Weird T20I selections for Pakistan in 2025

[W63L35]

All the stats in this post are upto just before the Pak vs SL final of the Tri-Series.

I have been following player selections for Pakistan's T20 match this year (20205). A lot of things have not made sense - much more than the past and for the other formats i.e. ODIs and Tests.

Some of the questions that come to mind are:

1. Why a player (Salman Agha) with a S/R of 115.71 is the captain of the T20I team?

2. Pakistan has so far player 33 T20Is in 2025 before the final of Tri-Series. Below is the list of number of matches and the percentage of the matches played by each player. Why bowlers (including spinners) are being rotated way more than the batsmen? Five batsmen have played 64% or more matches but no bowlers (even spinner) has played more than 64% of the matches?

3. But if you consider Fahim Ashraf a bowler, he has played 3rd highest (82%) of the matches after Salman Agha and Saim Ayub. Why? Why Fahim Ashraf is not being roated with either Hasan Ali or Mohammad Wasim?

4. So if bowlers were being roated why Sufiyan Muqeem has only played 10 matches (30%)?







If we look the batting stats, again there is no method to the madness as to why some batsmen are getting selected for more matches than the others.

5. Why Hasan Nawaz is dropped when he has same ave as Siam but much better S/R?

6. If Fahim Ashraf is being selected as All Rounder with an average of 14, then has worse ave than all batsmen and many bowlers... even Shaheen Afridi has better ave than Fahim.





Then if we look at the bowling....

7. If Fahim is played a bowler, why he is given only 13 balls (2 over and 1 ball) per match on the average? Does captain and management don't want Fahim to get exposed of his "real talent" and want him to be permanent member of the team no matter what? Even Hasan Ali is given 20 balls (3 over 2 malls) per match on the average.





Bowling stats below are sorted by Ave,Econ and S/R.

8. Sufiyan is much better Ave and Econ than both Abrar and Fahim... and yet he was given less chances than both. In addition, he was shipped to Qata for the Rising Stars Tournament. He should have stayed with the team.

9. Samlan MIraz has much better Ave and Econ than our three star pacers - Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah and yet he was given only 10 matches as compared to 20 matches played by Afridi. Even Ahmed Daniyal (2 T20s) has much better numebrs than most pacers on the list.

10. Saim and Abrar have very similar numbers and yet Saim is not bowled as much as Abrar.





There are many other questionable selections. I'll let posters discover those and discuss.

Basically three main questions:
Why Salman Agha and Fahim Ashraf are being selected as much as they are?
Why Sufiyan is not selected as much as he should be?

 

[Rana]

Imagine drawing up a hundred charts to point out issues, (not include the sixes stat for T20), and pointing out that the main issue is “why is Agha and Fahim selected so much”?

@topspin @TheSultan @YousafTheBeast @mominsaigol

 

[topspin]

@W63L35 You put a lot of work into this, so great job with all the data you put together.

But, sorry I have to ask:

Thread is about weird T20I selections and not a word about Babar?

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Imagine drawing up a hundred charts to point out issues, (not include the sixes stat for T20), and pointing out that the main issue is “why is Agha and Fahim selected so much”?

@topspin @TheSultan @YousafTheBeast @mominsaigol

What’s a six, never heard of it.

Love you Babar.

 

[Rana]

What’s a six, never heard of it.

Love you Babar.

Sixes are Haraam in T20 because it involves an element of Tullah:

@daytrader @Caved12 @gazza619 @Kianig89 @heddie19 @Raja Ishtiaq

 

[Devadwal]

What’s a six, never heard of it.

Love you Babar.

@W63L35 a thread on T20i and purposely ignoring a balls per six chart? Is it to protect Babar Azam who was handpicked by your Hero Imran Khan?

Asia cup first match india vs pakistan
Pakistan Innings sixes - 7
India innings sixes - 5
Farhan sixes -3 but strike rate - 90 after playing 44 balls while Abhishek sixes -2 but strike rate 238

Result - India won by 7 wickets

Asia cup 2nd india vs pakistan match
Pakistan Innings sixes -8
India innings sixes - 7

Farhan sixes -3 but strike rate of 128 , Abhishek Sharma sixes -5 but strike rate of 190

Result india won by 6 wickets
Pakistan Innings sixes -5
Indian Innings sixes - 7

India won by 5 Wickets.

Farhan total sixes in tournament = 11 with strikes rate of 116 ,

Nissanka total sixes=11 with strikes rate of 160,

Abhishek Sharma total sixes= 19 with strike rate of 200

In first Two T20 Pakistan scored more sixes than india but lost the match one sided.

Your Farhan hit 11 sixes but strike rate is 116( lol) while nissanka strike rate was 160

Sixes are important but still overall game is more important. You can hit a six in a over but played 4 dots in same over so what the use of that six as only 7 runs scored while a other player takes 10 runs in single over by hitting a four and taking double and singles.

This show game awareness is most important instead blind slogging for a six.

 

[Rana]

Asia cup first match india vs pakistan
Pakistan Innings sixes - 7
India innings sixes - 5
Farhan sixes -3 but strike rate - 90 after playing 44 balls while Abhishek sixes -2 but strike rate 238

Result - India won by 7 wickets

Asia cup 2nd india vs pakistan match
Pakistan Innings sixes -8
India innings sixes - 7

Farhan sixes -3 but strike rate of 128 , Abhishek Sharma sixes -5 but strike rate of 190

Result india won by 6 wickets
Pakistan Innings sixes -5
Indian Innings sixes - 7

India won by 5 Wickets.

Farhan total sixes in tournament = 11 with strikes rate of 116 ,

Nissanka total sixes=11 with strikes rate of 160,

Abhishek Sharma total sixes= 19 with strike rate of 200

In first Two T20 Pakistan scored more sixes than india but lost the match one sided.

Your Farhan hit 11 sixes but strike rate is 116( lol) while nissanka strike rate was 160

Sixes are important but still overall game is more important. You can hit a six in a over but played 4 dots in same over so what the use of that six as only 7 runs scored while a other player takes 10 runs in single over by hitting a four and taking double and singles.

This show game awareness is most important instead blind slogging for a six.

So let’s stop hitting sixes ?

 

[Devadwal]

So let’s stop hitting sixes ?

Maybe you should read the full post. Sixes are important but overall game awareness is more important than blind slogging for a six .

Farhan hit 3 sixes but why his strike rate was Below 90 after playing 44 balls?

Your cricketing knowledge is just revolving around hitting a couple of six and job is done.

 

[Rana]

Maybe you should read the full post. Sixes are important but overall game awareness is more important than blind slogging for a six .

Farhan hit 3 sixes but why his strike rate was Below 90 after playing 44 balls?

Your cricketing knowledge is just revolving around hitting a couple of six and job is done.

Nahi nahi aapne itna gyaan jhaara hai…

Let’s stop hitting sixes now after your wonderful gyaan

 

[Devadwal]

Nahi nahi aapne itna gyaan jhaara hai…

Let’s stop hitting sixes now after your wonderful gyaan

Let's start hitting sixes with great strike rate and win the match for team , which is more important than blind slogging likes your tullebaaz.

 

[Rana]

Let's start hitting sixes with great strike rate and win the match for team , which is more important than blind slogging likes your tullebaaz.

jee bilkul sir let’s make a new rule

The Devadwal Lewis method

Anyone who hits a six in T20 is automatically out. What a revolutionary idea sir!

 

[W63L35]

Imagine drawing up a hundred charts to point out issues, (not include the sixes stat for T20), and pointing out that the main issue is “why is Agha and Fahim selected so much”?

@topspin @TheSultan @YousafTheBeast @mominsaigol

 

[W63L35]

@W63L35 You put a lot of work into this, so great job with all the data you put together.

But, sorry I have to ask:

Thread is about weird T20I selections and not a word about Babar?

Thanks for the compliment...

 

[BouncerGuy]

People will now say intent matters not the numbers

 

[Kianig89]

Good analysis. basically the selection hodge podge is one reason of our team's failure, starting with skipper Agha and his buddy Faheem

 

[W63L35]

Imagine drawing up a hundred charts to point out issues, (not include the sixes stat for T20), and pointing out that the main issue is “why is Agha and Fahim selected so much”?

@topspin @TheSultan @YousafTheBeast @mominsaigol

Sixes column was truncated. Added it back. Here it is:

 

[sweep_shot]

I think this is Pakistan's ideal T20 XI:

Fakhar
Farhan
H Nawaz
Saim
Usman (wk)
M Nawaz
Faheem Ashraf
M Waseem/Usman Tariq/Sufiyan (depending on the pitch)
Shaheen (c)
Salman Mirza
Abrar

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Shaheen instead of Waseem Jnr. from yesterday's XI and that's probably it.

Don't think there will be any more changes until after World T20

 

[Savak]

Mike Hesson has his likes dislikes while influences which players he will give a long rope too vs which players he will happily bench after one failure

 

[sweep_shot]

Mike Hesson has his likes dislikes while influences which players he will give a long rope too vs which players he will happily bench after one failure

I was surprised Hassan Nawaz was benched so quickly.

I think Hassan Nawaz is the best Pakistani batter currently. Good techniques and can hit well too.

 

[Devadwal]

jee bilkul sir let’s make a new rule

The Dewaval Lewis method

Anyone who hits a six in T20 is automatically out. What a revolutionary idea sir!

Jeee saarrr , Let's make a new rule

The Rana Lewis method , Anyone who hit a six automatically get to play in next 10 T20 regardless how he performs then eventually becomes the Pakistan captain

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Shaheen instead of Waseem Jnr. from yesterday's XI and that's probably it.

Don't think there will be any more changes until after World T20

I can definitely see Shadab coming in

 

[gazza619]

Jeee saarrr , Let's make a new rule

The Rana Lewis method , Anyone who hit a six automatically get to play in next 10 T20 regardless how he performs then eventually becomes the Pakistan captain

Buddy he is supposedly a top tier poster.

Pyar se baat karo Rana jee se.

 

[Devadwal]

I can definitely see Shadab coming in

They who will they dropped? Nawaz or abrar or Faheem? .

Pakistan needs to Play Shadab, Nawaz, Abrar together in Lankan conditions.

Shadab
Abrar
Nawaz
Faheem
Shaheen

This is not bad bowling attacks like india and all can bat which gives Pakistan much needed batting depths.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I can definitely see Shadab coming in

In the first XI ? When Abrar, Nawaz and Saim are already there as spinners?

 

[Usman Chadda]

In the first XI ? When Abrar, Nawaz and Saim are already there as spinners?

As a batsman. It’s going to happen whether we like it or not, minuscule upgrade on either of Babar or Salman anyway.

We gain an exceptional fielder too.

 

[amvbfm]

Unfortunately, we will have to wait till after the WC for meaningful changes. I don't like the look of this team, its just not balanced. I am not saying there are tons of options available beyond those playing but some of them don't make much sense. Apart from the opening pair (Saim only because of his all round game), Nawaz at 7 and Salman Mirza and Abrar, none of the others have been really convincing.

Babar's return was a sensible move but he hasn't been able to justify it and has looked really unconvincing at times. Spin has always been his weakness but in this series he also seems to be struggling against pace and has at times looked hurried against faster bowlers batting like he is 36 not 31. Salman too has been unconvincing. Fakhar has been his usual scratchy, lottery self. I really don't understand his current role in this team. As always batting looks totally out of sorts.

Similarly, Faheem is pretty much being selected as a specialist batter at 8 as he is not bowling enough overs to justify his role/selection. Shaheen, Haris, Naseem have all looked off color and Wasim has been okayish. I think our best chance in Sri Lanka might be with two specialist spinners instead of three pacers which is why we should have tried Faisal Akram as well. But as people have already pointed out that spot will most likely be occupied by Shadab.

 

[Major]

Imagine drawing up a hundred charts to point out issues, (not include the sixes stat for T20), and pointing out that the main issue is “why is Agha and Fahim selected so much”?

@topspin @TheSultan @YousafTheBeast @mominsaigol

His stats are selective.... he is been doing this for years and calls himself a stats guru.

All he does is post stats that favor him and hide filters that dont.

 

[Usman Chadda]

As a batsman. It’s going to happen whether we like it or not, minuscule upgrade on either of Babar or Salman anyway.

We gain an exceptional fielder too.

Also, while I don’t think Shadab is a particularly good player at international level, he has played arguably the best backs-to-the-wall T20 innings against a raging South African pace attack in Australia.

Babar and Salman cannot even dream to play such a knock, forget executing it.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

In the first XI ? When Abrar, Nawaz and Saim are already there as spinners?

Honestly looking at this team he is probably good enough to play as a batsman and fielder. He has a strike-rate of 143, which is one of the highest in T20Is for Pakistan ever. Bowling-wise he adds some value too eventhough his bowling has been trash for the past few years

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

They who will they dropped? Nawaz or abrar or Faheem? .

Pakistan needs to Play Shadab, Nawaz, Abrar together in Lankan conditions.

Shadab
Abrar
Nawaz
Faheem
Shaheen

This is not bad bowling attacks like india and all can bat which gives Pakistan much needed batting depths.

Most likely Faheem given the conditions in Sri Lanka. But Shadab could always bat at 6 too. He is definitely one of the better options for Pakistan at that number.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Honestly looking at this team he is probably good enough to play as a batsman and fielder. He has a strike-rate of 143, which is one of the highest in T20Is for Pakistan ever. Bowling-wise he adds some value too eventhough his bowling has been trash for the past few years

The only way he can make it is a batting allrounder if they somehow drop one of Fakhar or Babar.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

The only way he can make it is a batting allrounder if they somehow drop one of Fakhar or Babar.

Honestly, his best spot is Aghas spot.

 

[Independent Observer]

They who will they dropped? Nawaz or abrar or Faheem? .

Pakistan needs to Play Shadab, Nawaz, Abrar together in Lankan conditions.

Shadab
Abrar
Nawaz
Faheem
Shaheen

This is not bad bowling attacks like india and all can bat which gives Pakistan much needed batting depths.

Not bad until they face a top tier team in a do or die match and the team collectively soils their chaddis under pressure.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Honestly, his best spot is Aghas spot.

Yeah but that's not gonna happen since Agha is captain until the World T20 at least.

I feel Fakhar's spot is the most vulnerable.

 

[Rana]

The Samosa Lewis method:

“Anyone who has a low balls-per-six count must automatically be given out in T20 when they come to the crease”

 

[Devadwal]

Yeah but that's not gonna happen since Agha is captain until the World T20 at least.

I feel Fakhar's spot is the most vulnerable.

I think when Shadab is back , he he likely to become Pakistan captain. Shadab has backing of his father in law just like Shaheen.

 

[Rana]

View attachment 159706

Nahi sir aap hum pe kyun chorr rahe hain?

Why don’t you tell us that the only serious issue you have with this team is Faheem Ashraf getting so many games?!

Hamari majaal ke hum Khud so hain?

 

[Devadwal]

The Samosa Lewis method:

“Anyone who has a low balls-per-six count must automatically be given out in T20 when they come to the crease”

Rani Lewis method :

"anyone who hit a six against Bumrah, even strike rate is Below 90 and team lost the match but deserved The Nishan-e-Pakistan award , the highest civilian award in Pakistan along with a documentary.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Its a good analysis. Some of the issues can be explained by coach preference and his vision for the team. Salman Mirza has done ok, and of course I may get this wrong, btu so far, despite his good stats he doesn't look like main bowler. Coach has tried some bowlers like Mirza, Moqeem to see what they can do and to build up some bench strength. Could he have done this better, yes, but it is Pakistan its also not easy to drop senior players. He is trying to build a stable system and have players that can potentially slot in where needed. Areas where I believe he has got it wrong is the complete sidelining of Abbas Afridi and the exclusion of Hassan Nawaz.

You also rightly point out the weird logic behind Faheem and even Mo Nawaz. Now I'm not a big fan of either, but they have done well, especially Faheem. However, I don't like when they are passengers in the team, there were many matches where Nawaz didn't bowl at all. If they are to be selected we need to ensure that they are bowling as much as possible. Otherwise we end up carrying too many Rellu Kattas to try and find the depth. In the lat few matches the all rounder balance has started to get better.

But otherplaces,, I do disagree. Saim shouldn't be bowled as much as Abrar because he isn't a better bowler no matter what a small sample of stats suggest. You try and get away with as many of his overs as possible to allow you to juggle the overs of the others and give captain more leeway. Overbowling the prt time can be a catastrophe, credit to Agha who has managed to balance this.

Pakistans bowling is actually ok. The all rounders have performed better so question mark is still there but less important currently. Main issue is batting line up and WK.

 

[Kianig89]

Hassan Nawaz should have played this triseries being vocal on this and vindicated by the OP work. May be Agha likes players in his mould

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The only way he can make it is a batting allrounder if they somehow drop one of Fakhar or Babar.

Yeah it will be as a batting all-rounder.

I think the toss-up should be between Babar and Agha. But Agha's position as captain makes that hard to do. So probably Babar should be left out.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Saim Ayub
Sahibzada Farhan
Babar Azam
Salman Agha
Fakhar Zaman
Hassan Nawaz
Usman Khan
Shadab Khan
Mohammad Nawaz
Faheem Ashraf
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf
Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Naseem Shah
Salman Mirza
Abbas Afridi
Abrar Ahmed
Usman Tariq


Pakistan will have to pick 15 out these players.

 

[Independent Observer]

Saim Ayub
Sahibzada Farhan
Babar Azam
Salman Agha
Fakhar Zaman
Hassan Nawaz
Usman Khan
Shadab Khan
Mohammad Nawaz
Faheem Ashraf
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf
Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Naseem Shah
Salman Mirza
Abbas Afridi
Abrar Ahmed
Usman Tariq


Pakistan will have to pick 15 out these players.

Careful bruh, you might trigger Sachin 'superduper' fan with that name. He could pop up anytime in any thread to let us know what his average is and how he is overhyped.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Careful bruh, you might trigger Sachin 'superduper' fan with that name. He could pop up anytime in any thread to let us know what his average is and how he is overhyped.

Hahahah, I'm just mentioning the players that are in Pakistan selectors plans for the World Cup. I'm not even advocating for his selection. Hopefully the Sachin superfan will have some mercy on me.

 

[amvbfm]

Saim Ayub
Sahibzada Farhan
Babar Azam
Salman Agha
Fakhar Zaman
Hassan Nawaz
Usman Khan
Shadab Khan
Mohammad Nawaz
Faheem Ashraf
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf
Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Naseem Shah
Salman Mirza
Abbas Afridi
Abrar Ahmed
Usman Tariq


Pakistan will have to pick 15 out these players.

Pakistan should also consider Muqeem and Sadaqat. Ideally those two and perhaps Faisal Akram should have been tested before the WC. It seems unlikely to happen now. Also i'm not totally convinced with Usman as keeper but can't see what other option there is. My ideal squad would include Maaz, Sufyan and Abbas Afridi but don't think any of them will make it. The final squad is likely to be:

Saim
Farhan
Fakhar
Babar
Agha

Nawaz
Shadab
Faheem

Usman

Shaheen
Salman
Abrar
Usman T
2 of Haris/Wasim Jr./Naseem

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Pakistan should also consider Muqeem and Sadaqat. Ideally those two and perhaps Faisal Akram should have been tested before the WC. It seems unlikely to happen now. Also i'm not totally convinced with Usman as keeper but can't see what other option there is. My ideal squad would include Maaz, Sufyan and Abbas Afridi but don't think any of them will make it. The final squad is likely to be:

Saim
Farhan
Fakhar
Babar
Agha

Nawaz
Shadab
Faheem

Usman

Shaheen
Salman
Abrar
Usman T
2 of Haris/Wasim Jr./Naseem

They should be considered, but it's likely they will be. You may be right about Abbas Afridi too. The only reason I included him is because he has made the reserves on some of these series.

 

[Katwalindian]

Asia cup first match india vs pakistan
Pakistan Innings sixes - 7
India innings sixes - 5
Farhan sixes -3 but strike rate - 90 after playing 44 balls while Abhishek sixes -2 but strike rate 238

Result - India won by 7 wickets

Asia cup 2nd india vs pakistan match
Pakistan Innings sixes -8
India innings sixes - 7

Farhan sixes -3 but strike rate of 128 , Abhishek Sharma sixes -5 but strike rate of 190

Result india won by 6 wickets
Pakistan Innings sixes -5
Indian Innings sixes - 7

India won by 5 Wickets.

Farhan total sixes in tournament = 11 with strikes rate of 116 ,

Nissanka total sixes=11 with strikes rate of 160,

Abhishek Sharma total sixes= 19 with strike rate of 200

In first Two T20 Pakistan scored more sixes than india but lost the match one sided.

Your Farhan hit 11 sixes but strike rate is 116( lol) while nissanka strike rate was 160

Sixes are important but still overall game is more important. You can hit a six in a over but played 4 dots in same over so what the use of that six as only 7 runs scored while a other player takes 10 runs in single over by hitting a four and taking double and singles.

This show game awareness is most important instead blind slogging for a six.

Farhan strikes 160 in final while rest of team were clowns....

 

[Rana]

Farhan strikes 160 in final while rest of team were clowns....

According to the Devdas Lewis method, Pakistan should drop Farhan and have Babar opening in T20s

 

[Devadwal]

According to the Devdas Lewis method, Pakistan should drop Farhan and have Babar opening in T20s

I never said Pakistan should dropped Farhan bit exposed Rani lewis method of hitting a blind slogging as classified best player in the Pakistan team .

 

[hassan918]

Saim Ayub
Sahibzada Farhan
Babar Azam
Salman Agha
Fakhar Zaman
Hassan Nawaz
Usman Khan
Shadab Khan
Mohammad Nawaz
Faheem Ashraf
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf
Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Naseem Shah
Salman Mirza
Abbas Afridi
Abrar Ahmed
Usman Tariq


Pakistan will have to pick 15 out these players.

You may add Mohammad Rizwan in the probables as well.

 

[Rana]

You may add Mohammad Rizwan in the probables as well.

No.

 

[hassan918]

No.

It was always gonna come from your side

BTW, Usman Khan is doing a decent job at the moment. He might be the first choice wicket-keeper in the World Cup.

 

[Rana]

It was always gonna come from your side

BTW, Usman Khan is doing a decent job at the moment. He might be the first choice wicket-keeper in the World Cup.

The only 2 keepers you are taking is Usman and Harris. You can take a punt with Khwaja Nafay too as a traveling reserve.

Rizwan and Babar have no business playing T20.

 

[hassan918]

The only 2 keepers you are taking is Usman and Harris. You can take a punt with Khwaja Nafay too as a traveling reserve.

Rizwan and Babar have no business playing T20.

I think it will be Usman and Rizwan. Let's see who selectors pick between Rizwan and Haris.

 

[Rana]

I think it will be Usman and Rizwan. Let's see who selectors pick between Rizwan and Haris.

Why Rizwan? Have we not learned anything?

 

[hassan918]

Why Rizwan? Have we not learned anything?

Rizwan might score not as quickly as Haris but he will definitely score more than Haris so it's just a case of which rout the selectors go.

 

[mazkhan]

The only player short changed are abbas afridi who has very good potential with bat and ball

And rizwan whose miles better than the hack usman khan and muhammad haris.

I dont mind muhammad haris been given ago he was and he was a failure so rizwan should have comeback.

 

[Caved12]

Great work as always. He clearly pointed out that there are several other questionable selections that anyone is free to discuss, yet he still gets attacked personally for no reason. Just the amount of time and effort he put into compiling those stats deserves a “post of the week” on its own.

When it comes to rotation, bowlers can be rotated more easily, but you still cannot keep chopping and changing without any direction. With batters it is even more sensitive. Frequent rotation can completely break a batter’s rhythm and confidence, and decisions like these from selectors and coaches can mentally unsettle players even when they are in top form. Bowlers can also suffer, but at least they can rely on hitting consistent lines and lengths to find their rhythm again.

As for questionable selections, this really has been one of the most turbulent periods in Pakistan cricket. People in charge who lack proper leadership experience have put all their trust in one individual and are punishing anyone who dares to question him. It is a worrying trend, and fans have every right to discuss it.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

You may add Mohammad Rizwan in the probables as well.

I don't think Rizwan is in the probables. Haseebullah and Haris both have a higher likability of getting selected than Rizwan.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Rizwan might score not as quickly as Haris but he will definitely score more than Haris so it's just a case of which rout the selectors go.

The only player short changed are abbas afridi who has very good potential with bat and ball

And rizwan whose miles better than the hack usman khan and muhammad haris.

I dont mind muhammad haris been given ago he was and he was a failure so rizwan should have comeback.

Rizwan does not possess the ability to score quickly

He is even worse than Babar in this regard

He should never play a T20I for Pakistan again. I would even take that hack Usman Khan over him. And it seems like the selectors think so too

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Saim Ayub
Sahibzada Farhan
Babar Azam
Salman Agha

Whilst we all want the team to do well, this World Cup has come too early in the T20 team’s evolution. Which is why I’m hoping they don’t try to pigeonhole Maaz into the squad.

On merit (and with courage) they need to drop Babar for the tournament. I’d hoped we’d see a clear change in approach from him, but even in the one game where he scored 75, it was still a catch up knock. At #3, you just cannot be taking 40plus balls to get to 50.

Given our dearth of effective middle order bats, Shadab is a good option. He’s the only real spin basher we have and improves the team’s floor for fielding. BUT, important not to depend on him as a bowler AT ALL. Especially as he’s coming off a shoulder surgery.

 

[Caved12]

Usman averages only 18 with just one fifty after 26 matches, and his strike rate of 121 is nothing special. He’s another player who needs a lot of time to settle, and whenever he tries to play aggressively from the start, he usually gets out cheaply. Yet posters here still put his name ahead of Rizwan and claim the selectors think the same. These are the same selectors who backed Haris until they had to eat their words after realizing he was a tulla level player and a walking wicket.

Rizwan makes the T20I side on his keeping alone, and as for batting, he is still better than every option currently available. You build your XI from the talent you actually have. And for those saying certain players aren’t suited for T20Is, let’s be honest, almost all Pakistani batters are not suited for T20Is. Usman is worse than Haris as a player, and this drama will end soon. Mark my words.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Usman averages only 18 with just one fifty after 26 matches, and his strike rate of 121 is nothing special. He’s another player who needs a lot of time to settle, and whenever he tries to play aggressively from the start, he usually gets out cheaply. Yet posters here still put his name ahead of Rizwan and claim the selectors think the same. These are the same selectors who backed Haris until they had to eat their words after realizing he was a tulla level player and a walking wicket.

Rizwan makes the T20I side on his keeping alone, and as for batting, he is still better than every option currently available. You build your XI from the talent you actually have. And for those saying certain players aren’t suited for T20Is, let’s be honest, almost all Pakistani batters are not suited for T20Is. Usman is worse than Haris as a player, and this drama will end soon. Mark my words.

Rizwan
Babar
Ifthikar Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Khushdil Shah
Imam ul Haq
Fakhar Zaman

Proper T20 batting line up

 

[Rana]

Rizwan
Babar
Ifthikar Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Khushdil Shah
Imam ul Haq
Fakhar Zaman

Proper T20 batting line up

Monster line up

All friends and family kept happy too!

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Monster line up

All friends and family kept happy too!

Proper line up, every opposition bowlers nightmare.

You’ll either be 135-2 (20) or 119 all out.

 

[topspin]

Usman averages only 18 with just one fifty after 26 matches, and his strike rate of 121 is nothing special. He’s another player who needs a lot of time to settle, and whenever he tries to play aggressively from the start, he usually gets out cheaply. Yet posters here still put his name ahead of Rizwan and claim the selectors think the same. These are the same selectors who backed Haris until they had to eat their words after realizing he was a tulla level player and a walking wicket.

Rizwan makes the T20I side on his keeping alone, and as for batting, he is still better than every option currently available. You build your XI from the talent you actually have. And for those saying certain players aren’t suited for T20Is, let’s be honest, almost all Pakistani batters are not suited for T20Is. Usman is worse than Haris as a player, and this drama will end soon. Mark my words.

Babar and Imam to open the batting?

 

[gazza619]

Babar and Imam to open the batting?

@Caved12 is referring to Usman, Haris & Riz and your high intellectual brain brings a response like, “Babar and Imam to open”?

 

[topspin]

@Caved12 is referring to Usman, Haris & Riz and your high intellectual brain brings a response like, “Babar and Imam to open”?

I’d avoid being sarcastic about someone’s intelligence, if I was you because it tends to backfire quickly.

Since you’re struggling to grasp this, I’ll simplify it for you, just as I’ve been doing for years.

As mominsaigol pointed out, this guy named a T20 XI with Babar and Imam opening the batting.

 

[Caved12]

@Caved12 is referring to Usman, Haris & Riz and your high intellectual brain brings a response like, “Babar and Imam to open”?

I never mentioned any T20I lineup with Babar and Imam opening. That lie was pushed for months by the same poster and his imaginary friends. When I exposed them and asked for an apology, they all disappeared. Now they’re desperate for a reaction, but I’m not engaging because I refuse to discuss cricket with people who have little understanding of the game. They’re going thread to thread posting silly stuff just to bait me into another back and forth that mods delete anyway. It’s hilarious, honestly. They discuss me more than cricket. I live in their heads rent free.

 

[gazza619]

I never mentioned any T20I lineup with Babar and Imam opening. That lie was pushed for months by the same poster and his imaginary friends. When I exposed them and asked for an apology, they all disappeared. Now they’re desperate for a reaction, but I’m not engaging because I refuse to discuss cricket with people who have little understanding of the game. They’re going thread to thread posting silly stuff just to bait me into another back and forth that mods delete anyway. It’s hilarious, honestly. They discuss me more than cricket. I live in their heads rent free.

This guy and his friends think YK was a proper ODI batter. That tells you everything you need to know.

 

[Caved12]

This guy and his friends think YK was a proper ODI batter. That tells you everything you need to know.

All they want is attention, doesn’t matter if it’s negative or positive, and they’ll bait anyone into a silly argument. You can give them facts, logic, and clear reasoning, but they’ll just recycle the same talking points. Ask them direct cricket questions and they either run from it or switch the topic, then pretend nothing happened. It’s honestly comedy. And according to them we’re “bottom tier posters,” but clearly we live rent free in their heads.

 

[Rana]

All they want is attention, doesn’t matter if it’s negative or positive, and they’ll bait anyone into a silly argument. You can give them facts, logic, and clear reasoning, but they’ll just recycle the same talking points. Ask them direct cricket questions and they either run from it or switch the topic, then pretend nothing happened. It’s honestly comedy. And according to them we’re “bottom tier posters,” but clearly we live rent free in their heads.

Na mate. Your all good as long as you don’t spread misinformation. You have a habit of doing that with a straight face.

 

[gazza619]

Na mate. Your all good as long as you don’t spread misinformation. You have a habit of doing that with a straight face.

YK vs ATTAPATU. Who was the more proper batter?

 

[Caved12]

Lmao. So discussing cricket is somehow “misinformation,” but going from thread to thread getting personal with posters and chasing them around all day is considered meaningful discussion? What a joke. And all this for attention from bottom tier posters.

 

[Raja Ishtiaq]

YK vs ATTAPATU. Who was the more proper batter?

Battle of the titans

 

[Rana]

YK vs ATTAPATU. Who was the more proper batter?

Both were better than Babar and Rizwan.

 

[Rana]

Both were better than Babar and Rizwan.

Both were better cricket brains too.

Respected leaders unlike those who have had to be booted out by coaches for being complete idiots

 

[topspin]

Both were better cricket brains too.

Respected leaders unlike those who have had to be booted out by coaches for being complete idiots

Gazza thinks he’s clever by picking up Atapattu’s strike rate but the truth is he’s once again exposed his lack of cricketing acumen.

First, you have to look at Atapattu’s role. Anyone who watched him knows his job was to anchor the innings so players like Jayasuriya could play freely and dominate.

And like dozens of other batters, Atapattu produced several standout innings that comfortably surpass Babar’s best ODI knock, that being the run chase against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup. Gazza did not contest this when I brought this up in the YK vs Babar debate because he knew I would wipe the floor with him on this.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this analysis is the average runs scored in ODIs played during the 90s:

• Early 90s (1990–1994): 180–190 runs per innings
• Mid to late 90s: 200-210 runs per innings

Even if we take the upper end, 210 runs across 300 balls gives a strike rate of about 70. In other words, Atapattu’s scoring rate was perfectly aligned with the era he played in

There is nothing more boorish and ignorant than evaluating a 90s batter
by modern strike rate standards, especially when white-ball cricket has evolved dramatically since the 2000s.

All this does is confirm that the simpleton mocking Atapattu’s strike rate hasn’t moved past “Faheem Ashraf > Pandya” levels of analysis.

 

[ads101]

Sixes column was truncated. Added it back. Here it is: View attachment 159708

Only Farhan has decent stats.

Always the issue. You just can’t have a strong batting line up no matter what combination you use when only one or two batsmen are performing.