"We managed to catch up later on but I think we were 10 runs short of setting up a good target": Babar Azam

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

There are a few glaring tactical errors which cost the game alongside the fielding lapses.

Firstly scoring 50 in the first 6 powerplay is not sufficient . We should be scoring 70 - 75 but the team thinking is 50 which is wrong.

Secondly we play the middle phase far to slowly. we should be going at 10s.

With the ball Babar should of started with Saim and used him and ifti at chapman in the middle.

Babar s captaincy is under the spotlight.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Right.

Pakistan scored enough runs on this track. Our bowling should have defended it….

It looked like a fantastic batting surface though, bowlers struggled on it. Whe Pakistan batted, in the opening overs Saim Ayub raced to 36 while Babar was still stuck on 6 at the other end.

Now I'm a fan of Babar, but this was not a 178 pitch, but clearly we are still stuck in the old mindset that if we put up a score of around 8-9 r/over that should win us the match with our bowling. Not necessarily if the pitch is a belter. NZ won comfortably because they batted more aggressively.

 

[shortbread]

We should be scoring 70 - 75 but the team thinking is 50 which is wrong.

Secondly we play the middle phase far to slowly. we should be going at 10s.

With the ball Babar should of started with Saim and used him and ifti at chapman in the middle.

Babar s captaincy is under the spotlight.

There is no 'team thinking', here every batsman is trying to ensure they play a minimum 30 odd run innings at a 100+ SR to bolster their chances to be included in the national squad, that's it. Each one saving their backs irrespective of the team cause, a victory is simply a bonus. It's very evident but the management has no solution.

The argument/excuse is that we're 10 runs short when NZ(C squad) won with 10 balls to spare, how does that make any sense? No, not 10 runs, to ensure the chasing side was always under pressure the team needs a 200+ score. Or one needs an exceptional bowling unit that the likes of Aus, NZ, England, India, SA batsmen will fear, and lets be brutally honest the current bowlers might be effective but the only ones they instil fear in are their own fans!

These batsmen can tonk the ball if they wanted to, but management needs to instil a 'hit out or get out' mentality in them. Right now its like '30 odd and I've had a decent day'.

 

[RidiculousMan]

There is no 'team thinking', here every batsman is trying to ensure they play a minimum 30 odd run innings at a 100+ SR to bolster their chances to be included in the national squad, that's it. Each one saving their backs irrespective of the team cause, a victory is simply a bonus. It's very evident but the management has no solution.

The argument/excuse is that we're 10 runs short when NZ(C squad) won with 10 balls to spare, how does that make any sense? No, not 10 runs, to ensure the chasing side was always under pressure the team needs a 200+ score. Or one needs an exceptional bowling unit that the likes of Aus, NZ, England, India, SA batsmen will fear, and lets be brutally honest the current bowlers might be effective but the only ones they instil fear in are their own fans!

These batsmen can tonk the ball if they wanted to, but management needs to instil a 'hit out or get out' mentality in them. Right now its like '30 odd and I've had a decent day'.

Bowlers are not always going to bail out. That doesn't happen in any big team. But they have batters who play aggressively so in games or pitches where bowlers go for plenty. Their batters give extra cushion to their bowlers.

 

[shortbread]

Bowlers are not always going to bail out. That doesn't happen in any big team. But they have batters who play aggressively so in games or pitches where bowlers go for plenty. Their batters give extra cushion to their bowlers.

Precisely, in this format it's the batsmen who can guarantee a victory. The aggressive nature of batting means a bowlers can go for plenty irrespective of how good they are.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

There is no 'team thinking', here every batsman is trying to ensure they play a minimum 30 odd run innings at a 100+ SR to bolster their chances to be included in the national squad, that's it. Each one saving their backs irrespective of the team cause, a victory is simply a bonus. It's very evident but the management has no solution.

The argument/excuse is that we're 10 runs short when NZ(C squad) won with 10 balls to spare, how does that make any sense? No, not 10 runs, to ensure the chasing side was always under pressure the team needs a 200+ score. Or one needs an exceptional bowling unit that the likes of Aus, NZ, England, India, SA batsmen will fear, and lets be brutally honest the current bowlers might be effective but the only ones they instil fear in are their own fans!

These batsmen can tonk the ball if they wanted to, but management needs to instil a 'hit out or get out' mentality in them. Right now its like '30 odd and I've had a decent day'.

I'm sure I heard a presser where the management said they would aim for 50 in the first 6.

There is no doubt that they should of scored 200 however it was poor tactics, fielding and bowling that led to the defeat overall.

chapman was dropped 3 times and the most significant one was when he was on 15 or something off Shadab which was the turning point.

179 should of been defended.

Saim should of bowled the first over and should of bowled in the middle overs with Ifti.

Off spinners bowling at the leftie chapman.

That is why I am critical of Babar s captaincy. He doesn't understand tactics and being dynamic with decision making during a match scenario.

It obvious to anyone who has played any level of cricket yet the captain, coach or senior management cant spot it.

We have an obsession about using specialist bowlers and them bowling all the overs rather than what is required on any given day.

Anyone who knows anything about cricket knew that the kiwis best hope was going hard in the first 6 yet the people that matter were oblivious to that fact.

A lack of tactical and game awareness has been costing us for years.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

I think Babar should be asked before the start of the match about the target he has set in mind, otherwise after losing the match he will give the same statement that we were certain runs short of the target we planned.

 

[mominsaigol]

I think Babar should be asked before the start of the match about the target he has set in mind, otherwise after losing the match he will give the same statement that we were certain runs short of the target we planned.

He'll say we're aiming for 160, then he'll get 165 and say we were 10 runs short

 

[BouncerGuy]

I think those runs were enough for that kiwi team but the fielders made a mess there. Dropping 3 catches of a guy who was evident to be having a great game against you and then putting the blame on Babar for everything. Nobody will talk about fielding here because in the end, Babar said we were etc etc runs short.

 

[mominsaigol]

I think those runs were enough for that kiwi team but the fielders made a mess there. Dropping 3 catches of a guy who was evident to be having a great game against you and then putting the blame on Babar for everything. Nobody will talk about fielding here because in the end, Babar said we were etc etc runs short.

That shows how bad he is post presentations. Easy fix would have been to just say the runs we posted were good but dropping Chapman a guy who's historically good and explosive against us 3x is what cost us.

 

[BouncerGuy]

That shows how bad he is post presentations. Easy fix would have been to just say the runs we posted were good but dropping Chapman a guy who's historically good and explosive against us 3x is what cost us.

For me, I don't care about communication or post-match presentations. WIn or lose is the only thing that matters and the main cause is known to everyone. Babar might be a poor communicator 100 percent but it cannot divert the attention from the real cause of that loss.

 

[mominsaigol]

For me, I don't care about communication or post-match presentations. WIn or lose is the only thing that matters and the main cause is known to everyone. Babar might be a poor communicator 100 percent but it cannot divert the attention from the real cause of that loss.

The real cause of the loss is everything, its an entire mountain of shame.

 

[BouncerGuy]

The real cause of the loss is everything, its an entire mountain of shame.

Yeah, man, it was a team game so not 1 person is to be blamed here. Our fast bowlers were all over the place. fielders dropped the catches at crucial time and the batters were 10-20 runs short.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

I think those runs were enough for that kiwi team but the fielders made a mess there. Dropping 3 catches of a guy who was evident to be having a great game against you and then putting the blame on Babar for everything. Nobody will talk about fielding here because in the end, Babar said we were etc etc runs short.

I mentioned the fielding and Saim not bowling.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I mentioned the fielding and Saim not bowling.

Yep. I am not sure why Saim is not tried yet. He should be given an over or 2. He can be a trump card.

 

[Savak]

You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Story of Babar Azams captaincy career. In Pakistan you will never face any accountability and in fact will be rewarded for incompetence

 

[Rana]

You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Story of Babar Azams captaincy career. In Pakistan you will never face any accountability and in fact will be rewarded for incompetence

You all had a problem when Zaka Ashraf did hold him accountable lol

 

[Rana]

The issue Pakistanis in general have…

It’s not the merit of holding someone accountable for poor performances, it’s the merit of who can hold someone accountable that matters.

Zaka holding Babar accountable is wrong according to people because he belongs to PPP. That’s the God honest truth.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

The issue Pakistanis in general have…

It’s not the merit of holding someone accountable for poor performances, it’s the merit of who can hold someone accountable that matters.

Zaka holding Babar accountable is wrong according to people because he belongs to PPP. That’s the God honest truth.

Pakistani s would prefer zero interference from any political party.

The PCB should be its own sporting entity.

Who is held accountable for bringing in these clown "chairman s" in the first place???.

 

[Rana]

Pakistani s would prefer zero interference from any political party.

The PCB should be its own sporting entity.

Who is held accountable for bringing in these clown "chairman s" in the first place???.

So Zaka Ashraf was wrong to hold Babar accountable? Because Zaka was politically appointed?

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

So Zaka Ashraf was wrong to hold Babar accountable? Because Zaka was politically appointed?

Who is held accountable for bringing in these clown "chairman s" in the first place???.

 

[Rana]

Who is held accountable for bringing in these clown "chairman s" in the first place???.

You just prove my point

You want someone from a particular political group to hold Babar accountable. Anyone who isn’t from that political group has no right to hold him accountable

 

[emranabbas]

Who is held accountable for bringing in these clown "chairman s" in the first place???.

imran khan was the first prime minister to interfere in pakistan cricket and its been a trend since then

 

[emranabbas]

if im not wrong imran khan appointed his friend rameez raja

 

[Savak]

You all had a problem when Zaka Ashraf did hold him accountable lol

Lol not me.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Awful excuse from Babar, they never looked like winning this game.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Instead of carrying stone and running they could have done some catching practice. Having said that NZ also dropped a sitter from Shadab when he was 12 or something. These things happen. More so with Pakistan for decades.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

if im not wrong imran khan appointed his friend rameez raja

Who was what.

A political figure or an ex cricketer???.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

You just prove my point

You want someone from a particular political group to hold Babar accountable. Anyone who isn’t from that political group has no right to hold him accountable

It proves your lack of understanding.

I clearly stated sport should be a separate entity to start with. Read the post carefully.

Now it what world can an unelected political party hold anyone to account???.

It seems you have an affiliation with the PPP which is why your proving my point that you think Babar should be held account by the mafia.

It would be foolish to hold anyone to account captain, coach, management after 1 match.

Wait for the series to end.

 

[Rana]

It proves your lack of understanding.

I clearly stated sport should be a separate entity to start with. Read the post carefully.

Now it what world can an unelected political party hold anyone to account???.

It seems you have an affiliation with the PPP which is why your proving my point that you think Babar should be held account by the mafia.

It would be foolish to hold anyone to account captain, coach, management after 1 match.

Wait for the series to end.

1 match?

Babar was held accountable by Zaka after 4 years of poor performances. What’s your issue with Babar being held accountable by Zaka Ashraf?

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

imran khan was the first prime minister to interfere in pakistan cricket and its been a trend since then

In 2013 they dissolved the governing board of the PCB and formed a Five member interim management committee.


Imran Khan was an Icon on and off the field. He has a right to make cricket decisions.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

1 match?

Babar was held accountable by Zaka after 4 years of poor performances. What’s your issue with Babar being held accountable by Zaka Ashraf?

I have stated my position clearly.

The 4 years prior are irrelevant in the context of this series.

You don't resign from a position and then get reappointed and answer for previous performance.

Its about the here and now. This series.

The selection committee, Captain, coach, management etc are all responsible not just the captain.

Why do you think an unelected political party have a right to hold anyone accountable???.

Explain this logic to me.

 

[Rana]

In 2013 they dissolved the governing board of the PCB and formed a Five member interim management committee.


Imran Khan was an Icon on and off the field. He has a right to make cricket decisions.

@emranabbas

Read my above post. It seems like only a PTI appointee is allowed to hold Babar accountable

 

[Rana]

I have stated my position clearly.

The 4 years prior are irrelevant in the context of this series.

You don't resign from a position and then get reappointed and answer for previous performance.

Its about the here and now. This series.

The selection committee, Captain, coach, management etc are all responsible not just the captain.

Why do you think an unelected political party have a right to hold anyone accountable???.

Explain this logic to me.

No you explain whether Zaka holding Babar accountable for his poor performances was warranted or not!

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

@emranabbas

Read my above post. It seems like only a PTI appointee is allowed to hold Babar accountable

Yes elected people should hold people to account.

your correct.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

No you explain whether Zaka holding Babar accountable for his poor performances was warranted or not!

No.

You tell me why do you think an unelected political party have a right to hold anyone accountable???.

Explain this logic to me.

 

[emranabbas]

In 2013 they dissolved the governing board of the PCB and formed a Five member interim management committee.


Imran Khan was an Icon on and off the field. He has a right to make cricket decisions.

Imran khan was an acting pm at the time from what I remember he didn't have any position in the PCB

But if he's allowed to interfere in PCB matters as a prime minister then every other Prime minister should he allowed too

Even though I belive prime ministers should not interfere in PCB matters it's only fair

 

[Rana]

Just answer the question. Was Zaka wrong to hold Babar accountable? You jumped in this discussion I was having with Savak. No one invited you for your opinion, now that you have stated your political stance, answer if it was right for Zaka to hold Babar accountable for his poor performances in ICC and ACC tournaments or not?

 

[Rana]

Imran khan was an acting pm at the time from what I remember he didn't have any position in the PCB

But if he's allowed to interfere in PCB matters as a prime minister then every other Prime minister should he allowed too

Even though I belive prime ministers should not interfere in PCB matters it's only fair

Imran Khan reduced the Domestic regions to 6! He clearly had that much interference, influence in cricket matters. He also handpicked Babar Azam as captain.

But Sasta Shoaib Akhtar 100mph has no problem with that now does he?

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

Just answer the question. Was Zaka wrong to hold Babar accountable? You jumped in this discussion I was having with Savak. No one invited you for your opinion, now that you have stated your political stance, answer if it was right for Zaka to hold Babar accountable for his poor performances in ICC and ACC tournaments or not?

My stance is clear and concise. Whoever is elected has the right to hold people to account.

 

[Rana]

My stance is clear and concise. Whoever is elected has the right to hold people to account.

So Babar is still not allowed to be held accountable as long as Naqvi is in charge? That could be for the next decade? Is that what you are saying?

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

Imran khan was an acting pm at the time from what I remember he didn't have any position in the PCB

But if he's allowed to interfere in PCB matters as a prime minister then every other Prime minister should he allowed too

Even though I belive prime ministers should not interfere in PCB matters it's only fair

Before I K.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

So Babar is still not allowed to be held accountable as long as Naqvi is in charge? That could be for the next decade? Is that what you are saying?

I've already answered.

Read the above post AGAIN.

I'm still waiting for your answer.

 

[Rana]

I've already answered.

Read the above post AGAIN.

I'm still waiting for your answer.

You basically have said Zaka can’t hold Babar accountable because he is an unelected chairman.

So, Babar can basically do whatever he wants now, because every chairman is unelected according to your type. You’ve proven what I said. Thanks

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

You basically have said Zaka can’t hold Babar accountable because he is an unelected chairman.

So, Babar can basically do whatever he wants now, because every chairman is unelected according to your type. You’ve proven what I said. Thanks

I've been very clear and concise but some people either just don't understand or want to plead ignorance or perhaps a mixture of both.

You've proven my point that accountability should be held by the unaccountable.

 

[Rana]

I've been very clear and concise but some people either just don't understand or want to plead ignorance or perhaps a mixture of both.

You've proven my point that accountability should be held by the unaccountable.

Zaka Ashraf was correctly appointed PCB chief and correctly removed in accordance to the rules/constitution of the country. Was he wrong to hold Babar accountable??

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

Zaka Ashraf was correctly appointed PCB chief and correctly removed in accordance to the rules/constitution of the country. Was he wrong to hold Babar accountable??

The same constitution that appointed his brother opened the court on a SUNDAY never has that happened in history when he was due in jail on Monday charged with multiple corruption.

Give me a break.

Stand for truth and justice for Pakistan and its people and stand on the right side of history.

 

[Rana]

The same constitution that appointed his brother opened the court on a SUNDAY never has that happened in history when he was due in jail on Monday charged with multiple corruption.

Give me a break.

Stand for truth and justice for Pakistan and its people and stand on the right side of history.

So Babar being removed for his performances post 2023 World Cup was wrong and anyone who thought it was right were on the wrong side of history?

 

[Cricket Warrior]

He'll say we're aiming for 160, then he'll get 165 and say we were 10 runs short

Expect the same bhashan in the next match too.. because we cant expect them to set any better target.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Babar has learfned losing with grace from the school of Misbah

Ironically out of them all Sarfraz is the only one to win an ICC tournament.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I think the team should be looking to chase down the scores so that these kinds of excuses don't have to be made again. If you won the toss, choose to field first, and boom, no more excuses for low scores to defend.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Babar Azam departs for only 5 today. Which excuse will he spin today?

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Another day, another excuse list from Babar
====
Babar Azam speaking in post game presser:

"I think we bowled quite well to restrict them, especially as they (New Zealand) started their innings strongly. The way our bowlers made a comeback was remarkable because we stuck to the plan in the last overs. I believe this target was chaseable but the way we collapsed, losing 4 wickets in the first 6 overs created problems. However the way Fakhar Zaman played this innings was truly remarkable. We had planned to chase this target with positive intent but unfortunately we couldn't execute that. Imad Wasim also played well for the duration of his short innings."

Losing back-to-back wickets makes it challenging to catch up and that 7 to 10 overs period was where we lacked tonight.

You could say the wicket was a bit slow and the average score on this pitch is 190. So, we restricted them to a good target which was quite chaseable.

We are trying something different so sometimes after winning the toss we choose to bat, and sometimes we bowl. We planned to give more chances to our new bowlers as numerous injuries have hurt us and the youngsters did put in their maximum effort.

Our plan is to provide opportunities to our bench strength. In this regard, we gave equal opportunities to the likes of Usman Khan as he was playing his debut matches. With Rizwan being unfit, we are trying different combinations and assessing ourselves to see where we stand before going into the World Cup."

 

[Rana]

We were 5 runs short this time. Progress made