
 
PakLFC said:
You mad?? Coz Asif is a proper batter where as Shaheen a tailender capable of hiiting the odd six. Asif is in the team for getting quick runs.

Rather you are one of those who is afraid of change and trying something new. You'd much rather the same defensive approach that gets us nowhere other then the exit door of the tourny. You know nothing about the T20 format at all, obviously. In T20 a fast 50 in 6 overs is much better then a slow 70 in 15 overs.

Now if Asif does the business as opener you'd get all defensive saying "I was not against him opening the innings". I know your type too well.
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Well actually he warms the bench because he can't even do that. But anyway, you can put this on record. I am against Asif Ali opening the innings.

It'll never happen anyway because it's a stupid idea based on zero logic, stats or intelligence.

Btw Asif Ali's career strike rate is 133. Babar's is 129. Lesson over.
 
You need aggressive batsmen at the top but problem is Asif Ali is not a batsman, he's just an empty jersey. We've already seen more impact from the bowlers batting at the death.
 
One bouncer to the head and it’s all over for him. Got out to india in a very sad fashion.

Can I suggest Asif Ali to learn to play the short ball?
 
Suleiman said:
One bouncer to the head and it’s all over for him. Got out to india in a very sad fashion.

Can I suggest Asif Ali to learn to play the short ball?
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Rizwan was all at sea too against the shot ball
 
Rana said:
Rizwan was all at sea too against the shot ball
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So let’s replace one short ball weak player with another.

If we want to try different openers why not actually slot in the 2 guys who have opened before and can potentially score faster than current form Babar and Rizwan combined?

Haider and Fakhar. Pick one, push Babar to 3 because Rizwan will be a bigger liability the lower he bats, and done.

Asif Ali has been garbage since Asia Cup, and looks even worse with just a hint of bounce in the pitch. You need to make peace with this man.

I’m no RizBab fan, but the AA ship has sailed
 
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I've been saying this, he needs to open. Best case scenario he gets some quick runs and we finally have a powerplay score that's not 32-0. Worst case scenario he gets out early, Babar comes in and can do his usual tuk tuk with Rizwan
 
If he opens, I can guarantee he will be a lot more cautious, it won't be the same Asif Ali coming in at 8. Teams have also worked him out. Best to cut our losses and tell Fakhar to shape up or ship out.
 
I havent seen anything funnier

Asif "cant bat 6 balls without giving his wkt away" Ali should also be made the captain, cosch and chairman

Whilst your at it give this man a statute outside the gaddafi stadium for his services to pakistan cricket
 
hitthestump said:
Well actually he warms the bench because he can't even do that. But anyway, you can put this on record. I am against Asif Ali opening the innings.

It'll never happen anyway because it's a stupid idea based on zero logic, stats or intelligence.

Btw Asif Ali's career strike rate is 133. Babar's is 129. Lesson over.
Click to expand...

There is no lesson in your comments for it to be over. Our lack of innovation is why we are behind other countries even at Cricket. Too afraid to look for solutions outside the box will give is more off the same. What has Babar's average got to do with it when I am talking about playing a fast innings. That will still be much better then Babar's slow 50 in 10 overs then he'll fall to an LBW as usual.
 
Lets try Fakhar and Asif at the top then the will flow. If it does not work we can go back to the drawing board.
 
Danish kanerira would be a better opener than these 2. Most selfish cricketers in Pakistan history.

Get given 10 runs of 1 ball and still choke.
 
Haider
Fakhar
Shan
Babar
Iftikhar
Shadab
Rizwan
Waseem/Nawaz
Shaheen
Rauf
Naseem
 
PakLFC said:
There is no lesson in your comments for it to be over. Our lack of innovation is why we are behind other countries even at Cricket. Too afraid to look for solutions outside the box will give is more off the same. What has Babar's average got to do with it when I am talking about playing a fast innings. That will still be much better then Babar's slow 50 in 10 overs then he'll fall to an LBW as usual.
Click to expand...

He’s talking like he is Ricky Ponting :))
 
PakLFC said:
There is no lesson in your comments for it to be over. Our lack of innovation is why we are behind other countries even at Cricket. Too afraid to look for solutions outside the box will give is more off the same. What has Babar's average got to do with it when I am talking about playing a fast innings. That will still be much better then Babar's slow 50 in 10 overs then he'll fall to an LBW as usual.
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Only Babar & Rizwan are allowed to play at the position of their comfort. Rest all will be experimented at different positions in each game and will be asked to finish the game by playing at SR of 200 plus after coming in 15th over. Bowling all-rounders are expected to play as proper middle order batsman.
 
Asif Ali is a hopeless slogger. He does not have brains. He lacks skill. His footwork is awful. I would have more confidence in Shaheen Afridi opening the batting.
 
gazza619 said:
Asif Ali is a hopeless slogger. He does not have brains. He lacks skill. His footwork is awful. I would have more confidence in Shaheen Afridi opening the batting.
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Even Shahid Afridi.
 
Someone suggested to make Asif the captain , now this, to make him an opener, why not make him an opening bowler ? What is left, keeping ?
 
Not as an opener but he can be tried at number 3 once they get a good start from the openers. Or else he can be shuffled in middle at 4,5 as per the situation. But the captain is so stiff in making decisions that asif will be sent only after all other options are gone.
 
On what basis should he open in T20Is?
 
Could be an option but I’m afraid the boat seems to have sailed. When he’s on song love watching him bat. He can be our Imran Nazir but this is more of hope than actual reality
 
Two possible scenarios :

0.1 - outswingger, edged and caught on 2nd slip. Asif Ali returns to the pavillon on a golden duck.

0.1 - no run.
0.2 - lucky boundary.
0.3 - no run.
0.4 - short ball ! And he's gone! Every single team has figured out Asif's greatest weakness on the short ball by now.
 
I do not consider Asif Ali a cricketer. He is a not sportsman and never will be! He averages a mere 25 in Pakistan domestic cricket. He needs to look for some other job!
 
Asif Ali's struggles against short ball at practice. Throws his bat in frustration.

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 46.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/vryzoz" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
 
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Asif tapia can only play when ball coming under his bat without movement, once it starts swinging he will start dancing.
 
ex-q-zit said:
Asif Ali's struggles against short ball at practice. Throws his bat in frustration.

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 46.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/vryzoz" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
Click to expand...

Does not have an idea of what he's doing absolute clueless.
 
Scored 8(9) today in BBL12 and apart from that

ibdFNjz.png
 
Whats the deal with Big Bash giving chances to failures. Faheem Ashraf & Asif Ali make their league look like a joke.
 
65 runs in 6 innings so far at the BBL.

41 of those runs came in one innings.
 
gazza619 said:
Whats the deal with Big Bash giving chances to failures. Faheem Ashraf & Asif Ali make their league look like a joke.
Click to expand...

I agree. Rizwan could have played Big Bash instead of Test cricket this winter in Pakistan. It would have made the Big Bash look like the IPL
 
Rana said:
I agree. Rizwan could have played Big Bash instead of Test cricket this winter in Pakistan. It would have made the Big Bash look like the IPL
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You may have forgotten or chosen to forget that Rizwan was actually in the Test side.
 
Why are people comparing Asif with Afridi? Afridi averaged 36 in Test Cricket. He carried the batting in third innings in Chennai and stayed on the crease for around 190 deliveries. He became a mindless slogger later on yes, but he actually had a lot more shots in his armour and could actually bat when he tried. The knocks he played in wt20 09 semi and final, Asif can only dream of.

If you are to use a slogger as an opener, Hasan Ali would be a better choice. Is a natural timer, has more range of shots than Asif and can actually hit spinners too if the opposition opens with a spinner.
 
Saj said:
You may have forgotten or chosen to forget that Rizwan was actually in the Test side.
Click to expand...

That will be rectified next winter

Riz will be available for Big Bash and BPL
 
Rana said:
I agree. Rizwan could have played Big Bash instead of Test cricket this winter in Pakistan. It would have made the Big Bash look like the IPL
Click to expand...

Rizwan lives rent free in your head. Do something productive rather than wasting your life trying to spread negativity about a person who doesn't even know you.
 
In Pakistan cricket if a player is struggling "try him as an opener"

If a player can speak English "make him captain".
 
In all honesty i would open with Chacha Ifti over this guy in T20. Much better hitter of the ball.

Asif will only face max of 10 to 12 deliveries fail 9 out of 10 times so what’s the point of selecting him is what’s baffling me.

Surely even Harris is a better opening option.
 
Well he will demonstrate how to bat with the helmet when bounced..

Risk to his life though, let him play those BPLs and CPLs to earn some money...
 
Doesn’t have batting skills. Pakistan tried Afridi in that role and he was largely successful because of his excellent batting prowess.
 
The type of aggressive batter he is, why have we wasted him down in the order and only let him play the last 2 overs? I think we should have given him some chances to open innings in T20Is.
 
FearlessRoar said:
The type of aggressive batter he is, why have we wasted him down in the order and only let him play the last 2 overs? I think we should have given him some chances to open innings in T20Is.
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Na bro Pakistan cricket is too pristine for these sensible suggestions
 
Rana said:
Na bro Pakistan cricket is too pristine for these sensible suggestions
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Today, I'm feeling like we've wasted him down to the order without giving him one chance as an opener. I'm not understanding why management didn't think about it for ONCE.Not even Islamabad United tried to do it.
 
FearlessRoar said:
Today, I'm feeling like we've wasted him down to the order without giving him one chance as an opener. I'm not understanding why management didn't think about it for ONCE.Not even Islamabad United tried to do it.
Click to expand...
We just can’t think like those nations that excel in this format I’m afraid. There are serious implications for other players and their agents if we do so.

That’s Pakistan cricket for you. I’ve understood how it has started to function.
 
Rana said:
We just can’t think like those nations that excel in this format I’m afraid. There are serious implications for other players and their agents if we do so.

That’s Pakistan cricket for you. I’ve understood how it has started to function.
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Sadly, even with changes in administration and coaching staff, that mentality hasn't changed. No one is willing to think outside the box.
 
Forget suggesting Asif Ali as a T20 player for now,

First you must educate the nation how the purpose of T20 cricket isn’t to condense 50 over, 90s white ball cricket into 20 overs

It’s the need of the hour. It will be like explaining to the Americans that blacks and whites are equal human beings post slavery abolition until the 1970s. That’s how much hard work is required to change the mindset of this cricket nation!
 
gazza619 said:
Asif Ali is a T5 player. End of discussion.
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Then it's even better. He can provide a good start in the Powerplay while playing as an opener.

The average he has in international cricket doesn't justify the talent he possesses.
 
FearlessRoar said:
Guys let's stick to the discussion of Asif Ali
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Brother you can’t discuss him here without opening the eyes of those that will just ridicule and mock him.

I don’t see the point of this…even though your intentions are correct. It just gives a platform to people who really have no understanding of the game but will vent their frustrations on guys like him.
 
FearlessRoar said:
Then it's even better. He can provide a good start in the Powerplay while playing as an opener.

The average he has in international cricket doesn't justify the talent he possesses.
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Lol yeah, people will just shout themselves in the foot with these comments

T5…6 overs in the powerplay, try getting 80 runs for us if you can
 
Professional cricket is not for Asif Ali. Just let him face a bowling machine to hit all those imaginary sixes. Put him on a real cricket pitch and he disintegrates into a timid kitten eager to give his wicket away.
 
He hasn't really had a good domestic season either. No basis for him to be in the T20 side, let alone open when you have Fakhar and Ayub and Rizwan and Farhan
 
Him, Khushdil and Haider looked out of sorts in Asian games against sub international bowling sides.
 
Asad T said:
He hasn't really had a good domestic season either. No basis for him to be in the T20 side, let alone open when you have Fakhar and Ayub and Rizwan and Farhan
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He won two franchise tournaments recently and played a clutch knock in both finals.

He also was the first pick in the Silver category of PSL. So he is in demand to do a job.
 
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