Why do we really need "power-hitters" for what could be a low-scoring T20 World Cup?

[Sher Khan]

The Chief Selector has got his strategies and selections wrong. We do not need so-called "powerhitters" for a WT20 in the UAE. This is not England but the pitches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are generally low-scoring.

150 plus is a winning score on these pitches. Their is a need for nudgers and accumulators for this WT20, and I can't help but think Sarfraz is perfect for a slot in the Pakistan Xi for this WT20. We will have some much needed experience in the middle order and also will get the option of an excellent fielding option in Rizwan.

 

[mastimasti]

I actually agree....but Pakistan need to select the right players none-the-less. As critical as I am of the BCCI, at least they get our squads largely correct for major tournaments.

One must ask the PCB, why have they picked a complete non entity such as Azam Khan and dropped one of their most experienced and best LOI batters in Fakhar Zaman?

 

[UzmanBeast]

The Chief Selector has got his strategies and selections wrong. We do not need so-called "powerhitters" for a WT20 in the UAE. This is not England but the pitches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are generally low-scoring.

150 plus is a winning score on these pitches. Their is a need for nudgers and accumulators for this WT20, and I can't help but think Sarfraz is perfect for a slot in the Pakistan Xi for this WT20. We will have some much needed experience in the middle order and also will get the option of an excellent fielding option in Rizwan.

Thankfully you made a thread for this, and I couldn't agree more.

Pure power-hitters who have no game awareness are extremely costly; maybe one or two are fine but building our whole squad on them is not worth it.

Personally speaking, I think that every batsman has the ability to slog; some do it better, but everyone can generally up the run-rate when they are desperate to do so.

PCB Chief Selector is a dud, I doubt he will understand this.

As for Sarfaraz, I can see a place for him ahead of Azam Khan because since we don't have Malik, he is another good player of spin who can be utilized, and he is good at rotating strike.

I will emphasize this point again: the WC is going to be played on tired, spongy UAE wickets after the IPL and even after the warm-up games.

Take a look at IPL games right now, even at Sharjah, teams are barely putting together 150 and those who have built batting upon sloggers are collapsing quickly.

The best approach would be to have batsmen who understand how to counter spinners and can understand ways to get off strike consistently, whilst finding boundaries.

A revised squad is needed, and a list of possible changes I would be thinking about:

Mohammad Hasnain makes way for Shahnawaz Dahani.

Azam Khan makes way for Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Mohammad Hafeez makes way for Shoaib Malik.

Khushdil Shah makes way for Aamir Yamin.

Haris Rauf for Imran Khan Sr.

 

[drubwrubnat]

Good post! Imo, the game has changed, so it will be worthwhile to see in this tournament, if cricket has changed or not. Lets see!

 

[Rana]

Saud Shaqeel really needs a look at in the World Cup squad

He could be the key at number 4 or 5. This boy can bat

 

[b.lesner]

Saud Shaqeel really needs a look at in the World Cup squad

He could be the key at number 4 or 5. This boy can bat

Saud needs to open for Sind he is similar to Babar.

 

[Rana]

Saud needs to open for Sind he is similar to Babar.

I think number 3.

Sharjeel and Khurram open with Saud 1 down. Shan Masood is pointless and should be replaced with Saim Ayub in the main squad

 

[MenInG]

Lets admit.

We have NO power-hitters worth their salt.

I agree with OP - lets get proper run scoring people in there - ones who have good judgement and can put runs on the board.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

Lets admit.

We have NO power-hitters worth their salt.

I agree with OP - lets get proper run scoring people in there - ones who have good judgement and can put runs on the board.

Pollard etc failing in IPL. Pak needs to draft Malik ASAP.

 

[sweep_shot]

I expect lots of 130-150 scores.

It may turn out to be like Asia Cup 2018.

 

[shamaan]

I think number 3.

Sharjeel and Khurram open with Saud 1 down. Shan Masood is pointless and should be replaced with Saim Ayub in the main squad

Definitely saud should be batting in the top 3

 

[jawwada]

Definitely saud should be batting in the top 3

Saud should prove that he is worth a t20 spot. I see him as an ODI contender for a series against zimbabwe or afghanistan. Not a world t20 slot. He is horrible at rotating strike, judgement of runs, performance against sping also not good. Too raw ATM

 

[BDfanforever]

I expect lots of 130-150 scores.

It may turn out to be like Asia Cup 2018.

Remember when everyone was criticizing the BD pitches? Looks like they got the pitches spot on.

 

[shamaan]

Saud should prove that he is worth a t20 spot. I see him as an ODI contender for a series against zimbabwe or afghanistan. Not a world t20 slot. He is horrible at rotating strike, judgement of runs, performance against sping also not good. Too raw ATM

I was on about national cup not world cup squad saud should be batting at 3 for sindh and number 4 for Pakistan odi team.

 

[Visaal-E-Yaar]

Pollard etc failing in IPL. Pak needs to draft Malik ASAP.

Malik is politician better for national squad to not having him.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

Malik is politician better for national squad to not having him.

You might not like him but truthfully he is in great form and UAE pitches will suit him. If Hafeez can make into final 11 than why not Malik? Do you think Azam/Maqsood have the temperament to absorb the pressure and take singles, play on merit and finish the games? Big hitters like Pollard etc are flopping in IPL this time. I think teams who have crafty players like Rizwan will do better this time.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Remember when everyone was criticizing the BD pitches? Looks like they got the pitches spot on.

There’s a difference b/w a 150ish pitch and a 100ish pitch.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

The Chief Selector has got his strategies and selections wrong. We do not need so-called "powerhitters" for a WT20 in the UAE. This is not England but the pitches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are generally low-scoring.

150 plus is a winning score on these pitches. Their is a need for nudgers and accumulators for this WT20, and I can't help but think Sarfraz is perfect for a slot in the Pakistan Xi for this WT20. We will have some much needed experience in the middle order and also will get the option of an excellent fielding option in Rizwan.

Why only singling out Ramiz or Pak team?

If your speculation has any truth then all participating teams are making this mistake.
Which actually evens it out for all - so looks like we will have a fair n squads competition for all.