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[VIDEOS/PICTURES] Pakistan announce squad for T20I series against Afghanistan in Sharjah

For Shan Masood, blame Rizwan and Andy flower. They kept him going in the PSL until he scored some cheap runs
 
jattafridi said:
Fans demand why pcb don’t give young players chance

So if Pakistan lose the series they will say that’s why

Babar and Rizwan will continue in t20 master plan from Pcb :))
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PP never changes lol..in twenty years on here the amount of times I've heard this is inumerable lol
 
I’m genuinely so happy today

Itni Khushi

Itni khushi
 
The squad is fairly solid, I must say there are some names that are quite unnecessary if I'm honest. Shan Masood, Mohammad Nawaz & Mohammad Wasim Jnr baffling still being selected. Abbas Afridi deserved selection ahead of Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Nawaz could have been dropped for Usama Mir whereas Shan Masood could have been dropped for maybe Hussain Talat on the bench.

Was surprised Shadab Khan taken despite his poor form and return from injury. I'm happy Tayyab Tahir is retained and hopefully given a go. Not against the retaining of Ifti, he was pretty important in the T20WC, a very good player of spin & with Mubasir & Qasim having poor tounay, it made sense to retain Ifti.

Fakhar Zaman probably should have been selected with his rich form but alas wasn't. Faheem Ashraf selected due his batting form and Pakistan badly needing a pace bowling AR. But I will say I am surprised at the call-up of Zaman Khan, thought he was probably a still a bit green to play for Pakistan, but nonetheless, its T20 so its fine.

I don't think this will be the line-up but I would like to see this XI

1. Saim Ayub
2. Tayyab Tahir
3. Mohammad Haris (WK)
4. Abdullah Shafique
5. Iftikhar Ahmed
6. Imad Wasim
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Shadab Khan (C)
9. Naseem Shah
10. Ihsanullah
11. Zaman Khan

Don't want to see Shan Masood, Mohammad Nawaz & Mohammad Wasim Jnr play. Haven't talked about Azam due to the fact his fitness is a massive concern for me but is a solid player of spin yet awful against pace. I wouldn't be against he play some games but Haris would be my first choice WK.
 
Colorblind Genius said:
Is that because Shan Masood is retained in the side?
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No it’s mainly because Rizwan and Babar are out

And now I feel like I will support a team of Pakistan players and not a team of two individuals wanting to maintain averages and rankings
 
After 3 years

My beloved Pakistan cricket team are back
 
shamaan said:
Exactly I definitely would have included him the squad instead of Shan Masood.
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Blame Rizwan and Andy flower

Shan should have been dropped after 4-5 games in PSL but then he scored his soft runs
 
KingOfPakBreakfast said:
I assume you mean Shan Masood, Ifti and Mo Wasim.

They did perform Reasonably well at the WC. It makes a mockery of selection if they’re dropped just based on PSL performances.
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Their strike rates weren’t great in the World Cup and there isn’t much upside in the future but the selectors wanted some experience in there too.

The question to ask here is are Shan and Iftikhar the best options if the next World Cup is a high scoring one.
 
Finally Pakistan are experimenting with their bench strength and also with worthy upcoming players.

I will say however Iftikhar and Shan Masood should have been dropped.
 
Good to see so many youngsters have been included in the squad but they must make the final xi otherwise its pointless.

I would have not included Shan Masood or Iftikhar in the squad.

I will go with the following.

Saim Ayub
Muhammed Haris
Abdullah Shafique
Tayyab Tahir (good player of spin)
Azam Khan (good player of spin)
Imad Wasim (batting all rounder)
Fahim Ashraf
Shadab Khan
Naseem Shah (If fully fit)
Ihsanullah
Zaman Khan
 
Even if they loose the series they should keep the same squad vs New Zealand.
 
Rana said:
If Imad gave Sharjeel the same chances

I am 20000% sure that Sharjeel would have scored a 40 ball ton at Pindi at least
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Sharjeel is past it we need to look forward and not backwards.
 
shamaan said:
Good to see so many youngsters have been included in the squad but they must make the final xi otherwise its pointless.

I would have not included Shan Masood or Iftikhar in the squad.

I will go with the following.

Saim Ayub
Muhammed Haris
Abdullah Shafique
Tayyab Tahir (good player of spin)
Azam Khan (good player of spin)
Imad Wasim (batting all rounder)
Fahim Ashraf
Shadab Khan
Naseem Shah (If fully fit)
Ihsanullah
Zaman Khan
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+1

Overall, good selection.
 
First match should be
Saim ayoub
M.Harris
Abdullah shafiq
Azam khan(W)
Imad wasim
Iftikhar
Shahdab
Nawaz
Faheem
Ihsanullah
Naseem
 
I like the squad other than Shan who really shouldn’t be there. Faheem also hasn’t done enough w the ball to warrant a spot.

Usama should have been picked in the main squad, glad he’s at least backup.
 
Rana said:
No it’s mainly because Rizwan and Babar are out

And now I feel like I will support a team of Pakistan players and not a team of two individuals wanting to maintain averages and rankings
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they have been rested
 
topspin said:
Finally Pakistan are experimenting with their bench strength and also with worthy upcoming players.

I will say however Iftikhar and Shan Masood should have been dropped.
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chacha is a good player.

Also, Shan has done well in t20 in recent years. Need one accumulator in the squad
 
Cric1234 said:
Their strike rates weren’t great in the World Cup and there isn’t much upside in the future but the selectors wanted some experience in there too.

The question to ask here is are Shan and Iftikhar the best options if the next World Cup is a high scoring one.
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That’s not it.

Theoretically, the highest level is representing Pakistan. Despite Shan, Ifti and Nawaz’s poor PSL form (a lower level of play), they did perform for their country at the highest level.

If you drop them now, you’re saying that Pakistan performances don’t matter. If they have to lose their places, it should be because they didn’t perform for Pakistan.

Their being in the squad is the same as Harry Maguire being picked for the England football squad. He’s dire for Man United but is rarely terrible for England.

For context, I’m personally ready for us to move on from Shan and Ifti, but it needs to be done properly.
 
Good squad except for goob choice of Shan Masood. Though ofc, one goob choice is warranted when the rest of the squad is on point. Ifti is on his way out too but based on him doing just *enough* in the WC I guess it’s ok…

Also, Imad and Faheem have to be relied on as batting ARs. Their bowling isn’t good enough by itself. May be good enough Vs AFG, but not Vs Australia and India .
 
Chacha and Shan will make the XI as seniors.

Saim, Abdullah, Shan, Haris, Azam, Chacha, Shadab, Imad, Naseem, Ihsanullah, Zaman
 
Expected playing 11(not my line up)

Shan
Saim
Haris
Ifti chacha
Azam Khan
Imad
Shadab
Nawaz
Faheem
Naseem
Ishanulllah
 
1. Shan Masood
2. Saim Ayub
3. Muhammad Haris Khan
4. Shadab Khan (c)
5. Azam Khan (wk)
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. Imad Wasim
8. Muhammad Nawaz
9. Muhammad Wasim Jr.
10. Naseem Shah
11. Ihsanullah

I think this is the lineup they will chose, for the first match at least. If it was up to me, I would replace Shan Masood for Abdullah Shafique, and Have Zaman Khan for Muhammad Wasim Jr.

Its a good series to try these new players.
 
I'm in support of player workload management however I also think it's unfair on Afghanistan to face a diluted side. Really demeans the rivalry when you're not putting your best forward. Maybe Afghanistan can rest Rashid.
 
Shan if take out one innings against Bangladesh has mostly failed apart from a few statpadding match losing innings vs England on flat wickets in Pakistan.

That’s not someone who’s been successful for Pakistan similar things can be said for Iftikhar apart from one of two innings he’s mostly failed especially in knockouts and series deciders.

There’s little upside with these two players who fail to deliver when Pakistan needs them 90% of the time and they aren’t the power hitters needed in high scoring matches.

Having Babar Rizwan Shan Abdullah Iftikhar potentially all in the same team will weaken the side and there won’t be such lucky escapes as the one in the World Cup in Australia to qualify all the time.
 
daytrader said:
I'm in support of player workload management however I also think it's unfair on Afghanistan to face a diluted side. Really demeans the rivalry when you're not putting your best forward. Maybe Afghanistan can rest Rashid.
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Even this diluted side is enough for a minnow team.
 
daytrader said:
I'm in support of player workload management however I also think it's unfair on Afghanistan to face a diluted side. Really demeans the rivalry when you're not putting your best forward. Maybe Afghanistan can rest Rashid.
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What about the diluted sides of Australia and England we faced recently? Do you think NZ are going to send out their main team against us next month during the IPL?
 
The upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan comes with the opportunity for the young and exciting domestic cricketers to prove their mettle at the highest level. Its proximity with the HBL Pakistan Super League 8 will ensure the in-form youngsters enter the series with momentum behind them, and establish themselves as reliable options ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year.

Pakistan cricket selectors called up four uncapped players in Ihsanullah, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir and Zaman Khan and recalled Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim after a string of impressive performances.

They will, however, be required to push their limits, when faced with the challenges of international cricket. All-rounder Shadab Khan, who has captained Pakistan once before for a three-T20I series against New Zealand in 2020 and will be standing-in for the upcoming series, feels that his side has what it takes to outshine.

“I am grateful to the Almighty for this opportunity. Representing your country is an honour for any cricketer and to lead it is even a bigger honour so I am very excited and eager to take this role. This is a big responsibility as I will be leading a nation of 220 million people and I will try my best to do justice with it with all the ability that I have.

“I want to congratulate all the youngsters who have gotten selected for this series. Whenever you start in any field, you want to go to the highest level and for a cricketer being selected for Pakistan is the best that they can achieve. This is a young unit and youngsters always bring a different spark and energy, and there is no doubt that this series is going to be very exciting.

“Playing for your country demands the best from everyone and that cannot be achieved unless you continue to push your boundaries and challenging yourself. You need a certain level of skillset to thrive at this level. I am very happy to see how these players have been performing in the HBL PSL and what really has struck me is how they are brimming with confidence under high-pressure environment.

“With our top-tier rested for this series, these cricketers will be able to feel the heat and pressure of competing an international side and fully shoulder the responsibility, something that will hold them in good stead as their careers progress. You need to be more courageous and need to have nerves of steel to stand out in international cricket and this tour will help them attain that.

“In Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, we reliable batters who can carry the top-order. While Abdullah has tasted success in Tests, this is a good opportunity for him to thump his authority in T20Is too. Saim is a brilliant mix of your traditional and modern-day batter as his exquisite strokeplay ensures runs at a faster rate. Tayyab Tahir and Azam Khan are solid batters who can turn the game around with their explosive batting, something the two had been demonstrating in domestic and franchise cricket for a while now. Both have been with the side for a series each in the last two years and it is time for them to step up.

“It is very good to have Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf back. Solid all-rounders are gold for any T20 line-up and their presence provides a good balance as both have performed really well with the bat and ball in their respective departments.

“I am very excited to see how Ihsanullah and Zaman Khan step up. The two fast and fearsome pace bowlers bowl above 140kph and hit perfect lengths. You can use such bowlers at any stage of the innings and I am looking forward to making the most of their presence.

“This is going to be a very exciting series and I am eager for it.”

Pakistan will depart for the United Arab Emirates on 22 March to play Afghanistan in three T20Is at Sharjah on 24, 26 and 27. This is the first instance of the two sides meeting in a bilateral series. Pakistan and Afghanistan have played three T20Is and four One-Day Internationals and Pakistan have come out victorious every time.
 
daytrader said:
I'm in support of player workload management however I also think it's unfair on Afghanistan to face a diluted side. Really demeans the rivalry when you're not putting your best forward. Maybe Afghanistan can rest Rashid.
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Imagine if this side beats Afganistan.
 
Shan and Ifthikar should be nowhere near T20s, let alone international T20s.

It's a good squad, but those two spoil it a little.

Then again it's typical of the PCB to choose supposed 'experienced' players whenever we play a couple of newbies. Hence why I think one, if not both, will likely play these matches.
 
Good positive energy from Shadab instilling confidence, excitement and belief in the credentials of the new players.

He also has an opportunity to showcase his leadership skills and put his name in the frame for white ball leadership should the opportunity arise.
 
Major said:
chacha is a good player.

Also, Shan has done well in t20 in recent years. Need one accumulator in the squad
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You see if you didn't see cricket purely through the lens of Misbah, you wouldn't be saying any of this.

I did approve of Shan's selection for the WT20 in Australia because he had a proven track record in these conditions so he had the know how on batting in such conditions. But more importantly, I also said before the tournament that this should be the last time he plays for Pakistan in the shortest format.

I know chacha scored 2 x good 50s in the WT20 but despite the optimism from the fans (at the time), I had more concerns. If you've watched him bat recently you'll realise his reflexes are deteriorating as he's been beaten for pace against gun barrel straight deliveries which have thumped into his pads resulting in his LBW dismissals.

His T20I career stats aren't that great and he had a very poor PSL which is reflected by his age related decline. I say decline but he was never all that. He was a mediocre player who had a brief purple patch. Be honest, do you approve of him just because he happens to be Misbah's friend? If that's not the case, please explain your rationale.
 
In PSL 8:

Rashid Khan - 15 wickets @ 13.00
Fazalhaq Farooqi - 10 wickets @ 15.20
Azmatullah Omarzai - 7 wickets @ 23.57
Naveen-ul-Haq - 4 wickets @ 39.25
Mujeeb-ur-Rahman - 4 wickets @ 44.75

Won't be a walk in the park but these PSL kids should have experience against Afghan bowlers now.
 
topspin said:
You see if you didn't see cricket purely through the lens of Misbah, you wouldn't be saying any of this.

I did approve of Shan's selection for the WT20 in Australia because he had a proven track record in these conditions so he had the know how on batting in such conditions. But more importantly, I also said before the tournament that this should be the last time he plays for Pakistan in the shortest format.

I know chacha scored 2 x good 50s in the WT20 but despite the optimism from the fans (at the time), I had more concerns. If you've watched him bat recently you'll realise his reflexes are deteriorating as he's been beaten for pace against gun barrel straight deliveries which have thumped into his pads resulting in his LBW dismissals.

His T20I career stats aren't that great and he had a very poor PSL which is reflected by his age related decline. I say decline but he was never all that. He was a mediocre player who had a brief purple patch. Be honest, do you approve of him just because he happens to be Misbah's friend? If that's not the case, please explain your rationale.
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Why only in the shortest format?

Shan Masood is THE WORST OF THE WORST Test batsman we have produced.

His Test stats are worse than the shame we had in the name of Imran Farhat.

He is in the team for so damn long that even I would’ve done better if I was being persisted with for this long.

As we all know, and Salute to this baighairut Sethi who openly confessed it by saying that “giving favors to friends is part of our culture”, that Shan Masood is the ultra parchi in the team.

No wonder he is made the VC of the ODI squad. It’s an utter shame that we have these ultra corrupt and utterly incompetent and unqualified people sitting in the top admin positions.
 
topspin said:
You see if you didn't see cricket purely through the lens of Misbah, you wouldn't be saying any of this.

I did approve of Shan's selection for the WT20 in Australia because he had a proven track record in these conditions so he had the know how on batting in such conditions. But more importantly, I also said before the tournament that this should be the last time he plays for Pakistan in the shortest format.

I know chacha scored 2 x good 50s in the WT20 but despite the optimism from the fans (at the time), I had more concerns. If you've watched him bat recently you'll realise his reflexes are deteriorating as he's been beaten for pace against gun barrel straight deliveries which have thumped into his pads resulting in his LBW dismissals.

His T20I career stats aren't that great and he had a very poor PSL which is reflected by his age related decline. I say decline but he was never all that. He was a mediocre player who had a brief purple patch. Be honest, do you approve of him just because he happens to be Misbah's friend? If that's not the case, please explain your rationale.
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same reflexes got him six sixes. You are telling me in 1 month his reflexes decreased?

The guy has been smashing bowlers in t20, just didnt have a good psl because of the stupid franchise he plays with.
 
Good to see some senior players being rested against a second rate side! Looking forward to seeing Ihsanullah in particular. Wasim jnr should also have been omitted too.
 
PakLFC said:
Good to see some senior players being rested against a second rate side! Looking forward to seeing Ihsanullah in particular. Wasim jnr should also have been omitted too.
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Second rate side how did you work that out. I expect the afgans to beat us
 
Omer2002 said:
Second rate side how did you work that out. I expect the afgans to beat us
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They are still minnows. Other then Rashid no other player is a threat. We will take care off them even with a reserve side.
 
They have 5 goodbatters including gulbaz ..irtuzzzai and shinwari..couple of good allrounders and very good bowlers...it will be v close i say
 
Colorblind Genius said:
Why only in the shortest format?

Shan Masood is THE WORST OF THE WORST Test batsman we have produced.

His Test stats are worse than the shame we had in the name of Imran Farhat.

He is in the team for so damn long that even I would’ve done better if I was being persisted with for this long.

As we all know, and Salute to this baighairut Sethi who openly confessed it by saying that “giving favors to friends is part of our culture”, that Shan Masood is the ultra parchi in the team.

No wonder he is made the VC of the ODI squad. It’s an utter shame that we have these ultra corrupt and utterly incompetent and unqualified people sitting in the top admin positions.
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You are right here Shan hasn’t shown potential in any format he’s not a younger player that is developing for some reason he’s become an all format player whilst showing little in any format.
 
Major said:
same reflexes got him six sixes. You are telling me in 1 month his reflexes decreased?

The guy has been smashing bowlers in t20, just didnt have a good psl because of the stupid franchise he plays with.
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I've asked you to explain your rationale on why he should be included in the Pakistan and in response all you've come up with is a good exhibition innings. Full credit to him for delivering six sixes but it doesn't mean anything if you can't even perform satisfactorily let alone be a world beater in the PSL.

It's ironic that you're blaming his franchise when he's the one who decided to play for himself in their last match against Multan Sultans.

The kind of response you've given is something I'd expect from a parody account.
 
Colorblind Genius said:
Why only in the shortest format?

Shan Masood is THE WORST OF THE WORST Test batsman we have produced.

His Test stats are worse than the shame we had in the name of Imran Farhat.

He is in the team for so damn long that even I would’ve done better if I was being persisted with for this long.

As we all know, and Salute to this baighairut Sethi who openly confessed it by saying that “giving favors to friends is part of our culture”, that Shan Masood is the ultra parchi in the team.

No wonder he is made the VC of the ODI squad. It’s an utter shame that we have these ultra corrupt and utterly incompetent and unqualified people sitting in the top admin positions.
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I know Shan Masood is mediocre but he's better than Imam and Imran Butt. Shan has a good record in Australia, South Africa and England. I can't see Imam and Imran Butt doing anything there. So we have to be careful for what we wish for because Pakistan are a trash test match team.
 
topspin said:
I've asked you to explain your rationale on why he should be included in the Pakistan and in response all you've come up with is a good exhibition innings. Full credit to him for delivering six sixes but it doesn't mean anything if you can't even perform satisfactorily let alone be a world beater in the PSL.

It's ironic that you're blaming his franchise when he's the one who decided to play for himself in their last match against Multan Sultans.

The kind of response you've given is something I'd expect from a parody account.
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i didnt said just only a good exibition match. The guy has performing in domestic tournaments. He destroyed teams in the BPL. He only did not perform in PSL, but he has been performing, he even got runs at MCG
 
Major said:
i didnt said just only a good exibition match. The guy has performing in domestic tournaments. He destroyed teams in the BPL. He only did not perform in PSL, but he has been performing, he even got runs at MCG
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He’s never performed in the PSL averages 19 at a strike rate of 118 in 55 matches.
 
Cric1234 said:
He’s never performed in the PSL averages 19 at a strike rate of 118 in 55 matches.
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He's always been poor in the PSL but according to Major, it's the franchise that is blame for his performance this season.

The only reason Major approves of this player is because he is a good friend of his hero (Misbah).
 
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daytrader said:
I expect us to. We have a talented bunch of youngsters for the format plus fighters like Naseem. Much will depend on Shadab's captaincy
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I think no one is favourites these conditions with suit Afganistan.
 
1. Saim Ayub
2. Mohammad Haris
3. Abdullah Shafique
4. Iftikhar Ahmed
5. Azam Khan (wk)
6. Shadab Khan (c)
7. Imad Wasim
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Naseem Shah
10. Zaman Khan
11. Ihsanullah

I didn't want to put Ifti in but the fact is the middle order options are incredibly weak. The only other way to do it is have Masood opening with Saim and Haris at 4.
 
Firebat said:
1. Saim Ayub
2. Mohammad Haris
3. Abdullah Shafique
4. Iftikhar Ahmed
5. Azam Khan (wk)
6. Shadab Khan (c)
7. Imad Wasim
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Naseem Shah
10. Zaman Khan
11. Ihsanullah

I didn't want to put Ifti in but the fact is the middle order options are incredibly weak. The only other way to do it is have Masood opening with Saim and Haris at 4.
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I hope they do go with the same opening combination as you but i have a feeling Shan will be shunted in there. The parchi is very strong in his selection.
 
Now that all the anchors have been rested, go with all the big hitters up top and fill it out with 5 out of the top six. Ideal opportunity to test the waters and go with new approach. One or two go big and fire, 190-200+ totals beckon each and every time.

Front load it babyyyyyy! [MENTION=140816]reversehook[/MENTION]
 
Firebat said:
1. Saim Ayub
2. Mohammad Haris
3. Abdullah Shafique
4. Iftikhar Ahmed
5. Azam Khan (wk)
6. Shadab Khan (c)
7. Imad Wasim
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Naseem Shah
10. Zaman Khan
11. Ihsanullah

I didn't want to put Ifti in but the fact is the middle order options are incredibly weak. The only other way to do it is have Masood opening with Saim and Haris at 4.
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This should be the line/up in Sharjah. Elsewhere I’d swap out Nawaz for Faheem. I would try Haseebullah in Ifti’s place, but he’s only a reserve for this series.

I think they’ll play with Shan in the top three and Haris at 4.
 
Firebat said:
1. Saim Ayub
2. Mohammad Haris
3. Abdullah Shafique
4. Iftikhar Ahmed
5. Azam Khan (wk)
6. Shadab Khan (c)
7. Imad Wasim
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Naseem Shah
10. Zaman Khan
11. Ihsanullah

I didn't want to put Ifti in but the fact is the middle order options are incredibly weak. The only other way to do it is have Masood opening with Saim and Haris at 4.
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Excellent team.

Like you say, Ifti shouldn't be there so why not swap him for Haseebullah?
 
The Afghanistan series couldn't have come at a worse place and a worse opposition for guys like Saim, Haris, Shafique, Azam. There is a 90% chance all of the four will fail.

When they fail, Pakistani fans need not go out and berate them. The selectors need to stick with them and not discard them after their failure against Afghanistan.

What these 4 guys need is a series in Pindi so that they are able to showcase their talent on the international stage. Sharjah pitches are simply awful.
 
I am not sure why Abbas Afridi was not selected.Naseem Shah should have rested and Abbas could have taken his place.
 
shariqnoor said:
The Afghanistan series couldn't have come at a worse place and a worse opposition for guys like Saim, Haris, Shafique, Azam. There is a 90% chance all of the four will fail.

When they fail, Pakistani fans need not go out and berate them. The selectors need to stick with them and not discard them after their failure against Afghanistan.

What these 4 guys need is a series in Pindi so that they are able to showcase their talent on the international stage. Sharjah pitches are simply awful.
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I agree those pitches are a disgrace to say the least. They all should be persisted with specially the like of Saim, Haris and Abdullah Shafique. I still have my reservations about azam khan but he surely does deserve a go.
 
topspin said:
Excellent team.

Like you say, Ifti shouldn't be there so why not swap him for Haseebullah?
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IMO, lower order at 6,7 and 8 is weak despite Imad's good PSL, its basically 6 bowlers in that team, need to buff it up a bit with more batsmen. That's why I would like have seen some other batsmen that had a good PSL like Usman Khan given a go.
 
Kroll said:
IMO, lower order at 6,7 and 8 is weak despite Imad's good PSL, its basically 6 bowlers in that team, need to buff it up a bit with more batsmen. That's why I would like have seen some other batsmen that had a good PSL like Usman Khan given a go.
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You not sold on Imad playing as a specialist batsman?

I would order 6,7 and 8 differently because having Shadab come in before Imad would certainly make the batting look weaker than what it actually is.

Imad should come in at 6, Nawaz at 7 and Shadab at 8. I don't rate Shadab the batsman.
 
topspin said:
You not sold on Imad playing as a specialist batsman?

I would order 6,7 and 8 differently because having Shadab come in before Imad would certainly make the batting look weaker than what it actually is.

Imad should come in at 6, Nawaz at 7 and Shadab at 8. I don't rate Shadab the batsman.
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Imad knew he had to be focused and consequently played out of his skin to get back in the team to which he succeeded. I would still play him as all-rounder but not specialist.

Ideally I wouldn't play all three preferring Imad and Shadab or drop a pacer for Nawaz if wanting heavy spin attack, but the way the squad has been selected, they've left it thin with batsmen.

So in order to keep a similar team, I would keep Imad at 7, drop Nawaz and replace with Shadab at 8 and another batsman can play at 6, shuffling the batting order if need be. Like you said, I'd remove Ifti as well and give someone else a go.
 
Kroll said:
Imad knew he had to be focused and consequently played out of his skin to get back in the team to which he succeeded. I would still play him as all-rounder but not specialist.

Ideally I wouldn't play all three preferring Imad and Shadab or drop a pacer for Nawaz if wanting heavy spin attack, but the way the squad has been selected, they've left it thin with batsmen.

So in order to keep a similar team, I would keep Imad at 7, drop Nawaz and replace with Shadab at 8 and another batsman can play at 6, shuffling the batting order if need be. Like you said, I'd remove Ifti as well and give someone else a go.
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The problem is there isn't a better lower order hitter than Imad. He's not just a finisher, he's a proper batsman. You don't average 40+ in ODIs and FC without being a decent with the bat.

Asif Ali is one option but he's not better than Imad. He's a superior ball striker but his poor batting IQ and his inability to build an innings leaves a lot to be desired.

Imad is a batting all-rounder. He should be treated as a part time spinner. Nawaz is a better at spinning the ball and therefore a more potent bowler for taking wickets. Shadab is an excellent defensive spinner who can keep things tight. So I think him and Nawaz complement each other well.

With Pakistan's first team, it will look a bit more promising because 6,7 and 8 will feature Shaheen. He should come in at 8 and I'd have Shadab batting at 9.
 
Last edited:
Fenrir said:
I am not sure why Abbas Afridi was not selected.Naseem Shah should have rested and Abbas could have taken his place.
Click to expand...

Too many of our fast bowlers have barely played FC cricket. I don't think we should pick too many raw bowlers. Ihsanullah is having his time while Abbas can continue to cook in domestics.
 
Resting seniors and playing youngsters is a great initiative. Must give Sethi 10/10 for this.

If PCB and senior players want Pakistan team to improve and become world beaters, then all parties must support this kind of initiative.

and yes I agree it is time to move on from Ifti and Shan.
 
Caved12 said:
Resting seniors and playing youngsters is a great initiative. Must give Sethi 10/10 for this.

If PCB and senior players want Pakistan team to improve and become world beaters, then all parties must support this kind of initiative.

and yes I agree it is time to move on from Ifti and Shan.
Click to expand...

They should do the same for the NZ home series too
 
topspin said:
Excellent team.

Like you say, Ifti shouldn't be there so why not swap him for Haseebullah?
Click to expand...

Haseebullah is not in the 15-man squad so it's a moot point. Besides, in a batting lineup of kids it might be mildly useful to have a batter who's played a few, especially in a pressure situation. Saim and Haris frequently credited Babar for helping them while they were at the crease.

Ifti and Imad will have to play that role in this side.
 
Caved12 said:
Don't like Sharjah pitches, so yes we must give our youngsters a chance to play home games as well.
Click to expand...

100%

Give them 8 matches in the space of a month instead of 3 and then drop them all so Babar/Rizwan/Shaheen and Rauf can come back
 
[MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] but won't happen as I am sure seniors will start crying and will force their way back. btw I am only talking about the T20 series
 
Caved12 said:
[MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] but won't happen as I am sure seniors will start crying and will force their way back. btw I am only talking about the T20 series
Click to expand...

Me too

They can cry as much as they want about ODI and Test. You can’t hide agendas and friendships in those two formats that expose them
 
Rana said:
Me too

They can cry as much as they want about ODI and Test. You can’t hide agendas and friendships in those two formats that expose them
Click to expand...

I think Sethi is a no nonsense guy when it comes to cricket and is hell-bent on finishing this dosti yaari culture
 
Pakistan's strongest T20 XI going forward:

Ayub
Babar
Haris
Rizwan
Shafique
Fakhar
Imad Wasim
Shaheen
Mir
Ihsanullah
Zaman khan

Reserves:
Azam khan
Shadab
Nawaz
Abbas Afridi
 
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