[VIDEOS/PICTURES] Pakistan's ACC Asia Cup 2022 campaign

[MenInG]

Lahore, 3 August 2022: Pakistan today announced its 16-player squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League fixtures against the Netherlands from 16-21 August and a 15-member side for the ACC T20 Asia Cup, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates from 27 August to 11 September.

Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been named in both the squads in place of Hasan Ali, while Salman Ali Agha, who toured England in 2021 for the ODIs, has been recalled. Shaheen Shah Afridi has been retained in the ODI and T20I squads, and his rehabilitation programme will be overseen by the team trainer and physiotherapist, who will also decide on his return to international cricket.

There will be five changes from the Netherlands ODI squad to the ACC T20 Asia Cup side. Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood will be replaced by Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed and Usman Qadir.

Squad:

Pakistan squad for ACC T20 Asia Cup - Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Shadab Khan (vice-captain) (Northern), Asif Ali (Northern), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Haider Ali (Northern), Haris Rauf (Northern), Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Mohammad Rizwan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Naseem Shah (Southern Punjab), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh) and Usman Qadir (Central Punjab)

Player Support Personnel: Mansoor Rana (manager), Saqlain Mushtaq (head coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant to head coach), Mohammad Yousuf (batting coach), Shaun Tait (bowling coach), Drikus Simmon (trainer/strength & conditioning coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Ibrahim Badees (media and digital manager), Lt Col (retd) Asif Mahmood (team security manager), Talha Ejaz (team analyst), Malang Ali (team masseur) and Dr Najeebullah Soomro (team doctor). Col Muhammad Imran will replace Lt Col Asif Mahmood as team security manager for the ACC T20I Asia Cup.

Chief selector Muhammad Wasim: “We have only made changes that were necessary. Both the competitions are important for us and, as such, we have picked our best available players in consultation with the captain and head coach.

“Hasan has been given a break from international cricket and he has been replaced by Naseem Shah. He is express fast and can give further impetus to the fast bowling department, which already boasts Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shahnawaz Dahani. Naseem has not played any international white-ball cricket, but he has demonstrated with the red-ball that he is an attacking option with good pace and controlled swing.

“Salman Ali Agha has been recalled to the ODI side after he performed well in the past two Pakistan Cup tournaments, averaging 40.33 and 48.8, respectively. He also gives Babar Azam an additional bowling option.”

The training camp for the players will be held in Lahore from 6-11 August, during which they will also play two 50-over matches. The side will depart for Amsterdam in the wee hours of Friday, 12 August. T20I players will join the squad in Dubai for the ACC T20 Asia Cup on 22 August.


ACC T20 Asia Cup

Group A – India, Pakistan and Qualifier (one of UAE, Kuwait and Hong Kong to qualify)

Group B – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka

28 Aug – Pakistan v India, Dubai

2 Sep – Pakistan v Qualifier, Sharjah

3-9 Sep – Super Four Stage

11 Sep – Final, Dubai

 

[ChTab]

Finally we got rid of leeches like Hassan & Malik. But I think both of them will be back for WT20*

 

[Cric1234]

The team is more suited to UAE conditions but in Australia it will be tough to win against the best teams in high scoring matches the batting doesn’t look strong enough.

Hopefully they can win the Asia Cup as it’s a lot easier to qualify for the final here Sri Lanka will be a threat to India and Pakistan.

 

[Sunny_majoka]

The team is more suited to UAE conditions but in Australia it will be tough to win against the best teams in high scoring matches the batting doesn’t look strong enough.

Hopefully they can win the Asia Cup as it’s a lot easier to qualify for the final here Sri Lanka will be a threat to India and Pakistan.

Just like it was easier in 2018

 

[Cric1234]

Just like it was easier in 2018

The toss could play a part chasing might be easier like in the World Cup but here under ideal conditions with a full strength team it’s a failure not to make the final.

In Australia it’s a lot harder different pitches high scoring matches tougher opponents looks a struggle unless a few changes are made to the batting lineup still it won’t be easy.

 

[adi_62941]

Who will bat in middle overs i wonder?

 

[ARK Rafay]

The team is more suited to UAE conditions but in Australia it will be tough to win against the best teams in high scoring matches the batting doesn’t look strong enough.

Hopefully they can win the Asia Cup as it’s a lot easier to qualify for the final here Sri Lanka will be a threat to India and Pakistan.

I think this batting XI can do great in Australia. Iftikhar and Rizwan showed they can score runs in Australian and New Zealand conditions before. I believe Haider Ali can come up as the young star of the world cup for Pakistan, he find his feet back and regain his confidence.

 

[Marooned]

Thankfully, they've dropped Hasan. That's a relief! Dahani should be a clear cut 1st 11 player now.

Naseem did well in psl and is a fair shout but I personally think he is more suited to tests/odis.

Hoping Dahani and Haider get maximum chance to cement their place.

It's a decent squad overall.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Imad Wasim should have been there instead of Usman Qadir, but other than that, a good squad.

Hopefully Dahani and Naseem Shah will get a place in the starting eleven.

 

[Marooned]

1.Babar
2. Rizwan
3. Fakhar
4. Haider
5. Ifti
6. Khushdil/Asif
7. Nawaz
8. Shadab
9. Shaheen
10. Rauf
11. Dahani


Ifti is a decent shout considering WC is in Australia.

Dahani should start over Waseem.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

1. Babar Azam
2. Mohammad Rizwan
3. Fakhar Zaman
4. Iftikhar Ahmed
5. Shadab Khan
6. Khushdil Shah
7. Asif Ali
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi
10. Haris Rauf
11. Shahnawaz Dahani


Best eleven I can think of.

 

[Shafi]

How this Abdul Majed keep retaining his fielding coach job? Same goes with Saqlain instead of Shahid Aslam.

 

[Shafi]

Why we have fake Head coach and Assistant coach? If PCB is serious to stay save $$$ 1 coach is enough.

 

[Cric1234]

I think this batting XI can do great in Australia. Iftikhar and Rizwan showed they can score runs in Australian and New Zealand conditions before. I believe Haider Ali can come up as the young star of the world cup for Pakistan, he find his feet back and regain his confidence.

Let’s hope so but it looks a tough ask to win 4-5 matches in a row where 180 190 is a par score the other teams will be at full strength and batsmen who have plenty of T20 experience.

 

[Titan24]

Strong squad.

A backup all rounder in Imad would have been handy (Considering we would want batting at atleast 8 and Only Shadab and Nawaz at the moment are capable of that) but don't mind Qadir as well considering he has done well in whatever opportunities he has gotten in T20Is.

I guess Khusdhil's bowling performances in PSL have given that extra comfort as well to go for a specialist leggy over Imad.

 

[Shafi]

Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali and Usman Qadir (another parchi got selected through his father's reputation who failed to get anywhere even in Australia local teams), Salman Aga and Zahid Mahmood are poor selection. We should include 2 batsmen and a bowler.

 

[Ahmed216]

1. Babar Azam
2. Mohammad Rizwan
3. Fakhar Zaman
4. Iftikhar Ahmed
5. Shadab Khan
6. Khushdil Shah
7. Asif Ali
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi
10. Haris Rauf
11. Shahnawaz Dahani


Best eleven I can think of.

Include anyone in place of asif ali it will be even better

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Include anyone in place of asif ali it will be even better

You talking about the same Asif Ali who has one of the highest strike-rates in the world during the death overs, and played clutch, match-winning knocks for Pakistan in the World Cup against New Zealand and Afghanistan?

 

[Bewal Express]

The best squad available on form but looks pretty weak

 

[zarak]

1. Babar Azam
2. Mohammad Rizwan
3. Fakhar Zaman
4. Iftikhar Ahmed
5. Shadab Khan
6. Khushdil Shah
7. Asif Ali
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi
10. Haris Rauf
11. Shahnawaz Dahani


Best eleven I can think of.

Looks quite solid. Five proper bowlers. I am not sure about Ifti at number four though.

 

[Rana]

1. Babar Azam
2. Mohammad Rizwan
3. Fakhar Zaman
4. Iftikhar Ahmed
5. Shadab Khan
6. Khushdil Shah
7. Asif Ali
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi
10. Haris Rauf
11. Shahnawaz Dahani


Best eleven I can think of.

Naseem is a better new ball bowler in T20 than Dahani. He can be crucial for Pakistan to get 5-6 overs in during the powerplay alongside Shaheen

Hassan and Rauf leak runs in the powerplay

 

[Ahmed216]

You talking about the same Asif Ali who has one of the highest strike-rates in the world during the death overs, and played clutch, match-winning knocks for Pakistan in the World Cup against New Zealand and Afghanistan?

Oh sorry I forgot how devastating he can be. After all he hit the GOAT karim jannat for 4 sixes in a WC match.
A prolific run getter who averages 17 after 39 games. Has all the shots in the book but somehow ends up slogging every ball towards mid wicket

 

[Titan24]

Oh sorry I forgot how devastating he can be. After all he hit the GOAT karim jannat for 4 sixes in a WC match.
A prolific run getter who averages 17 after 39 games. Has all the shots in the book but somehow ends up slogging every ball towards mid wicket

He also hit Boult and Southee WT20. Yes he surely needs to be more consistent but, thing is we need to understand the core expertise of the players and have expectations from them accordingly. Asif's role is to bat 6-15 balls at max in an ideal scenario and score at a SR of 160-200 which in the end can make a huge difference in a T20 match. Very few players that can start going from the 2nd, 3rd ball around and Pak has not much other such options.

Considering our decent batting depth in LOIs, we can afford a specialist hitter like him I believe.

 

[Rana]

Oh sorry I forgot how devastating he can be. After all he hit the GOAT karim jannat for 4 sixes in a WC match.
A prolific run getter who averages 17 after 39 games. Has all the shots in the book but somehow ends up slogging every ball towards mid wicket

Pakistan are way better off playing and hoping for Hassan Ali to perform instead of picking another useless accumulator who may score some runs but have no impact on the wider range of the game.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Naseem is a better new ball bowler in T20 than Dahani. He can be crucial for Pakistan to get 5-6 overs in during the powerplay alongside Shaheen

Hassan and Rauf leak runs in the powerplay

I could go for either Dahani or Naseem tbh.

Rauf is one of our best best bowlers. You don't necessarily have to bowl him in the powerplay. His strength is the death overs and he can be handy in the middle overs too.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Oh sorry I forgot how devastating he can be. After all he hit the GOAT karim jannat for 4 sixes in a WC match.
A prolific run getter who averages 17 after 39 games. Has all the shots in the book but somehow ends up slogging every ball towards mid wicket

His role is not to maintain a Bradmanesque average. He has a very specific role which is to add 25-30 runs in the death overs. And he has excelled at it considering the high probability of failure that comes with that role.

It's not about smashing Karim Janat for four sixes. Its about smashing four sixes when the team needs it most. Oh and btw it wasn't just Karim Janat, it was Boult and Southee too.

I think you are maybe watching the wrong format if you seriously think his average is his biggest detriment.

 

[msb314]

The batting is the weakest I’ve ever seen…

We have no one after Fakhar - and even he is poor in UAE conditions lol!

I do not trust Haider, Shadab, Khushdil or Iftikhar to handle any sort of pressure if early wickets fall

 

[Marooned]

Naseem is a better new ball bowler in T20 than Dahani. He can be crucial for Pakistan to get 5-6 overs in during the powerplay alongside Shaheen

Hassan and Rauf leak runs in the powerplay

Dahani does well with the new ball too whenever he has got it.
Overall too, Dahani is a better white ball bowler. Tremendous bouncer and yorker.

Attack of Shaheen-Dahani-Rauf is very potent and will be a handful for any team imo.

 

[Marooned]

The batting is the weakest I’ve ever seen…

We have no one after Fakhar - and even he is poor in UAE conditions lol!

I do not trust Haider, Shadab, Khushdil or Iftikhar to handle any sort of pressure if early wickets fall

We've got to trust Haider and play him as much as possible to make him ready for WC. He was pretty amazing in his last series(WI).

 

[msb314]

Looks quite solid. Five proper bowlers. I am not sure about Ifti at number four though.

I would rather play Nawaz at 4 then Ifti

 

[CricketingMinds]

Wow... A Middle order consisting of Haider, Iftikhar, Asif and Khushdil surely makes the opposition shiver in fear!

 

[Ahmed216]

His role is not to maintain a Bradmanesque average. He has a very specific role which is to add 25-30 runs in the death overs. And he has excelled at it considering the high probability of failure that comes with that role.

It's not about smashing Karim Janat for four sixes. Its about smashing four sixes when the team needs it most. Oh and btw it wasn't just Karim Janat, it was Boult and Southee too.

I think you are maybe watching the wrong format if you seriously think his average is his biggest detriment.

Actually I think his average is not his biggest deterrent. Its his inability to pick the right balls to slog towards mid wicket. Inability to read the game situation and play accordingly. Averages do tell a story bro it shows how little time he spends at the crease.
The number of innings he's been unable to finish is staggering.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

I would have played an experimental squad in a meaningless tournament like Asia Cup.

It affords regular team a break, gives the newbies international exposure and sets Pakistan up for wider bench than the same faces we have been seeing rotating for years. Not one new face.

 

[Ahmed216]

Pakistan are way better off playing and hoping for Hassan Ali to perform instead of picking another useless accumulator who may score some runs but have no impact on the wider range of the game.

Do u mean Asif Ali is an impact player?? I mean what impact he's had in international cricket other than WC game against minnows and couple of sixes against not so great death bowlers Boult and Southee. Must have played close to 70-80 LOI'S. I think other hack haider ali can do much better if given such a long rope

 

[Ahmed216]

He also hit Boult and Southee WT20. Yes he surely needs to be more consistent but, thing is we need to understand the core expertise of the players and have expectations from them accordingly. Asif's role is to bat 6-15 balls at max in an ideal scenario and score at a SR of 160-200 which in the end can make a huge difference in a T20 match. Very few players that can start going from the 2nd, 3rd ball around and Pak has not much other such options.

Considering our decent batting depth in LOIs, we can afford a specialist hitter like him I believe.

Specially hitter has been given enough oppotunities but has disappointed almost every time. We need to move on to next hack

 

[Barragan]

wasim jnr and qadir are absolutely trash picks.

The rest seems fine.

 

[PerfectionPersonified]

wasim jnr and qadir are absolutely trash picks.

The rest seems fine.

in UAE conditions, Qadir is trash ???

 

[shaz619]

Sarfraz Ahmed needs to be in the squad for his world class diet

 

[Titan24]

wasim jnr and qadir are absolutely trash picks.

The rest seems fine.

Wasim Jr has been one of the best pacer with older ball for Pakistan in last few months.

Averages 23 in ODIs and 15 in T20I cricket with the ball currently. Decent consistent pace and can bat a bit too alongside being a dependable fielder generally.

 

[Nasty Naz]

I like the squads for both. Glad to see Iftikhar & Haider back in T20 squad and I think Iftikhar is going to be useful in Australia. He performed really well last time Pakistan toured there and I am optimistic Haider Ali can still figure it out. I don't really like Asif Ali pick but I can see why they picked him with the lack of power on the team.

As for the ODI's, I am glad to see Haris retained instead of being dropped after a couple of matches. Give the youngster a longer run to show what he can do. Salman being included in the squad makes sense too given him track record in List A. He should be able to bat at 5 or 6 and provide Pakistan with a much needed right arm off-spin option.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Malik over iftikhar any day.

 

[Omer2002]

Malik should have been there as he can bowl and is experienced over Ifty any day.

 

[nextover666666]

Malik should have been there as he can bowl and is experienced over Ifty any day.

Malik would be ideal for UAE condition not australian. So i wouldnt mind him playing asia cup but would not select him for world cup

 

[nextover666666]

Dahani does well with the new ball too whenever he has got it.
Overall too, Dahani is a better white ball bowler. Tremendous bouncer and yorker.

Attack of Shaheen-Dahani-Rauf is very potent and will be a handful for any team imo.

This attack of shaheen dahani and rauf can be really good for both conditions espically Australia however I think the think tank will select
Rauf - Shaheen- and wasim jr or naseem shah as main attack.

 

[Nasty Naz]

This attack of shaheen dahani and rauf can be really good for both conditions espically Australia however I think the think tank will select
Rauf - Shaheen- and wasim jr or naseem shah as main attack.

I think they can go 4 seamers in Australia since I am not sure how useful the spinners will be. Shaheen/Rauf/Dahani/Wasim Jr is a pretty strong attack with Wasim being handy enough to bat at #8. Shadab would be the lone spinner in that scenario with Khushdil & Iftikhar as 6/7th bowling option if needed.

Outside of Usman Qadir, they have selected the squad geared towards Australia conditions which is good to see. There's a bunch of T20's coming up and I hope they give Iftikhar/Haider/Khushdil plenty of reps to keep improving. It's not a great middle order and never will be with the options Pakistan have but I think this is the best they can do at the moment.

 

[Marooned]

This attack of shaheen dahani and rauf can be really good for both conditions espically Australia however I think the think tank will select
Rauf - Shaheen- and wasim jr or naseem shah as main attack.

Yeah I see that happening too but I hope not. Not saying Naseem and Wasim are bad (I like them both) but Dahani is the above them both imo.
He will add so much to this team especially alongside Shaheen. They haven't played together yet. The world isn't ready for it.

 

[Marooned]

I think they can go 4 seamers in Australia since I am not sure how useful the spinners will be. Shaheen/Rauf/Dahani/Wasim Jr is a pretty strong attack with Wasim being handy enough to bat at #8. Shadab would be the lone spinner in that scenario with Khushdil & Iftikhar as 6/7th bowling option if needed.

Outside of Usman Qadir, they have selected the squad geared towards Australia conditions which is good to see. There's a bunch of T20's coming up and I hope they give Iftikhar/Haider/Khushdil plenty of reps to keep improving. It's not a great middle order and never will be with the options Pakistan have but I think this is the best they can do at the moment.

Yeah, probably 4 seamers is what we will see in most games and I like how our (Hasan-less) attack looks.

I agree with the part about giving Haider and Ifti enough chances. We have to show faith in Haider. He is our best upcoming batting talent and has shown what he can do in t20is already.
Nawaz should be given more batting chances too so that we know exactly where he stands. He has looked good in bits so far.

 

[nextover666666]

Yeah I see that happening too but I hope not. Not saying Naseem and Wasim are bad (I like them both) but Dahani is the above them both imo.
He will add so much to this team especially alongside Shaheen. They haven't played together yet. The world isn't ready for it.

I agree with this 100 percent.
I like Naseem and Wasim Jr ( he does have a habit) of taking wickets, but Dahani is better than both

 

[Amjid Javed]

T20 squad middle order batting filled with Talentless hacks

come the T20 world cup unless babar and rizwan fire it will be embarrasing

 

[MenInG]

Aaqib Javed:

"Pakistan doesn't have a replacement for Shoaib Malik. He perfectly fits at the No.4 spot. Tell me is there anyone apart from him?"

"I have been saying this for a long time now that Shan Masood should be tested at this position. Viewing grounds of Australia, a batter playing proper cricketing shots would succeed there"

"Iftikhar Ahmed is in and out for last five years and has not made an impact while Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali is one-dimensional players," said the former Pakistan cricketer.

 

[Faiz1978]

Aaqib Javed:

"Pakistan doesn't have a replacement for Shoaib Malik. He perfectly fits at the No.4 spot. Tell me is there anyone apart from him?"

"I have been saying this for a long time now that Shan Masood should be tested at this position. Viewing grounds of Australia, a batter playing proper cricketing shots would succeed there"

"Iftikhar Ahmed is in and out for last five years and has not made an impact while Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali is one-dimensional players," said the former Pakistan cricketer.

Shan Masood ko Babar ne nahin khilana wo chahe jo kar le. its something personal

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Actually I think his average is not his biggest deterrent. Its his inability to pick the right balls to slog towards mid wicket. Inability to read the game situation and play accordingly. Averages do tell a story bro it shows how little time he spends at the crease.
The number of innings he's been unable to finish is staggering.

Like I said, the probability of failure that comes with that role is very high. There are only a handful of finishers in the world who even deliver in that role consistently. And when it comes to Pakistan, there is quite literally no one better than Asif Ali. So unless you have someone better to suggest, there is literally no point to your entire argument.

FYI here are some cold hard stats. Since 2018, Asif Ali's SR in the death overs is 195 in T20Is (second only to Andre Russell) and prior to the last PSL his SR in the death overs in PSL was 210.

Instead of being a typical ungrateful Pakistani fan just be glad that you have a clean hitter who possesses the ability to bring you back from any position if he gets going. Also, if beating Afghanistan was so easy than we wouldn't have won the match in the last two overs.

 

[Marooned]

Aaqib Javed:

"Pakistan doesn't have a replacement for Shoaib Malik. He perfectly fits at the No.4 spot. Tell me is there anyone apart from him?"

"I have been saying this for a long time now that Shan Masood should be tested at this position. Viewing grounds of Australia, a batter playing proper cricketing shots would succeed there"

"Iftikhar Ahmed is in and out for last five years and has not made an impact while Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali is one-dimensional players," said the former Pakistan cricketer.

No. 4 spot should go to Haider Ali.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Aaqib Javed:

"Pakistan doesn't have a replacement for Shoaib Malik. He perfectly fits at the No.4 spot. Tell me is there anyone apart from him?"

"I have been saying this for a long time now that Shan Masood should be tested at this position. Viewing grounds of Australia, a batter playing proper cricketing shots would succeed there"

"Iftikhar Ahmed is in and out for last five years and has not made an impact while Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali is one-dimensional players," said the former Pakistan cricketer.

LOL Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali are literally the only two guys who have actually finished off games for Pakistan in the last two years. But ofcourse they are hacks and one-dimensional players. I doubt there are more ungrateful fans and ex-cricketers anywhere in the world than in Pakistan.

For a side, whose idea of a finisher for decades was Shahid Afridi (LOL!), you would think these people would be grateful that we finally have two guys who possess a brain and can be molded into even better players but, no.

 

[Ahmed216]

Like I said, the probability of failure that comes with that role is very high. There are only a handful of finishers in the world who even deliver in that role consistently. And when it comes to Pakistan, there is quite literally no one better than Asif Ali. So unless you have someone better to suggest, there is literally no point to your entire argument.

FYI here are some cold hard stats. Since 2018, Asif Ali's SR in the death overs is 195 in T20Is (second only to Andre Russell) and prior to the last PSL his SR in the death overs in PSL was 210.

Instead of being a typical ungrateful Pakistani fan just be glad that you have a clean hitter who possesses the ability to bring you back from any position if he gets going. Also, if beating Afghanistan was so easy than we wouldn't have won the match in the last two overs.

Haider ali is the alternative. Slightly better than the blind slogger Asif.Give 60 odd games to him he'll do better than just hitting karim janat the GOAT for 4 sixes. And he'll average a lot more than 20 playing at the same position that Asif does
And yes m not a grateful pak fan like u who will go to any length to defend mediocrity. I've seen u do it with Azhar Ali as well.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Aaqib Javed:

"Pakistan doesn't have a replacement for Shoaib Malik. He perfectly fits at the No.4 spot. Tell me is there anyone apart from him?"

"I have been saying this for a long time now that Shan Masood should be tested at this position. Viewing grounds of Australia, a batter playing proper cricketing shots would succeed there"

"Iftikhar Ahmed is in and out for last five years and has not made an impact while Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali is one-dimensional players," said the former Pakistan cricketer.

If it was up to former Pakistani players, they would form a team full of accumulators to put 140-150 runs and then blame the bowlers for not being able to defend a low target.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Asif Ali will always get alot of stick because more often than not he will fail. That's just the nature of the role he is given. If smashing 30 off 12 was that easy than we would have an abundance of players boasting averages over 40 and strike-rates over 190. But in reality, that is simply not the case.

What Asif Ali does possess though is the ability to hit the ball cleanly and the mindset to go for it when the situation demands it. He will be outsmarted and he will get out cheaply but when he will deliver those 30 off 12 or 34 off 15, it will be a thing of beauty. And the same fans who are deriding him right now will be praising him. I know, because I was one of them. Fact is Pakistan does not have anyone who can bat at that tempo with that kind of clean-hitting ability. Maybe Khushdil can be molded in that role but right now, he is not there.

The challenge for Asif Ali right now is to try and maximize those 30 off 12 and minimize those 4 off 2 or 12 off 5. If he can do that then he will easily become one of the best finishers in the world.

 

[Kroll]

1.Babar
2. Rizwan
3. Fakhar
4. Haider
5. Ifti
6. Khushdil/Asif
7. Nawaz
8. Shadab
9. Shaheen
10. Rauf
11. Dahani


Ifti is a decent shout considering WC is in Australia.

Dahani should start over Waseem.

Iftikhar is an extremely bad shout. He had a decent series last time out in Australia but that was a few years ago and has been poor ever since. The guy can't field either and in T20's, the ability to field is a bare minimum for selection unless you're an ATG batsman or bowler.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Haider ali is the alternative. Slightly better than the blind slogger Asif.Give 60 odd games to him he'll do better than just hitting karim janat the GOAT for 4 sixes. And he'll average a lot more than 20 playing at the same position that Asif does
And yes m not a grateful pak fan like u who will go to any length to defend mediocrity. I've seen u do it with Azhar Ali as well.

LOL here we go again. I just know the other person has absolutely nothing of substance to say when they bring in Azhar Ali to a completely unrelated thread. Read the title of the thread again if you have trouble staying on topic.

And incase you forgot, Haider Ali is a middle-order/top-order batter who has either played as an opener for Pakistan or at No.4. In domestic he either plays in the opening spot or at 3 for Northern.

Here are Haider Ali's numbers for Peshawar Zalmi from last season when he played in the finisher role (No.6) that you want him to play in: 9 matches, 152 runs, Avg: 21.71, SR: 116.

And are you seriously scoffing at Asif Ali because he hit Karim Janat for four sixes? As if there is anyone else in that team that could have done the same thing lol. And I don't know why you keep forgetting, but he smashed Boult and Southee too.

Averages are completely meaningless in T20s if you are batting below 4 or 5. All that matters is your SR.

Instead of advocating players you personally like and dislike maybe try and pay some attention to cold hard facts and numbers next time. Maybe then your opinions won't be so out of touch with reality.

 

[Marooned]

Iftikhar is an extremely bad shout. He had a decent series last time out in Australia but that was a few years ago and has been poor ever since. The guy can't field either and in T20's, the ability to field is a bare minimum for selection unless you're an ATG batsman or bowler.

He is strong on the backfoot, perhaps stronger than any other pakistan batsman. That is why he succeeded in Aus, and that is why I think he is a decent option.

 

[sweep_shot]

Strong squad.

Group stage for Pakistan looks quite easy. They have India and one associate (no Afghanistan or Sri Lanka).

 

[Marooned]

LOL here we go again. I just know the other person has absolutely nothing of substance to say when they bring in Azhar Ali to a completely unrelated thread. Read the title of the thread again if you have trouble staying on topic.

And incase you forgot, Haider Ali is a middle-order/top-order batter who has either played as an opener for Pakistan or at No.4. In domestic he either plays in the opening spot or at 3 for Northern.

Here are Haider Ali's numbers for Peshawar Zalmi from last season when he played in the finisher role (No.6) that you want him to play in: 9 matches, 152 runs, Avg: 21.71, SR: 116.

And are you seriously scoffing at Asif Ali because he hit Karim Janat for four sixes? As if there is anyone else in that team that could have done the same thing lol. And I don't know why you keep forgetting, but he smashed Boult and Southee too.

Averages are completely meaningless in T20s if you are batting below 4 or 5. All that matters is your SR.

Instead of advocating players you personally like and dislike maybe try and pay some attention to cold hard facts and numbers next time. Maybe then your opinions won't be so out of touch with reality.

Yep, Haider should play at 4 and the 2 aren't in direct competition( there's room for both).

Asif Ali has a very specific role and hit and miss performances are expected but he still needs more consistency.
That said, his 2 huge performances in WC have earned him a place in squad for now. It might only be 2 games, only 7 sixes but those were big big knocks. Immensely ballsy.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Strong squad.

Group stage for Pakistan looks quite easy. They have India and one associate (no Afghanistan or Sri Lanka).

Group stage is a joke lol. You have to win one match to go through. ACC probably did it deliberately to get two India-Pakistan matches out of this tournament.

 

[Barragan]

in UAE conditions, Qadir is trash ???

Yes!!

He is pure trash and only gets selected because of Babar.

Wasim Jr has been one of the best pacer with older ball for Pakistan in last few months.

Averages 23 in ODIs and 15 in T20I cricket with the ball currently. Decent consistent pace and can bat a bit too alongside being a dependable fielder generally.

Aside from BD and that game against Aus B side, he has gone at 9+ runs an over.

He can't even land the yorker most times and is there for the taking, especially against full fledged sides during the T20 WC.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

The batting is the weakest I’ve ever seen…

We have no one after Fakhar - and even he is poor in UAE conditions lol!

I do not trust Haider, Shadab, Khushdil or Iftikhar to handle any sort of pressure if early wickets fall

No worries Asif ali is there

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yep, Haider should play at 4 and the 2 aren't in direct competition( there's room for both).

Asif Ali has a very specific role and hit and miss performances are expected but he still needs more consistency.
That said, his 2 huge performances in WC have earned him a place in squad for now. It might only be 2 games, only 7 sixes but those were big big knocks. Immensely ballsy.

Absolutely. Undoubtedly he needs to be more consistent and improve his shot selection. He is a long way off from being considered among the best in the world in that role. But the only way that can become the best in the world in that role is if he is backed consistently by the team management. He should not let a few failures affect the way he bats.

 

[Ahmed216]

LOL here we go again. I just know the other person has absolutely nothing of substance to say when they bring in Azhar Ali to a completely unrelated thread. Read the title of the thread again if you have trouble staying on topic.

And incase you forgot, Haider Ali is a middle-order/top-order batter who has either played as an opener for Pakistan or at No.4. In domestic he either plays in the opening spot or at 3 for Northern.

Here are Haider Ali's numbers for Peshawar Zalmi from last season when he played in the finisher role (No.6) that you want him to play in: 9 matches, 152 runs, Avg: 21.71, SR: 116.

And are you seriously scoffing at Asif Ali because he hit Karim Janat for four sixes? As if there is anyone else in that team that could have done the same thing lol. And I don't know why you keep forgetting, but he smashed Boult and Southee too.

Averages are completely meaningless in T20s if you are batting below 4 or 5. All that matters is your SR.

Instead of advocating players you personally like and dislike maybe try and pay some attention to cold hard facts and numbers next time. Maybe then your opinions won't be so out of touch with reality.

Haider ali, mohammed haris or as I said anyone is better than the blind slogger who's already a dozen comebacks. Even shahid afridi will do better at this age. 2 WC matches that's it? Wat about the rest of his career?? Ur defending him with manipulative arguments won't make him a player

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yes!!

He is pure trash and only gets selected because of Babar.



Aside from BD and that game against Aus B side, he has gone at 9+ runs an over.

He can't even land the yorker most times and is there for the taking, especially against full fledged sides during the T20 WC.

Qadir is utter garbage. Another Pakistani leg-spinner with little to no control. Whatever wickets he takes become completely redundant when he goes at 9+ an over.

Only someone like Mohammad Wasim can come up with the genius selction of replacing one of Pakistan's (and the world's) most economical T20 bowlers Imad Wasim with one of Pakistan's least economical bowlers Usman Qadir.

 

[Ahmed216]

Absolutely. Undoubtedly he needs to be more consistent and improve his shot selection. He is a long way off from being considered among the best in the world in that role. But the only way that can become the best in the world in that role is if he is backed consistently by the team management. He should not let a few failures affect the way he bats.

Few failures LoL. Entire career has been a failure. Doesnt average 30 in any of list A ,first class or T20

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Haider ali, mohammed haris or as I said anyone is better than the blind slogger who's already a dozen comebacks. Even shahid afridi will do better at this age. 2 WC matches that's it? Wat about the rest of his career?? Ur defending him with manipulative arguments won't make him a player

So, now that I have shown you what an utter failure Haider Ali has been in the finisher role, your answer is to name yet another top order batter (this time an opener) Mohammad Haris. Who are you going to suggest next, Shaheeh Shah Afridi?

LOL Manipulative arguments? So far you have stated zero facts why any of the guys you love deserve to be in the team over Asif Ali, whereas I have stated a numerous facts and stats.

It's obvious to be that you have absolutely nothing of substance to say besides "I like these players" so you might as well quit while you're ahead.

 

[Ahmed216]

Qadir is utter garbage. Another Pakistani leg-spinner with little to no control. Whatever wickets he takes become completely redundant when he goes at 9+ an over.

Only someone like Mohammad Wasim can come up with the genius selction of replacing one of Pakistan's (and the world's) most economical T20 bowlers Imad Wasim with one of Pakistan's least economical bowlers Usman Qadir.

Imad wasim another horoughly mediocre player who'll never produce a match winning performance even if played in every game for next 20 years

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Imad wasim another horoughly mediocre player who'll never produce a match winning performance even if played in every game for next 20 years

This is exactly the response I would expect from someone who watches Pakistan's matches through a scorecard.

 

[Ahmed216]

So, now that I have shown you what an utter failure Haider Ali has been in the finisher role, your answer is to name yet another top order batter (this time an opener) Mohammad Haris. Who are you going to suggest next, Shaheeh Shah Afridi?

LOL Manipulative arguments? So far you have stated zero facts why any of the guys you love deserve to be in the team over Asif Ali, whereas I have stated a numerous facts and stats.

It's obvious to be that you have absolutely nothing of substance to say besides "I like these players" so you might as well quit while you're ahead.

I have produced facts about the trash that's been given ample opportunities but has only caused disappointment almost every time he's gone in to bat. Other guys should be given opportunities now

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I have produced facts about the trash that's been given ample opportunities but has only caused disappointment almost every time he's gone in to bat. Other guys should be given opportunities now

Okay scorecard boy. Whatever you say. I know how hard it must have been for you to look up Asif Ali's averages on Cricinfo. Congrats on putting in the work.

 

[Barragan]

in UAE conditions, Qadir is trash ???

Qadir is utter garbage. Another Pakistani leg-spinner with little to no control. Whatever wickets he takes become completely redundant when he goes at 9+ an over.

Only someone like Mohammad Wasim can come up with the genius selction of replacing one of Pakistan's (and the world's) most economical T20 bowlers Imad Wasim with one of Pakistan's least economical bowlers Usman Qadir.

Completely agree.

Babar the captain also plays a role in the selection of qadir.

 

[Ahmed216]

This is exactly the response I would expect from someone who watches Pakistan's matches through a scorecard.

Keep on defending mediocrity. That's your attitude. Imad been playing for so long yet unable to nail a spot. Selection is always under scrutiny. That is how mediocrity works. Fans like you will blame the selectors

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Keep on defending mediocrity. That's your attitude. Imad been playing for so long yet unable to nail a spot. Selection is always under scrutiny. That is how mediocrity works. Fans like you will blame the selectors

Atleast I don't watch a match through a scorecard and have the common sense to know that an opener can't play in the number six position.

Also, if you (or anyone else) thinks that Imad Wasim isn't one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, then you're either out of touch with reality or form your opinions on players by looking at scorecards. It's as simple as that, really.

 

[Ahmed216]

Okay scorecard boy. Whatever you say. I know how hard it must have been for you to look up Asif Ali's averages on Cricinfo. Congrats on putting in the work.

Lame post

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Haider ali, mohammed haris or as I said anyone is better than the blind slogger who's already a dozen comebacks. Even shahid afridi will do better at this age. 2 WC matches that's it? Wat about the rest of his career?? Ur defending him with manipulative arguments won't make him a player

"Anyone"

You mean anyone besides the opener and the middle-order batter that you wanted to play at 6? Lmao. Stop arguing in truisms and name an actual player bro.

 

[Ahmed216]

Atleast I don't watch a match through a scorecard and have the common sense to know that an opener can't play in the number six position.

Also, if you (or anyone else) thinks that Imad Wasim isn't one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, then you're either out of touch with reality or form your opinions on players by looking at scorecards. It's as simple as that, really.

A bowler who cant pick wickets will never be rated as one of the best.