"You are talking about breaking up the best opening pair in world cricket": Mohammad Wasim

[MenInG]

Mohammad Wasim on Babar and Rizwan and the Pakistan side:

"Both of them have brought us enough success - You are talking about breaking up the best opening pair in world cricket. They are our strongest point and the numbers show they have scored runs with great consistency. I understand reservations about their strike rate but you will see improvements in it."

"We won nine out of last 13 T20Is, beating bigger teams along the way. Discarding anyone on the basis of a few bad games will be unfair. I have no doubt about these boys, almost everyone has won us games from top to bottom.

"You name anyone and they have performed lately. Since the last World Cup, we have had envisaged the conditions [in Australia] and planned accordingly. This whole squad is our strength and I am hopeful that this team will get us good results."

 

[Rana]

So what consistency have we seen in Khushdil+Iftikhar for them to also be retained?

I suppose Usman Qadir has consistently arrived to his seat on the bench to warrant a spot?

Mohammad Wasim laptop selector is a national joke tbh.

 

[Markhor]

Our RR in the PP is amongst the lowest in the world. That's meant to be the easiest time to bat so I don't see how that's world class.

Despite the hot air about attacking, fearless cricket - our management is happy with 90s era formula of consolidation, wickets in hand and hitting at the end.

People are quick to criticise the middle order, whose performances are admittedly poor, but the way our top 3 bat they are setting them up for failure because they are forcing them to slog from ball one by consuming so many deliveries.

 

[Rana]

I have been screaming, crying and pleading for this approach to change.

However, now I am of the impression that it’s better to let it run its course until the end of the World Cup.

Let’s say common sense prevails and they do break the combo, the guys coming in and potentially failing on the eve of a major tournament will provide the excuse for this pre-historic T20 opening combination to return and remain for 5 years longer!

Now, this is what you have selected and backed. Let them dig their own graves!

 

[proud_pakistani]

The tactics of Rizwan and Babar playing at a low SR works ok in the UAE but wont work anywhere else. Either the pair needs to man up and play more aggressively or they should re-think who is better suited to play attacking cricket at the top.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Our RR in the PP is amongst the lowest in the world. That's meant to be the easiest time to bat so I don't see how that's world class.

Despite the hot air about attacking, fearless cricket - our management is happy with 90s era formula of consolidation, wickets in hand and hitting at the end.

People are quick to criticise the middle order, whose performances are admittedly poor, but the way our top 3 bat they are setting them up for failure because they are forcing them to slog from ball one by consuming so many deliveries.

Iftikhar has come in three times in tournament with ample overs to play, yet did nothing besides tuk tuk. Khushdil and Iftikhar will never work in the middle-order, they are barely club standard batsmen.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Iftikhar has come in three times in tournament with ample overs to play, yet did nothing besides tuk tuk. Khushdil and Iftikhar will never work in the middle-order, they are barely club standard batsmen.

So we have to let Babar or Rizwan and Shan bat for 15 overs to score 100 runs and then expect 80 runs to be scored by 8 remaining batsmen in 30 balls?

 

[IMMY69]

I don't think the opening pair is an issue.

People have short memories.
Yes in UAE we've been slow at the top bits it's our inept middle order that's also failed to deliver.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the world (England and South Africa come to mind), we've had no issues getting very big scores in T20's.

Ifti and Asif are the main culprits along with Kushdil, who should only be in the side as an all rounder

 

[adzzy786]

Truth is these two always get us of to a slow start. This then means we need the middle order to pull a miracle. When they do we will win and when they don’t we don’t. Something has to change at the top.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

It is vital to score 70 - 80 runs in the opening powerplay and that should be the aim every game.

For that Sharjeel - Rizwan opening partnership is required followed by Babar, Fakhar, Haider Ali. ETC

 

[IMMY69]

Truth is these two always get us of to a slow start. This then means we need the middle order to pull a miracle. When they do we will win and when they don’t we don’t. Something has to change at the top.

Not really.
For example, in this Asia Cup series, we lost Babar early in pretty much every single game and from number 3 down had ample opportunity to score quickly. If the two openers were batting 12-15 overs at 6 an over then that would have put pressure on others.

I do think that Babar and Fakhar's form (generally poor on the slower wickets) let us down big time. As its really the top three rather then the top two that propels our batting unit.

I wouldn't mess with the two openers. I would hope that Fakhar find his form and that we find better players then Ifti, and Happy Heart.

 

[shaz619]

Our RR in the PP is amongst the lowest in the world. That's meant to be the easiest time to bat so I don't see how that's world class.

Despite the hot air about attacking, fearless cricket - our management is happy with 90s era formula of consolidation, wickets in hand and hitting at the end.

People are quick to criticise the middle order, whose performances are admittedly poor, but the way our top 3 bat they are setting them up for failure because they are forcing them to slog from ball one by consuming so many deliveries.

Overall the talent pool is one of the weakest ever in their history. You can make some changes to the order but risk impacting stability of the line up.

Despite some obvious flaws, this team have amazing spirit and you need to remember the following:

- Reached the WC semi finals
- Reached the Asia Cup finals
- Ended the streak
- Smashed both India and Afghan to bits

Find me a XI besides the 09 team which has a bigger pair on them.

People cry about Riswan when he outperformed Fakhar who practically opened when they faced Hong Kong of all teams.

Babar has been out of knick which is a concern but he has largely been consistent so we don’t need to take the knives out right away

 

[Manager101]

In Australia, this batting pair gives us a bonus as historically our bats struggle in Aussie pitches so two technically sound and settled openers is a major boost in my opinion.

 

[Rana]

In Australia, this batting pair gives us a bonus as historically our bats struggle in Aussie pitches so two technically sound and settled openers is a major boost in my opinion.

https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1192727082259767296?s=46&t=wpKGV2xO1G6PpAmca7ofhw

 

[IMMY69]

Overall the talent pool is one of the weakest ever in their history. You can make some changes to the order but risk impacting stability of the line up.

Despite some obvious flaws, this team have amazing spirit and you need to remember the following:

- Reached the WC semi finals
- Reached the Asia Cup finals
- Ended the streak
- Smashed both India and Afghan to bits

Find me a XI besides the 09 team which has a bigger pair on them.

People cry about Riswan when he outperformed Fakhar who practically opened when they faced Hong Kong of all teams.

Babar has been out of knick which is a concern but he has largely been consistent so we don’t need to take the knives out right away

The problem is we persisted with Malik for far too long and then after the last T20 Work we replace both Hafeez (who was performing well in T20's) and Malik with one senior (Ifti) and another all-rounder (khushdil). Malik didn't really perform so you could say that without Hafeez we're one reliable batsman down.

Our batting was being carried by Babar, Rizwan, Fakhar and Hafeez with others contributing here and there (e.g. Asif with his sixes). Now with Babar & Fakhar out of form and with Hafeez retired we're left high and dry.

This is why it was so important to blood a few youngsters in the middle order during the numerous bi lateral series we played before and after the T20 world cup in 2021.

No medium to long terms planning whatsoever from the management.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Our RR in the PP is amongst the lowest in the world. That's meant to be the easiest time to bat so I don't see how that's world class.

Despite the hot air about attacking, fearless cricket - our management is happy with 90s era formula of consolidation, wickets in hand and hitting at the end.

People are quick to criticise the middle order, whose performances are admittedly poor, but the way our top 3 bat they are setting them up for failure because they are forcing them to slog from ball one by consuming so many deliveries.

Clearly the fools in PCB dont care about that.

 

[Manager101]

https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1192727082259767296?s=46&t=wpKGV2xO1G6PpAmca7ofhw

So you want to set your view based on one dismissal against one of the best bowler of Australia ?

 

[shariqnoor]

Again what I see is recency bias coming into the picture. Babar and Rizwan are a prolific opening pair and should never be broken up given Pakistan's resources.

The majority of the complaints is that they bat too slow in the Powerplay when chasing which puts undue pressure on the middle order. Again not factually true, apart from the odd game.

Babar and Rizwan have been the opening pair for 16 chases. Pakistan have won 13 games out of those 16. Out of those 16 games, they have been required to chase a target of over 150, 7 times. Pakistan have lost only 1 match out of those 7.

Here's the breakdown of those 7 chases over 150 runs with Babar and Rizwan's performance in the PP.

1) Pakistan vs SA - required target 165 at a run rate of 8.25.

Babar and Rizwan batted the full 6 overs in the PP and scored 51 runs at a run rate of 8.50. Ahead of the required run rate. Pak won the match.

2) Pakistan vs SA - required target 189 at a run rate of 9.45.

Babar and Rizwan batted 4.5 overs in the PP and scored 41 runs at a run rate of 8.48. Required run rate only increased to 9.76 when they departed from the original 9.45 at the start of the innings. Pak won the match after Rizwan scored 74 not out off 50 balls at a SR of 148.

3) Pak vs SA - required target of 204 at a run rate of 10.2

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP for a score of 64 at a run rate of 10.67. Required run rate decreased to 10 from the original 10.2. Pak won the match.

4) Pak vs Eng - required target of 201 at a run rate of 10.05

Babar and Rizwan batted for 5.4 overs for a total of 50 runs. Required run rate increased to 10.53 from the original 10.05. Pak lost the match heavily.

5) Pak vs Ind - required target of 152 at a run rate of 7.6

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP and scored 43 runs at a run rate of 7.17. Required run rate increased to 7.79 from the original 7.6. Pak won the match by 10 wickets with 2.1 overs to spare.

6) Pak vs WI - required target of 208 at a run rate of 10.4

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP and scored 60 runs at a run rate of 10. Required run rate increased to 10.57 from the original 10. Pak won the match with 1.1 overs to spare.

7) Pak vs Ind - required target of 182 at a run rate of 9.18

Babar and Rizwan batted 3.4 overs for a total of 22 runs at a run rate of 6. Required run rate increased to 9.8 from the original 9.18. Pak won the match by 1 ball to spare.

So before everyone starts piling on Babar and Rizwan, the fact of the matter is, they have never let the required run rate go out of control. The two matches where they should be criticized are the India game and the final against SL. Other than that, there is zero evidence to suggest that they don't play quick in chases over 150.



17 times have Pakistan batted first with Babar and Rizwan as openers and out of those 17 times, Pakistan have scored 160 or more 10 times. Only 2 times Pakistan have lost in those 10 instances. Both to Australia. So its really unfair to criticize them with such remarkable stats.

I am fully with those who blame Rizwan for the SL defeat in the final because that was indeed a truly terrible innings but it was also an anomaly. We have such short-sightedness that we ignore what these two have actually achieved for Pakistan as openers.

 

[Kroll]

So what consistency have we seen in Khushdil+Iftikhar for them to also be retained?

I suppose Usman Qadir has consistently arrived to his seat on the bench to warrant a spot?

Mohammad Wasim laptop selector is a national joke tbh.

When I brought this up in another thread, I got told I was talking khek and there is nothing in domestics and they are the best we've got.

 

[Kroll]

Our RR in the PP is amongst the lowest in the world. That's meant to be the easiest time to bat so I don't see how that's world class.

Despite the hot air about attacking, fearless cricket - our management is happy with 90s era formula of consolidation, wickets in hand and hitting at the end.

People are quick to criticise the middle order, whose performances are admittedly poor, but the way our top 3 bat they are setting them up for failure because they are forcing them to slog from ball one by consuming so many deliveries.

Well said, it's run its course. But we'll still have the PP wizards come and tell us otherwise.

 

[hitthestump]

Our RR in the PP is amongst the lowest in the world. That's meant to be the easiest time to bat so I don't see how that's world class.

Yet the overall results are pretty decent despite our limitations in the rest of the XI.

Rizwan and Babar can risk losing their wickets in search of faster runs but the rest of the team will only embarass themselves trying to climb out from 35-3. It's better they lay the solid platform that they have been doing to give our half decent bowlers a score to defend.

We are not going to be a 200+ side with our current resources. But with 160/170's we are still very competitive.

Babar and Rizwan do need to up their strike rates a bit but no other drastic changes should take place other than that, otherwise our soft middle order is going to be very exposed.

 

[Zaz]

I dont believe they should be broken up because they provide solidity in most games than not and get pakistan frequently off to a good start

The issue is we cant have them both plodding along at 110 strike rate

It isnt acceptable and needs to be drilled in that modern day requirrnent is that they need to get a move on

We have lost twice now in knockouts where among other reasons one of them has been the failure of the top order to get a move on when required

 

[Suleiman]

This has always been the case with PCB, probably around or after 2003. Performances are seen in a vacuum. Runs are looked at just runs, with zero context.

Even if it was a t20 match losing 30 or 50, the fact that there is a 30 or a 50 automatically registers in selectors’ skulls as a good thing. Even if it was pivotal in losing the game and drained all of our momentum away.

Do I think, Babar and Rizwan deserve to be dropped- no. A reshuffle in the batting order? Definitely a possible solution. But these bone headed selectors see 1 stat and start drooling, even though there’s countless other stats that will show that how slow our RR is initially that we have to depend heavily on the middle / lower order or restricting the opposition to 150 or below.

 

[ex-q-zit]

Again what I see is recency bias coming into the picture. Babar and Rizwan are a prolific opening pair and should never be broken up given Pakistan's resources.

The majority of the complaints is that they bat too slow in the Powerplay when chasing which puts undue pressure on the middle order. Again not factually true, apart from the odd game.

Babar and Rizwan have been the opening pair for 16 chases. Pakistan have won 13 games out of those 16. Out of those 16 games, they have been required to chase a target of over 150, 7 times. Pakistan have lost only 1 match out of those 7.

Here's the breakdown of those 7 chases over 150 runs with Babar and Rizwan's performance in the PP.

1) Pakistan vs SA - required target 165 at a run rate of 8.25.

Babar and Rizwan batted the full 6 overs in the PP and scored 51 runs at a run rate of 8.50. Ahead of the required run rate. Pak won the match.

2) Pakistan vs SA - required target 189 at a run rate of 9.45.

Babar and Rizwan batted 4.5 overs in the PP and scored 41 runs at a run rate of 8.48. Required run rate only increased to 9.76 when they departed from the original 9.45 at the start of the innings. Pak won the match after Rizwan scored 74 not out off 50 balls at a SR of 148.

3) Pak vs SA - required target of 204 at a run rate of 10.2

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP for a score of 64 at a run rate of 10.67. Required run rate decreased to 10 from the original 10.2. Pak won the match.

4) Pak vs Eng - required target of 201 at a run rate of 10.05

Babar and Rizwan batted for 5.4 overs for a total of 50 runs. Required run rate increased to 10.53 from the original 10.05. Pak lost the match heavily.

5) Pak vs Ind - required target of 152 at a run rate of 7.6

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP and scored 43 runs at a run rate of 7.17. Required run rate increased to 7.79 from the original 7.6. Pak won the match by 10 wickets with 2.1 overs to spare.

6) Pak vs WI - required target of 208 at a run rate of 10.4

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP and scored 60 runs at a run rate of 10. Required run rate increased to 10.57 from the original 10. Pak won the match with 1.1 overs to spare.

7) Pak vs Ind - required target of 182 at a run rate of 9.18

Babar and Rizwan batted 3.4 overs for a total of 22 runs at a run rate of 6. Required run rate increased to 9.8 from the original 9.18. Pak won the match by 1 ball to spare.

So before everyone starts piling on Babar and Rizwan, the fact of the matter is, they have never let the required run rate go out of control. The two matches where they should be criticized are the India game and the final against SL. Other than that, there is zero evidence to suggest that they don't play quick in chases over 150.



17 times have Pakistan batted first with Babar and Rizwan as openers and out of those 17 times, Pakistan have scored 160 or more 10 times. Only 2 times Pakistan have lost in those 10 instances. Both to Australia. So its really unfair to criticize them with such remarkable stats.

I am fully with those who blame Rizwan for the SL defeat in the final because that was indeed a truly terrible innings but it was also an anomaly. We have such short-sightedness that we ignore what these two have actually achieved for Pakistan as openers.

Stats are more often than not misleading. Firstly, SA was playing with a depleted team in that series with most of the established players like Rabada, Nortje etc out to play the IPL. Secondly the world cup will be played in australia and not UAE where toss played a significant role. In australia the toss factor will be neutralized. lastly, chasing around 150 do not require an aggressive approach. even if they play run a ball in first 10 overs they can chase down 90 in the next 10 with wickets in hand. the issue is when they are to chase above 175 which was evident in the final. If not for the blinder by nawaz against india the middle order would have struggled there too although they still did manage to almost make a meal out of it but helped by some lazy fielding by India.

With this opening pair pakistan can surely win a few matches in a multi-nation tournament but winning the tournament is questionable especially against teams like england, australia and even India in australia.

the below article sums it up pretty well

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/...p-but-they-are-refusing-to-score-them-1332209

 

[Ashmal]

Again what I see is recency bias coming into the picture. Babar and Rizwan are a prolific opening pair and should never be broken up given Pakistan's resources.

The majority of the complaints is that they bat too slow in the Powerplay when chasing which puts undue pressure on the middle order. Again not factually true, apart from the odd game.

Babar and Rizwan have been the opening pair for 16 chases. Pakistan have won 13 games out of those 16. Out of those 16 games, they have been required to chase a target of over 150, 7 times. Pakistan have lost only 1 match out of those 7.

Here's the breakdown of those 7 chases over 150 runs with Babar and Rizwan's performance in the PP.

1) Pakistan vs SA - required target 165 at a run rate of 8.25.

Babar and Rizwan batted the full 6 overs in the PP and scored 51 runs at a run rate of 8.50. Ahead of the required run rate. Pak won the match.

2) Pakistan vs SA - required target 189 at a run rate of 9.45.

Babar and Rizwan batted 4.5 overs in the PP and scored 41 runs at a run rate of 8.48. Required run rate only increased to 9.76 when they departed from the original 9.45 at the start of the innings. Pak won the match after Rizwan scored 74 not out off 50 balls at a SR of 148.

3) Pak vs SA - required target of 204 at a run rate of 10.2

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP for a score of 64 at a run rate of 10.67. Required run rate decreased to 10 from the original 10.2. Pak won the match.

4) Pak vs Eng - required target of 201 at a run rate of 10.05

Babar and Rizwan batted for 5.4 overs for a total of 50 runs. Required run rate increased to 10.53 from the original 10.05. Pak lost the match heavily.

5) Pak vs Ind - required target of 152 at a run rate of 7.6

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP and scored 43 runs at a run rate of 7.17. Required run rate increased to 7.79 from the original 7.6. Pak won the match by 10 wickets with 2.1 overs to spare.

6) Pak vs WI - required target of 208 at a run rate of 10.4

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP and scored 60 runs at a run rate of 10. Required run rate increased to 10.57 from the original 10. Pak won the match with 1.1 overs to spare.

7) Pak vs Ind - required target of 182 at a run rate of 9.18

Babar and Rizwan batted 3.4 overs for a total of 22 runs at a run rate of 6. Required run rate increased to 9.8 from the original 9.18. Pak won the match by 1 ball to spare.

So before everyone starts piling on Babar and Rizwan, the fact of the matter is, they have never let the required run rate go out of control. The two matches where they should be criticized are the India game and the final against SL. Other than that, there is zero evidence to suggest that they don't play quick in chases over 150.



17 times have Pakistan batted first with Babar and Rizwan as openers and out of those 17 times, Pakistan have scored 160 or more 10 times. Only 2 times Pakistan have lost in those 10 instances. Both to Australia. So its really unfair to criticize them with such remarkable stats.

I am fully with those who blame Rizwan for the SL defeat in the final because that was indeed a truly terrible innings but it was also an anomaly. We have such short-sightedness that we ignore what these two have actually achieved for Pakistan as openers.

Great post.

Based on a couple of games, people are going overboard and blaming everything on Babar and Rizwan opening combo.

 

[srh]

Mohammad Wasim on Babar and Rizwan and the Pakistan side:

"Both of them have brought us enough success - You are talking about breaking up the best opening pair in world cricket. They are our strongest point and the numbers show they have scored runs with great consistency. I understand reservations about their strike rate but you will see improvements in it."

"We won nine out of last 13 T20Is, beating bigger teams along the way. Discarding anyone on the basis of a few bad games will be unfair. I have no doubt about these boys, almost everyone has won us games from top to bottom.

"You name anyone and they have performed lately. Since the last World Cup, we have had envisaged the conditions [in Australia] and planned accordingly. This whole squad is our strength and I am hopeful that this team will get us good results."

These type of arguments shows that there is not much intelligence left in the thin tank. The chief selector does not even understand the batting power play concept in T20s or else he would not be supporting Rizwan and Babar as openers. Such a shame that the nation which produced so many intelligent cricket personnel has come down so low.

 

[srh]

our rr in the pp is amongst the lowest in the world. That's meant to be the easiest time to bat so i don't see how that's world class.

Despite the hot air about attacking, fearless cricket - our management is happy with 90s era formula of consolidation, wickets in hand and hitting at the end.

People are quick to criticise the middle order, whose performances are admittedly poor, but the way our top 3 bat they are setting them up for failure because they are forcing them to slog from ball one by consuming so many deliveries.

potw

 

[Markhor]

Yet the overall results are pretty decent despite our limitations in the rest of the XI.

Rizwan and Babar can risk losing their wickets in search of faster runs but the rest of the team will only embarass themselves trying to climb out from 35-3. It's better they lay the solid platform that they have been doing to give our half decent bowlers a score to defend.

We are not going to be a 200+ side with our current resources. But with 160/170's we are still very competitive.

Babar and Rizwan do need to up their strike rates a bit but no other drastic changes should take place other than that, otherwise our soft middle order is going to be very exposed.

The middle and lower order are embarrassing themselves having to slog from ball one after our top 3 consume the majority of the innings.

It doesn't make sense to backload all the risk either especially with our big hitters lacking form and confidence.

Drastic changes aren't needed but a change in philosophy is. Even if we are 35-3 trying to be more positive - what does it matter ? Why do we treat these bilateral T20Is like life and death ? If we're not going to experiment in these games, when will we ? You cannot play positive cricket without accepting some risk.

 

[TheSultan]

Generally Rizwan and Babar hold many t20 records for different types of statistics. Unfortunately those particular variables that they exceed other teams makes little material difference to the outcome of a match.

Is a 100 run partnership off 90 balls better than a 65 run partnership off 30 balls? No.

And that’s the problem. Riz and Babar hold many records like the former, but it makes no difference.

 

[bones]

Again what I see is recency bias coming into the picture. Babar and Rizwan are a prolific opening pair and should never be broken up given Pakistan's resources.

Excellent post. I was one of those critical of them and wanted to see a change in strategy if not personnel. I still think there should be somewhat of a change in strategy because we need to always improve however you have given an excellent summary with numbers so I am going to hold my opinion back for the time being.

Great post btw!

 

[Markhor]

Again what I see is recency bias coming into the picture. Babar and Rizwan are a prolific opening pair and should never be broken up given Pakistan's resources.

The majority of the complaints is that they bat too slow in the Powerplay when chasing which puts undue pressure on the middle order. Again not factually true, apart from the odd game.

Babar and Rizwan have been the opening pair for 16 chases. Pakistan have won 13 games out of those 16. Out of those 16 games, they have been required to chase a target of over 150, 7 times. Pakistan have lost only 1 match out of those 7.

Here's the breakdown of those 7 chases over 150 runs with Babar and Rizwan's performance in the PP.

1) Pakistan vs SA - required target 165 at a run rate of 8.25.

Babar and Rizwan batted the full 6 overs in the PP and scored 51 runs at a run rate of 8.50. Ahead of the required run rate. Pak won the match.

2) Pakistan vs SA - required target 189 at a run rate of 9.45.

Babar and Rizwan batted 4.5 overs in the PP and scored 41 runs at a run rate of 8.48. Required run rate only increased to 9.76 when they departed from the original 9.45 at the start of the innings. Pak won the match after Rizwan scored 74 not out off 50 balls at a SR of 148.

3) Pak vs SA - required target of 204 at a run rate of 10.2

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP for a score of 64 at a run rate of 10.67. Required run rate decreased to 10 from the original 10.2. Pak won the match.

4) Pak vs Eng - required target of 201 at a run rate of 10.05

Babar and Rizwan batted for 5.4 overs for a total of 50 runs. Required run rate increased to 10.53 from the original 10.05. Pak lost the match heavily.

5) Pak vs Ind - required target of 152 at a run rate of 7.6

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP and scored 43 runs at a run rate of 7.17. Required run rate increased to 7.79 from the original 7.6. Pak won the match by 10 wickets with 2.1 overs to spare.

6) Pak vs WI - required target of 208 at a run rate of 10.4

Babar and Rizwan batted the full PP and scored 60 runs at a run rate of 10. Required run rate increased to 10.57 from the original 10. Pak won the match with 1.1 overs to spare.

7) Pak vs Ind - required target of 182 at a run rate of 9.18

Babar and Rizwan batted 3.4 overs for a total of 22 runs at a run rate of 6. Required run rate increased to 9.8 from the original 9.18. Pak won the match by 1 ball to spare.

So before everyone starts piling on Babar and Rizwan, the fact of the matter is, they have never let the required run rate go out of control. The two matches where they should be criticized are the India game and the final against SL. Other than that, there is zero evidence to suggest that they don't play quick in chases over 150.



17 times have Pakistan batted first with Babar and Rizwan as openers and out of those 17 times, Pakistan have scored 160 or more 10 times. Only 2 times Pakistan have lost in those 10 instances. Both to Australia. So its really unfair to criticize them with such remarkable stats.

I am fully with those who blame Rizwan for the SL defeat in the final because that was indeed a truly terrible innings but it was also an anomaly. We have such short-sightedness that we ignore what these two have actually achieved for Pakistan as openers.

Appreciate the detailed post, but there are some caveats to this.

The problem isn't Babar and Rizwan's PP SR in chases, but their PP SR period which is 115 since 2020. It's exacerbated by the fact our top 3 consumes around 70% of our innings, considerably more than any other nation, and according to cricinfo's stats team have the biggest gap between runs scored and ball consumed.

There's no denying we've had success with this template, but Pakistan are the only team to treat bilateral T20Is like life and death whereas our opponents typically experiment. South Africa fielded reserve attacks in those matches you reference. The 204 chase was against an attack of George Linde, Lizaad Williams, Beuran Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi and Sisanda Magala.

1) Pakistan vs SA - required target 165 at a run rate of 8.25.

Babar and Rizwan batted the full 6 overs in the PP and scored 51 runs at a run rate of 8.50. Ahead of the required run rate. Pak won the match.

Rizwan and Haider opened in that match. Babar came in at 3 and to be fair his SR was 146 so there's an argument for demoting him.

The 182 chase vs India was largely thanks to Mohammad Nawaz. Babar and Rizwan wasted half the PP and sent the RRR to nearly 10. Banking on worldies from your middle-order to compensate for your anchors isn't a sustainable strategy for consistent results.

17 times have Pakistan batted first with Babar and Rizwan as openers and out of those 17 times, Pakistan have scored 160 or more 10 times. Only 2 times Pakistan have lost in those 10 instances. Both to Australia. So its really unfair to criticize them with such remarkable stats.

One of those defeats being the Semi Final of a World Cup. The formula worked against weakened attacks in inconsequential bilaterals, but failed when it mattered the most.

It's been lost midst the criticism of Hasan Ali's drop but we were 15-20 runs short because of this pair's overcaution. Babar's SR was the lowest of all batters who made double figures. After 10 overs, Pakiatan were 71-1 whereas Australia were 89-3. Again their conservative approach had to be compensated for by somebody else, in this case Fakhar without whom that SF wouldn't have been close.

Risk aversion and refusal to stray from a set template has cost us two tournaments.

 

[hitthestump]

Risk aversion and refusal to stray from a set template has cost us two tournaments.

Without your openers we'd be finishing near the bottom of every tournament though so this doesn't make any sense.

Khushdil, Asif Ali and Iftikhar have had numerous opportunities to build an innings in their international career. I can not remember any occasion from the top of my head where they have seized this chance positively but plenty where they have failed.

It's pretty clear that the team wants to play to its strengths. Our best batsmen lay a platform, everyone else swings for the fences, then the bowlers try and restrict. Why do we need to experiment otherwise when we have established that our middle order can't bat for long periods and that this strategy is successful? If we deviate from the plan we lose more often, if we stick to the plan we win more often.

Pakistan fans are being very emotional but you are deluding yourself if we think we are some world beating team if we can only have Sharjeel and Fakhar open the innings. We are mediocre, middle of the pack at best and Babar and Rizwan are helping us punch above that.

 

[shamaan]

Our RR in the PP is amongst the lowest in the world. That's meant to be the easiest time to bat so I don't see how that's world class.

Despite the hot air about attacking, fearless cricket - our management is happy with 90s era formula of consolidation, wickets in hand and hitting at the end.

People are quick to criticise the middle order, whose performances are admittedly poor, but the way our top 3 bat they are setting them up for failure because they are forcing them to slog from ball one by consuming so many deliveries.

Have you got any stats to back your claim.

 

[shamaan]

It is vital to score 70 - 80 runs in the opening powerplay and that should be the aim every game.

For that Sharjeel - Rizwan opening partnership is required followed by Babar, Fakhar, Haider Ali. ETC

Stop day dreaming.

 

[Markhor]

Without your openers we'd be finishing near the bottom of every tournament though so this doesn't make any sense.

Khushdil, Asif Ali and Iftikhar have had numerous opportunities to build an innings in their international career. I can not remember any occasion from the top of my head where they have seized this chance positively but plenty where they have failed.

It's pretty clear that the team wants to play to its strengths. Our best batsmen lay a platform, everyone else swings for the fences, then the bowlers try and restrict. Why do we need to experiment otherwise when we have established that our middle order can't bat for long periods and that this strategy is successful? If we deviate from the plan we lose more often, if we stick to the plan we win more often.

Pakistan fans are being very emotional but you are deluding yourself if we think we are some world beating team if we can only have Sharjeel and Fakhar open the innings. We are mediocre, middle of the pack at best and Babar and Rizwan are helping us punch above that.

If we revisit the last T20 World Cup, it was Asif Ali's late cameos that won the match vs NZL and AFG after slow batting uptop. It was Mohammad Nawaz's hitting that brought the RRR vs India down after our openers wasted half the PP.

You're implying I'm a fan of Khushdil, Iftikhar and Asif. I'm not. If you go back to 2019, I opposed Khushdil's debut because the guy has limited offside game against pace.

However my point is regardless of who you select, our batting template is designed to cause middle order dysfunction. The Asia Cup final was a prime example. Rizwan and Iftikhar allowed the RRR to reach 14.

Even if we had de Villiers or Buttler, you're asking too much for someone to chase from that position on a slow UAE pitch. So we aren't playing to our strengths - we've actually designed a team to compensate for the limitations of our openers.

Nor am I asking for Sharjeel and Fakhar to open. All I'm asking for is some positive intent from our two "world class" openers during the best time to bat in a T20 when the field is in !

 

[PakEngFan]

Well said, it's run its course. But we'll still have the PP wizards come and tell us otherwise.

Can you give us replacements for them? If no then it’s true.

 

[Markhor]

Have you got any stats to back your claim.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Pakistan’s powerplay performance in T20Is since 2019 is seriously debatable, they stand 3rd from the bottom <br><br>What key changes do Pakistan need to make to climb up the ladder <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketTwitter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketTwitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20Is?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20Is</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/1DpYrG56hl">pic.twitter.com/1DpYrG56hl</a></p>— CricWick (@CricWick) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricWick/status/1569326565292392448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[asfandyar]

Misbah as a captain polarized Pakistani cricket fraternity. If Babar wants to go down the same path, he is free to do so by continuing to open despite poor performances. However, you can't really drop a top ten batsman from the side, so can't blame Wasim. Nevertheless, his decision to continue with Usman and Khushdil is atrocious.

 

[Rana]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Pakistan’s powerplay performance in T20Is since 2019 is seriously debatable, they stand 3rd from the bottom <br><br>What key changes do Pakistan need to make to climb up the ladder <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketTwitter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketTwitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20Is?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20Is</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/1DpYrG56hl">pic.twitter.com/1DpYrG56hl</a></p>— CricWick (@CricWick) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricWick/status/1569326565292392448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

You could argue Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have probably gone ahead of Pakistan recently too

 

[hitthestump]

However my point is regardless of who you select, our batting template is designed to cause middle order dysfunction. The Asia Cup final was a prime example. Rizwan and Iftikhar allowed the RRR to reach 14.

Middle order dysfunction is there anyway. Iftikhar didn't exactly allow the runrate to get to 14, he is just incapable of delivering anything better.

Nor am I asking for Sharjeel and Fakhar to open. All I'm asking for is some positive intent from our two "world class" openers during the best time to bat in a T20 when the field is in !

This i agree with, but only as a slight adjustment and the openers should stay the same.

 

[MenInG]

Mohammad Wasim in the presser:

“India is a billion-dollar team. But we showed last year as well as this year in the Asia Cup that this team is capable of winning and I have complete faith that they will continue to give the fans happiness in the World Cup"

“I think you need to look at the positives too that we have played the semifinals of the last T20 World Cup and the final of the Asia Cup. So to completely discard the team on the basis of a couple of bad performances wouldn’t be fair,"

 

[shariqnoor]

Appreciate the detailed post, but there are some caveats to this.

The problem isn't Babar and Rizwan's PP SR in chases, but their PP SR period which is 115 since 2020. It's exacerbated by the fact our top 3 consumes around 70% of our innings, considerably more than any other nation, and according to cricinfo's stats team have the biggest gap between runs scored and ball consumed.

There's no denying we've had success with this template, but Pakistan are the only team to treat bilateral T20Is like life and death whereas our opponents typically experiment. South Africa fielded reserve attacks in those matches you reference. The 204 chase was against an attack of George Linde, Lizaad Williams, Beuran Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi and Sisanda Magala.


Rizwan and Haider opened in that match. Babar came in at 3 and to be fair his SR was 146 so there's an argument for demoting him.

The 182 chase vs India was largely thanks to Mohammad Nawaz. Babar and Rizwan wasted half the PP and sent the RRR to nearly 10. Banking on worldies from your middle-order to compensate for your anchors isn't a sustainable strategy for consistent results.


One of those defeats being the Semi Final of a World Cup. The formula worked against weakened attacks in inconsequential bilaterals, but failed when it mattered the most.

It's been lost midst the criticism of Hasan Ali's drop but we were 15-20 runs short because of this pair's overcaution. Babar's SR was the lowest of all batters who made double figures. After 10 overs, Pakiatan were 71-1 whereas Australia were 89-3. Again their conservative approach had to be compensated for by somebody else, in this case Fakhar without whom that SF wouldn't have been close.

Risk aversion and refusal to stray from a set template has cost us two tournaments.

Thanks for correcting me for that first match where Haider and Rizwan opened. Just saw that Haider innings was 15(13) in the PP.

Also I had already mentioned that I will criticize Babar/Rizwan for two matches - the one against India and against SL in the final. I agree with everyone on that.

However, the overwhelming stats suggests that what they are doing is working. It may not work in an odd match or so but its an exception to the rule, not the rule. We are not losing matches or tournaments JUST because of Babar/Rizwan. There are a whole lot of other factors at play, most notably Babar's captaincy. His captaincy was terrible against SL in the final and against Australia in the Semi-final.

Yes, I can agree to the view that Babar/Rizwan can increase their SR's but to suggest that they need to be broken up is preposterous. If we are going to be tinkering with that, then we are disrupting the one thing which isn't wholly broken while ignoring the other things that are truly broken.

 

[shariqnoor]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; Pakistan’s powerplay performance in T20Is since 2019 is seriously debatable, they stand 3rd from the bottom &#55357;&#56384;<br><br>What key changes do Pakistan need to make to climb up the ladder <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketTwitter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketTwitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20Is?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20Is</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/1DpYrG56hl">pic.twitter.com/1DpYrG56hl</a></p>— CricWick (@CricWick) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricWick/status/1569326565292392448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This graphic also needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. We have probably played the most games in conditions where it is not suited to go at 10 RPO in the PP. We have played in UAE a lot, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe where scoring at 10 RPO in the PP is very difficult.

Also the difference between India and Pakistan in that graphic is 8 runs in the Powerplay.

 

[sweep_shot]

Two accumulators at the top in T20 format is not a good thing.

I think one of them should open with an attacking opener.

 

[Rana]

This graphic also needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. We have probably played the most games in conditions where it is not suited to go at 10 RPO in the PP. We have played in UAE a lot, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe where scoring at 10 RPO in the PP is very difficult.

Also the difference between India and Pakistan in that graphic is 8 runs in the Powerplay.

Always an excuse.

 

[Saj]

I like Rizwan and I like Babar.

But as a batting combination they tend to be too defensive.

I have said for a long time that they need to make more use of the powerplay - something they haven't done often enough.

You have 10 wickets and only 20 overs - come on, take more risks.

 

[shamaan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; Pakistan’s powerplay performance in T20Is since 2019 is seriously debatable, they stand 3rd from the bottom &#55357;&#56384;<br><br>What key changes do Pakistan need to make to climb up the ladder <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketTwitter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketTwitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20Is?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20Is</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/1DpYrG56hl">pic.twitter.com/1DpYrG56hl</a></p>— CricWick (@CricWick) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricWick/status/1569326565292392448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Thankyou

 

[daytrader]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; Pakistan’s powerplay performance in T20Is since 2019 is seriously debatable, they stand 3rd from the bottom &#55357;&#56384;<br><br>What key changes do Pakistan need to make to climb up the ladder <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketTwitter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketTwitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20Is?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20Is</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/1DpYrG56hl">pic.twitter.com/1DpYrG56hl</a></p>— CricWick (@CricWick) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricWick/status/1569326565292392448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Babar and Riwan started opening in 2021, these stats go back to 2019 when we did have a problem.

Overall the Babar-Rizwan partnership has been together for 29 innings, averaging 47.6, with a run rate of 7.96!

 

[Varun]

Lol, makes them sound like Gilchrist and Hayden.

 

[shariqnoor]

Always an excuse.

At least it doesn't revolve around a certified spot-fixer. And I don't condone corruption.

 

[Rana]

At least it doesn't revolve around a certified spot-fixer. And I don't condone corruption.

Being at liberty with reality is as good as condoning corruption

 

[Mamoon]

Babar and Rizwan have the easiest job in T20 cricket. Play more than half of your matches against second string attacks and minnows, open the innings and not play with any sort of urgency and play out of your comfort-zone.

Their job is to score 50 in 40 balls each. If they can kick on from there and convert it into a big one, great.

If they get out doing so, they get a pat on the back for “laying the foundation” and “preventing a batting collapse”. It doesn’t get easier than that.

Give this type of liberty and comfort-zone to Rohit, Rahul, Roy, Buttler, Hales, Bairstow, Warner etc. and watch how many runs they pile up and how their average soars.

The fakest number 1 and number 2 ranked T20I batsmen you will ever see.

 

[daytrader]

Another 50 run partnership for these two!. This one coming at a RR of 8.5!

 

[Rana]

I don’t think our opponent is too fussed about breaking up this successful partnership either

 

[Kroll]

Its seven games, no harm in trying something different in at least one of the games. We don't have a big brute like a Cameron Green or Tim David ready to come in, but could try someone like Haider or Asif to partner Rizwan.

 

[Energy]

Babar got out in the 10th over when the score was 85. You'd expect the middle order to then bat 10 overs and atleast match that i.e. score 85 off the last 10 giving us a score of 170.

What happened- the batting 'collapsed' and ended up scrambling to 158 7-wickets down.

That's how outright pathetic the middle order is. Whichever way you look at it, Babar and Rizwan are miles ahead of any of the other batters in the team.

 

[Rana]

Babar got out in the 10th over when the score was 85. You'd expect the middle order to then bat 10 overs and atleast match that i.e. score 85 off the last 10 giving us a score of 170.

What happened- the batting 'collapsed' and ended up scrambling to 158 7-wickets down.

That's how outright pathetic the middle order is. Whichever way you look at it, Babar and Rizwan are miles ahead of any of the other batters in the team.

Easy to talk.

Ask them to bat at 3 and 4 if they are miles ahead

I can name plenty of opening combinations who can contribute reasonably to the side. If these two are best, they should tackle the issue head on!

 

[Energy]

Easy to talk.

Ask them to bat at 3 and 4 if they are miles ahead

I can name plenty of opening combinations who can contribute reasonably to the side. If these two are best, they should tackle the issue head on!

Why should they bat at 3 or 4 if they are scoring the runs at the top?

Why are other 5-6 proper batters in the team if Babar and Rizwan have to tackle issues head on all the time by themselves? Are you saying rest are dhyaari kay tattu?

 

[Markhor]

They started really well and showed more intent upfront. We outscored England in the PP so don't think openers can be criticised much for yesterday.

The problem was post-PP when the pitch slowed, ENG brought their spinners on and the innings ground to a halt.

 

[GreenKhan]

The problem with Babar and Rizwan opening is that it’s causing issues in the middle order which leads to subtotal scores.

Why is it causing problems ? It’s because we have batters playing out of position . Now in one dayers its slightly less problematic because if you come at 4 and 5 you still have to build an innings . In t20s its much more difficult .

Shan masood coming at 4, khushdil coming with 3 overs left etc it just won’t work for the majority of time . Even the ones who are not in the team will face this issue .

What Pakistan really need to do is get a proper dashing opener and Babar moves to 3.

Fakhar zaman opening and having a SR of 140 will ensure either we have a fast start and he’s not one to waste balls when he comes to open .

The other point is show faith in Asif Ali . Allow him to come in around overs 12-13 so he can at least try and score a 40 of 22 rather than 10 of 6.

Pakistan need to get more out of there power hitters especially in Australia.

That means Fakhar Opening, Asif coming in earlier and Babar moving to 3.

 

[Energy]

The problem with Babar and Rizwan opening is that it’s causing issues in the middle order which leads to subtotal scores.

Why is it causing problems ? It’s because we have batters playing out of position . Now in one dayers its slightly less problematic because if you come at 4 and 5 you still have to build an innings . In t20s its much more difficult .

Shan masood coming at 4, khushdil coming with 3 overs left etc it just won’t work for the majority of time . Even the ones who are not in the team will face this issue .

What Pakistan really need to do is get a proper dashing opener and Babar moves to 3.

Fakhar zaman opening and having a SR of 140 will ensure either we have a fast start and he’s not one to waste balls when he comes to open .

The other point is show faith in Asif Ali . Allow him to come in around overs 12-13 so he can at least try and score a 40 of 22 rather than 10 of 6.

Pakistan need to get more out of there power hitters especially in Australia.

That means Fakhar Opening, Asif coming in earlier and Babar moving to 3.

A classic example was yesterday where the middle order had 10.3 overs to bat. And they made a meal of it.

The middle order is actually the ones having it easy. When they're left to score 50-60 runs in the last 5 overs they all get out cheaply making excuses that they had less overs to bat.

When they get more than 10 overs to bat they can't build the innings to score at a solid rate. They crumble 9 out of 10 times.

Remember- we're not talking about one batsman, we are talking about 4-5 collective batters not being able to do the job. Babar and Rizwan are the ones carrying the batting on their shoulders.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Babar and Rizwan should now cover for the pathetic MO batsmen, and leave the positions they have won us games. How about these ‘batsmen’ take responsibility and perform for a change?

 

[Rana]

Babar and Rizwan should now cover for the pathetic MO batsmen, and leave the positions they have won us games. How about these ‘batsmen’ take responsibility and perform for a change?

What games?!

It’s the bowlers that have one us games by keeping the score in check for these two to paddle along without much pressure on them. If they have batted fast in some games, you can bet your house that they were good batting tracks and the performance by these two would just be par!

Babar and Rizwan lap up the credit just like Strikers do in football. It’s the defence and midfield that doesn’t get the same level of appreciation.

 

[Usman Chadda]

What games?!

It’s the bowlers that have one us games by keeping the score in check for these two to paddle along without much pressure on them. If they have batted fast in some games, you can bet your house that they were good batting tracks and the performance by these two would just be par!

Babar and Rizwan lap up the credit just like Strikers do in football. It’s the defence and midfield that doesn’t get the same level of appreciation.

You don’t get those stats by not winning games. We did not have a successful pair before these two, Fakhar is too inconsistent and reliant on a purple patch. We don’t have any dynamic openers in our cricket, who you can safely say can be relied upon.

We have to do the best from our limited resources. Even the much praised Saim Ayub looks unreliable at the moment.

 

[Rana]

You don’t get those stats by not winning games. We did not have a successful pair before these two, Fakhar is too inconsistent and reliant on a purple patch. We don’t have any dynamic openers in our cricket, who you can safely say can be relied upon.

We have to do the best from our limited resources. Even the much praised Saim Ayub looks unreliable at the moment.

What??

We were no.1 under Mickey/Sarfaraz

Nothing was wrong with the way we played and approached this game!

 

[GreenKhan]

A classic example was yesterday where the middle order had 10.3 overs to bat. And they made a meal of it.

The middle order is actually the ones having it easy. When they're left to score 50-60 runs in the last 5 overs they all get out cheaply making excuses that they had less overs to bat.

When they get more than 10 overs to bat they can't build the innings to score at a solid rate. They crumble 9 out of 10 times.

Remember- we're not talking about one batsman, we are talking about 4-5 collective batters not being able to do the job. Babar and Rizwan are the ones carrying the batting on their shoulders.

I don’t think the middle order has it easy when your playing openers at 3-5 and then asking them to do a job which their game is not suited to.

What use is shan at 4 going to be when he’s coming with 5 overs left .

Fakhar is confused when he bats at 3.

The fact that babar is a success at 3 in one day matches means he can bat at 3. It will help the team much more .

Why can’t we have an impact player at the top. Even if it’s at SR of 140 at an average of 25 that’s what is required in t20s

 

[GreenKhan]

You don’t get those stats by not winning games. We did not have a successful pair before these two, Fakhar is too inconsistent and reliant on a purple patch. We don’t have any dynamic openers in our cricket, who you can safely say can be relied upon.

We have to do the best from our limited resources. Even the much praised Saim Ayub looks unreliable at the moment.

If Fakhar gets you 140 @25 kind of figures as an opener then that’s what is required for this form of cricket .

Before his dip in form he had a SR between 135-140 so he’s capable of that .

Out of 8 50s he has scored for Pak we have only lost once . Impact players lack consistency but that’s expected if you play high risk unselfish cricket .

 

[Rana]

If Fakhar gets you 140 @25 kind of figures as an opener then that’s what is required for this form of cricket .

Before his dip in form he had a SR between 135-140 so he’s capable of that .

Out of 8 50s he has scored for Pak we have only lost once . Impact players lack consistency but that’s expected if you play high risk unselfish cricket .

Facts these people don’t want to hear

 

[Kroll]

What I noticed from the Ind vs Aus match from yesterday was the huge difference in mindset in the way the top teams approach the game.

While Pak try to come out with excuses or over analyse like 'oh we need to set a par score of 160' and thus try to look clever, these teams don't care and just bomb it right from the off all the way to the end.

They are not content with the status quo and want to keep improving and going faster all the time. I like the fact they always aim for 200+ and don't think about 'par scores'.

 

[shaz619]

Easy to talk.

Ask them to bat at 3 and 4 if they are miles ahead

I can name plenty of opening combinations who can contribute reasonably to the side. If these two are best, they should tackle the issue head on!

Ok Babar and Ris will bat at no.3 and no.4 so Ifthi Cobra and Haider Ali can open the batting maybe we can fit in Korma Biryani in there somewhere to

 

[Energy]

I don’t think the middle order has it easy when your playing openers at 3-5 and then asking them to do a job which their game is not suited to.

What use is shan at 4 going to be when he’s coming with 5 overs left .

Fakhar is confused when he bats at 3.

The fact that babar is a success at 3 in one day matches means he can bat at 3. It will help the team much more .

Why can’t we have an impact player at the top. Even if it’s at SR of 140 at an average of 25 that’s what is required in t20s

Fakhar is not a kid that he gets confused. Neither is Shan. They are batters they can apply their trade if they are good enough. What is the guarantee that Fakhar will be successful as opener? What is his record when he was given chances as an opener? We can't keep making excuses about the numbers game.

Babar has success at 3 or opener because he is world class.

 

[GreenKhan]

Fakhar is not a kid that he gets confused. Neither is Shan. They are batters they can apply their trade if they are good enough. What is the guarantee that Fakhar will be successful as opener? What is his record when he was given chances as an opener? We can't keep making excuses about the numbers game.

Babar has success at 3 or opener because he is world class.

Fakhar has a SR of 136 as an opener if not more . He is good enough as his stats in one dayers are 45@95 which are world class numbers .
In t20s he had a drop in form , very similar to what Babar has now . This led to him being moved around the order and eventually he was moved to number 3.
At number 3 he averages 23 with a SR of 118 which is ok but the management can get much more out of him .

He is being under utilised and so is now Shan masood .

The point is t20 is about impact . We have very few with the bat .
Fakhar is one and Asif is another.

It’s a team game , Babar moving one down even as an experiment may well benefit the team .

 

[fight_club]

Sorry Mr Wasim, Your sole focus must be to make Pakistan World Top T20 team and not let your wisdom get buried under personalized glory which hardly helps the team building.

I can stick my neck out and say that untill Pakistan break this opening pair their is no immidiate fix to the hole they found themselves in. Because these gentlemen are not ready to forfiet their place so much so that mr Rizwan who desperatly needs some time off to recover from injury is playing against England B team in meaningless T20, this is the level of insecurity these guys have.

Haider is an attacking opener who can easily clear the ropes, something the current opening pair never does, Shan masood doesn't bring anything on the table and at best he will be the third anchor. However he played at no.4 and naturally looked totally out of place and format.

The only good thing which happend is that Ifti came at his natural no.5 and looked the part.

The problem is not that Pakistan is struggling to find Middle order batsmen but they are ensuring that no matter what the current opening pair remain untouched and with that rider Pakistan will not be able to solve the middle order issue in a jiffy.

"The point worth raising is that both babar and rizwan can easily play in the middle order and Pakistan have world class proven openers who can play at a healty strike rate"

 

[Rana]

Sorry Mr Wasim, Your sole focus must be to make Pakistan World Top T20 team and not let your wisdom get buried under personalized glory which hardly helps the team building.

I can stick my neck out and say that untill Pakistan break this opening pair their is no immidiate fix to the hole they found themselves in. Because these gentlemen are not ready to forfiet their place so much so that mr Rizwan who desperatly needs some time off to recover from injury is playing against England B team in meaningless T20, this is the level of insecurity these guys have.

Haider is an attacking opener who can easily clear the ropes, something the current opening pair never does, Shan masood doesn't bring anything on the table and at best he will be the third anchor. However he played at no.4 and naturally looked totally out of place and format.

The only good thing which happend is that Ifti came at his natural no.5 and looked the part.

The problem is not that Pakistan is struggling to find Middle order batsmen but they are ensuring that no matter what the current opening pair remain untouched and with that rider Pakistan will not be able to solve the middle order issue in a jiffy.

"The point worth raising is that both babar and rizwan can easily play in the middle order and Pakistan have world class proven openers who can play at a healty strike rate"

You don’t need to stick your neck out for staying the blatant obvious

I think there is no point now. Let them play the next 18 off games like this. It’s 18 games for Babar and Rizwan to score 10 more 50s. The result is in God’s hand

Let them do it now and hopefully it will be the last of it by November

 

[Bewal Express]

What I noticed from the Ind vs Aus match from yesterday was the huge difference in mindset in the way the top teams approach the game.

While Pak try to come out with excuses or over analyse like 'oh we need to set a par score of 160' and thus try to look clever, these teams don't care and just bomb it right from the off all the way to the end.

They are not content with the status quo and want to keep improving and going faster all the time. I like the fact they always aim for 200+ and don't think about 'par scores'.

Your right but they have real talent to back up the rhetoric. We have a couple of batsman that are good but struggle against good spinners and then a hotchpotch of sloggers to whom pressure is like kryptonite.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nasser Hussain "Pakistan can't keep chasing down 200 plus and can't keep saying Babar and Rizwan get us out of a hole" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakvEng?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakvEng</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1573378463171493889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nasser Hussain "Pakistan can't keep chasing down 200 plus and can't keep saying Babar and Rizwan get us out of a hole" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakvEng?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakvEng</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1573378463171493889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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