"You can say that breaking the opening partnership with Babar Azam has caused some damage": Mohammad Rizwan

[Dr_Bassim]

Head averages 0.33 in IPL knockouts. But he is better than Babar in your bias world. Sure.

I look at impact in T20s.

Not averages.

If Head or Maxwell fires, their team wins.

if Babar or Riz fires, 17 different stars have to align before Pakistan can be assured of a victory.

 

[Technics 1210]

The question has never been what if Babar/Rizwan fire, the question has always been what if Babar/Rizwan misfire?

Well we all know the answer to that question.

 

[heddie19]

I look at impact in T20s.

Not averages.

If Head or Maxwell fires, their team wins.

if Babar or Riz fires, 17 different stars have to align before Pakistan can be assured of a victory.

Sir! Being an impact player and being an all time great are 2 seperate things. I agree that Head, Buttler, Maxwell etc are way more impactful than Babar but that's not the only thing that makes you best of best. It is the conistency and that is what these folks lack. Tendu is not the GOAT due to his impact but due to his consistency.

Since you know about sports, Thomas Muller is one of the most impactful players of last 2 decades but no one rates him amongst the best of bests.

Babar's stats make him look world-class and he is phenominal on eye-test too. A treat to watch. Sure, he must have flunked in a tournament or two.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

The question has never been what if Babar/Rizwan fire, the question has always been what if Babar/Rizwan misfire?

Well we all know the answer to that question.

That is a good question.

What do you think happens?

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Sir! Being an impact player and being an all time great are 2 seperate things. I agree that Head, Buttler, Maxwell etc are way more impactful than Babar but that's not the only thing that makes you best of best. It is the conistency and that is what these folks lack. Tendu is not the GOAT due to his impact but due to his consistency.

Since you know about sports, Thomas Muller is one of the most impactful players of last 2 decades but no one rates him amongst the best of bests.

Babar's stats make him look world-class and he is phenominal on eye-test too. A treat to watch. Sure, he must have flunked in a tournament or two.

I will definitely answer this one, but later.

Right now, I am going to binge on Blacklist because I am post call and my mind is fogging out.

 

[heddie19]

The question has never been what if Babar/Rizwan fire, the question has always been what if Babar/Rizwan misfire?

Well we all know the answer to that question.

Exactly. What y'all folks need to understand that Babar or Rizwan or Shaheen or any performer is not the problem. Problem is with those who don't perform. If someone starts pointing out at performers, he is doing the wrong RCA analysis.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Please do not make any personal remarks or hate speech against anybody. Keep this thread up and running with some valid points instead of getting personal.

Stay on topic.

 

[Energy]

Good to see this partnership at the top again. 60 in the powerplay for no wickets against Archer, Wood. England bowled well, didn't give freebies and wides like poor Pakistan bowlers.

 

[daytrader]

Rizbar and then add any other 9 from all of Pakistan cricket. They'll outshine them all and the results will still be very dependent on the duo performing.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Babar and riz are still the best guys out there. None of the combination has worked in the past except of these 2. People don't like them yes, but they always find runs somehow.

 

[Rana]

60-0 to 156 all out

Pakistan were on the right way with Babar and 3 but all of that hard work has been destroyed

 

[BouncerGuy]

60-0 to 156 all out

Pakistan were on the right way with Babar and 3 but all of that hard work has been destroyed

It was an utter failure of middle order. 6 overs 60 was a start that Pakistan needed and they got it but mediocre players like Shadab, Iftikhar and azam ruined the whole game.

 

[heddie19]

60-0 to 156 all out

Pakistan were on the right way with Babar and 3 but all of that hard work has been destroyed

Saim Ayub to be blamed here. Not a single inning in 21 games. You can't go to WC with 5 players that you can't play. Azam, Saim, Amir, Shadab, Naseem

 

[Rana]

Saim Ayub to be blamed here. Not a single inning in 21 games. You can't go to WC with 5 players that you can't play. Azam, Saim, Amir, Shadab, Naseem

Yeah Saim Ayub is to bring blamed because Babar was in the right position at number 3?

 

[Rana]

It was an utter failure of middle order. 6 overs 60 was a start that Pakistan needed and they got it but mediocre players like Shadab, Iftikhar and azam ruined the whole game.

What about Usman at 3 and Fakhar at 4

Why are you ignoring these are not their batting positions?

 

[BouncerGuy]

What about Usman at 3 and Fakhar at 4

Why are you ignoring these are not their batting positions?

Usman has been playing at number 3 in PSL so why not here???

Fakhar was having a good time at number 4 so why experiment again as an opener?
A simple fact is people just don't wanna see Babar and RIzwan together. That is it. ATM, all other experiments have proven to be an utter failure.

 

[Rana]

Usman has been playing at number 3 in PSL so why not here???

Fakhar was having a good time at number 4 so why experiment again as an opener?
A simple fact is people just don't wanna see Babar and RIzwan together. That is it. ATM, all other experiments have proven to be an utter failure.

Yeah we know exactly why he was playing at 3 in PSL

As I said, the RizBar thing is a Massive work with plenty of Stakeholders who all work together to paint this as the only solution to all of Pakistan’s woes

 

[BouncerGuy]

Yeah we know exactly why he was playing at 3 in PSL

As I said, the RizBar thing is a Massive work with plenty of Stakeholders who all work together to paint this as the only solution to all of Pakistan’s woes

Why cannot we accept that all other openers we have tried are pathetic.

 

[shaz619]

Riswan fans are acting like Hajj has been pushed forward and Eid is being celebrated today.

Mubarak my brothers, he managed to hit three boundaries in the PP overs. And it’s everybody else’s fault that Pakistan failed to put on a commanding total.

 

[Rana]

Why cannot we accept that all other openers we have tried are pathetic.

What’s pathetic? Trying to give you a dashing start and failing?

 

[BouncerGuy]

What’s pathetic? Trying to give you a dashing start and failing?

Failed in all 20 odd games that an opener played...

 

[Rana]

Failed in all 20 odd games that an opener played...

No he didn’t fail in all 20 games

He didn’t score a 50 in any one of them. He did well when Saim got going.

Did Babar fail at 3??

 

[emranabbas]

If babar and rizwan are going to open then fakhar needs to be dropped he's not going to give you runs coming in late. He best performs at number 4 when he comes in early as the 3rd over. We need to look for a batsmen who can play from 7 overs onwards

 

[Rana]

If babar and rizwan are going to open then fakhar needs to be dropped he's not going to give you runs coming in late. He best performs at number 4 when he comes in early as the 3rd over. We need to look for a batsmen who can play from 7 overs onwards

They’ve been doing this nonsense for ages

There was nothing wrong with Babar at 3, why did he think it’s ok to open?

 

[BouncerGuy]

No he didn’t fail in all 20 games

He didn’t score a 50 in any one of them. He did well when Saim got going.

Did Babar fail at 3?

Babar can adjust from opener to 3, can Fakhar do that? Can you play rizwan at any other number except as an opener?

The only thing is to drop rizwan but then you have no wicket keeper left because Azam is the worst guy out there an dropping rizwan is not going to happen. Accept him as your opener and people will find peace.

 

[Rana]

Babar can adjust from opener to 3, can Fakhar do that? Can you play rizwan at any other number except as an opener?

The only thing is to drop rizwan but then you have no wicket keeper left because Azam is the worst guy out there an dropping rizwan is not going to happen. Accept him as your opener and people will find peace.

Fakhar should be opening! How hard is that to understand?

 

[emranabbas]

Usman has been playing at number 3 in PSL so why not here???

Fakhar was having a good time at number 4 so why experiment again as an opener?
A simple fact is people just don't wanna see Babar and RIzwan together. That is it. ATM, all other experiments have proven to be an utter failure.

Your missing a very big point fakhar was performing at 4 because top order was failing

Now when you fix the top order with babar and rizwan opening

Fakhar will not give you big score like he did when batting at 4 in power play

So what your going to do now?

 

[Rana]

Your missing a very big point fakhar was performing at 4 because top order was failing

Now when you fix the top order with babar and rizwan opening

Fakhar will not give you big score like he did when batting at 4 in power play

So what your going to do now?

The priority is Babar and Rizwan perform for these guys

Not Fakhar. They are continuously repeating the same mistakes again and again

 

[shaz619]

If babar and rizwan are going to open then fakhar needs to be dropped he's not going to give you runs coming in late. He best performs at number 4 when he comes in early as the 3rd over. We need to look for a batsmen who can play from 7 overs onwards

Fakhar has been brainwashed to, Misbah ul Haq has performed some next level jaddu which now has him in that mentality where he can no longer open, they have really messed up their best player

 

[shaz619]

Even for players who don’t play huge shots, there’s a bigger probability of them scoring boundaries with the fielders in. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are qualified to best exploit the PP, one could argue, the PP is protecting such players, because there is no place to hide in the middle order which has historically been weak, they acknowledge this and their justification is that Pakistan’s batting is at it’s best when it revolves around 2 people in a team sport! I will put my hand up and say I saw things from their perspective once upon a time, but supporting this now, is borderline insanity! The batting order is a mess, there is no real strategy in place and the results are there for all to see, some experiments have been tried, but Babar/Riz have largely avoided any serious adjustments during this time and have set others up to fail, so they can protect their averages at the top, and justify the defeats due to the inclusion of others.

 

[Rana]

Even for players who don’t play huge shots, there’s a bigger probability of them scoring boundaries with the fielders in. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are qualified to best exploit the PP, one could argue, the PP is protecting such players, because there is no place to hide in the middle order which has historically been weak, they acknowledge this and their justification is that Pakistan’s batting is at it’s best when it revolves around 2 people in a team sport! I will put my hand up and say I saw things from their perspective once upon a time, but supporting this now, is borderline insanity! The batting order is a mess, there is no real strategy in place and the results are there for all to see, some experiments have been tried, but Babar/Riz have largely avoided any serious adjustments during this time and have set others up to fail, so they can protect their averages at the top, and justify the defeats due to the inclusion of others.

What a beautiful post.

Reminds me of Rick Ruse’s promo on WCW Nitro 24 hours after RAW where he denounced Shawn Micheals as the true World Heavy Weight Champion.

 

[Mamoon]

Fakhar should be opening! How hard is that to understand?

Fakhar had the entire PSL to prove his credentials as a T20 opener. Who asked him to fail so miserably?

 

[Mamoon]

Who asked you to make PSL on Par with international cricket ability?

PSL is far inferior to international cricket. If you can’t perform in PSL as an opener, don’t expect to be trusted as an opener in international cricket.

Fakhar had the chance to throw his hat in the ring by performing in the PSL and he failed in spectacular fashion.

Who asked you to turn a blind to Fakhar’s 2 back to back seasons firing LQ to silverware as an opener?

Current form > past form. What Fakhar has done for LQ in the past means nothing when he failed for them in the recently concluded season.

Moreover, he has been a failure for Pakistan as T20I opener apart from brief purple patch in 2018.

Who asked you to not understand cricket?

I know more about this game than you would in a million years with your one track mind.

Babar and Rizwan are 100% better T20I openers than Fakhar.

Babar: Avg 39 SR 131
Rizwan: Avg 54 SR 131
Fakhar: Avg 22 SR 136

Only someone who doesn’t have a clue about cricket would argue that an average of 22 @ 136 is better than averages of 54 & 39 @ 131.

Are you implying that the difference between being a selfish stats padder and PP waster and a dynamic, explosive opener is just 5 points? Really?

If Fakhar was striking at 150+, I would be more than happy to see him open even with his 22 average. However, a SR if 136 is rubbish for a batsman who has the reputation of being a powerful ball striker and couple that with his pathetic average of 22 and he becomes a match loser through and through.

Fakhar might be a great T20I opener as per your dreams and fantasies, but he has been an abject failure in reality.

He has been excellent at number 4 and he needs to continue at this number. He can’t complain about batting at 4 when his numbers clearly show that he performs much better at 4 than he does as an opener.

Babar and Rizwan wouldn’t be opening any longer if Saim took his chances and we all know what you would have said had Babar played Saim at 3 or 4. You would be using his number as an excuse for his failures but guess what, there is no excuse now.

 

[Technics 1210]

Who asked you to make PSL on Par with international cricket ability?

You do it all the time, your latest gem is Azam Khan is a better T20 batsman than Babar/Rizwan cos of his performances in the PSL.

 

[CerebralPatriot]

Rizwan was responsible for destroying the careers of Sharjeel, Saifi, Danish, Sahibzada and now we can add Saim to the list

 

[RidiculousMan]

PSL is far inferior to international cricket. If you can’t perform in PSL as an opener, don’t expect to be trusted as an opener in international cricket.

Fakhar had the chance to throw his hat in the ring by performing in the PSL and he failed in spectacular fashion.

Current form > past form. What Fakhar has done for LQ in the past means nothing when he failed for them in the recently concluded season.

Moreover, he has been a failure for Pakistan as T20I opener apart from brief purple patch in 2018.


I know more about this game than you would in a million years with your one track mind.

Babar and Rizwan are 100% better T20I openers than Fakhar.

Babar: Avg 39 SR 131
Rizwan: Avg 54 SR 131
Fakhar: Avg 22 SR 136

Only someone who doesn’t have a clue about cricket would argue that an average of 22 @ 136 is better than averages of 54 & 39 @ 131.

Are you implying that the difference between being a selfish stats padder and PP waster and a dynamic, explosive opener is just 5 points? Really?

If Fakhar was striking at 150+, I would be more than happy to see him open even with his 22 average. However, a SR if 136 is rubbish for a batsman who has the reputation of being a powerful ball striker and couple that with his pathetic average of 22 and he becomes a match loser through and through.

Fakhar might be a great T20I opener as per your dreams and fantasies, but he has been an abject failure in reality.

He has been excellent at number 4 and he needs to continue at this number. He can’t complain about batting at 4 when his numbers clearly show that he performs much better at 4 than he does as an opener.

Babar and Rizwan wouldn’t be opening any longer if Saim took his chances and we all know what you would have said had Babar played Saim at 3 or 4. You would be using his number as an excuse for his failures but guess what, there is no excuse now.

Exactly. Fakhar has been great at no. 4 and this team needs a no. 4. It was unfortunate that Saim couldn't perform. But going forward Pakistan still an aggressive opener. Maybe someone like Mohammad Harris. Babar can still come and bat at no. 3.

 

[heddie19]

What about Usman at 3 and Fakhar at 4

Why are you ignoring these are not their batting positions?

Usman scored 2 centuries this season at no.3 in PSL. You definitely need to get educated about cricket.

 

[heddie19]

Yeah Saim Ayub is to bring blamed because Babar was in the right position at number 3?

Babar should bat at no. 11 according to you? Who is to be blame for Saim's debacle at his prefered position? For Azam's debacle at his preferred position?

 

[Rana]

Babar should bat at no. 11 according to you? Who is to be blame for Saim's debacle at his prefered position? For Azam's debacle at his preferred position?

I said Babar should be at number 3

 

[Rana]

To celebrate 36 runs and argue Babar is a better white ball batter than Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell

 

[heddie19]

No he didn’t fail in all 20 games

He didn’t score a 50 in any one of them. He did well when Saim got going.

Did Babar fail at 3??

Babar has 6 consecutive 50s in T20Is at number 3. That is an all-time record. That is the something even GOAT Kohli has neer done. That is against A string bowling attacks which twerk on. That is his class. Unbelieveably unreal for Pakistani standards.

 

[heddie19]

I said Babar should be at number 3

He will be a no. 3 if Saim plays. He will not be a no.3 if the best no.3 of the PSL is in your starting 11.

 

[Rana]

Babar has 6 consecutive 50s in T20Is at number 3. That is an all-time record. That is the something even GOAT Kohli has neer done. That is against A string bowling attacks which twerk on. That is his class. Unbelieveably unreal for Pakistani standards.

Did I say I have a problem with Babar at 3?

 

[Rana]

He will be a no. 3 if Saim plays. He will not be a no.3 if the best no.3 of the PSL is in your starting 11.

Well then the best number 5 of PSL Azam Khan is a shoe in

 

[heddie19]

60-0 to 156 all out

Pakistan were on the right way with Babar and 3 but all of that hard work has been destroyed

You think opening pair is to be blamed when they gave give 60-0 in the PP? Seriosuly? When did we ever got such start when Babar batted at 3. Give me one instance please?

 

[heddie19]

PSL is far inferior to international cricket. If you can’t perform in PSL as an opener, don’t expect to be trusted as an opener in international cricket.

Fakhar had the chance to throw his hat in the ring by performing in the PSL and he failed in spectacular fashion.

Current form > past form. What Fakhar has done for LQ in the past means nothing when he failed for them in the recently concluded season.

Moreover, he has been a failure for Pakistan as T20I opener apart from brief purple patch in 2018.


I know more about this game than you would in a million years with your one track mind.

Babar and Rizwan are 100% better T20I openers than Fakhar.

Babar: Avg 39 SR 131
Rizwan: Avg 54 SR 131
Fakhar: Avg 22 SR 136

Only someone who doesn’t have a clue about cricket would argue that an average of 22 @ 136 is better than averages of 54 & 39 @ 131.

Are you implying that the difference between being a selfish stats padder and PP waster and a dynamic, explosive opener is just 5 points? Really?

If Fakhar was striking at 150+, I would be more than happy to see him open even with his 22 average. However, a SR if 136 is rubbish for a batsman who has the reputation of being a powerful ball striker and couple that with his pathetic average of 22 and he becomes a match loser through and through.

Fakhar might be a great T20I opener as per your dreams and fantasies, but he has been an abject failure in reality.

He has been excellent at number 4 and he needs to continue at this number. He can’t complain about batting at 4 when his numbers clearly show that he performs much better at 4 than he does as an opener.

Babar and Rizwan wouldn’t be opening any longer if Saim took his chances and we all know what you would have said had Babar played Saim at 3 or 4. You would be using his number as an excuse for his failures but guess what, there is no excuse now.

This is such a beautiful post.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Babar should bat at no. 11 according to you? Who is to be blame for Saim's debacle at his prefered position? For Azam's debacle at his preferred position?

It's desperation, to look cool and keep throwing random names in the ring despite zero evidence there will be better results.

Understanding cricket in their books means playing 11 hacks, who would end up hurtling this team to record low scores.

Amir's return has already blown up in their faces, aswell as their claims that anyone replacing Babar or Rizwan would do better in the powerplay. Guess what, Saim and Usman have both failed inside the powerplay and their strike-rates are even worse than the players they want to replace.

 

[Mamoon]

Rizwan was responsible for destroying the careers of Sharjeel, Saifi, Danish, Sahibzada and now we can add Saim to the list

Yes, Babar is responsible for “destroying” Saim.

He “destroyed” Saim by vacating his opening position for him and gave him 15-16 uninterrupted matches.

Poor Saim. It is so unfair that he was given a fair chance to prove himself.

I hope Babar doesn’t destroy anymore young players by giving them a fair chance in their preferred positions to prove themselves.

 

[Mamoon]

It's desperation, to look cool and keep throwing random names in the ring despite zero evidence there will be better results.

Understanding cricket in their books means playing 11 hacks, who would end up hurtling this team to record low scores.

Amir's return has already blown up in their faces, aswell as their claims that anyone replacing Babar or Rizwan would do better in the powerplay. Guess what, Saim and Usman have both failed inside the powerplay and their strike-rates are even worse than the players they want to replace.

The best part is that Fakhar with a SR of 136 is an explosive and destructive opener but Babar/Rizwan with a SR of 131 are selfish stat padders who waste the PP.

 

[CerebralPatriot]

Yes, Babar is responsible for “destroying” Saim.

He “destroyed” Saim by vacating his opening position for him and gave him 15-16 uninterrupted matches.

Poor Saim. It is so unfair that he was given a fair chance to prove himself.

I hope Babar doesn’t destroy anymore young players by giving them a fair chance in their preferred positions to prove themselves.

Did I say Babars name?

But yes he too is responsible for his lobbying and ensuring that Rizwan’s spot in the team is indisputable

 

[Mamoon]

Did I say Babars name?

But yes he too is responsible for his lobbying and ensuring that Rizwan’s spot in the team is indisputable

What did Rizwan do to destroy Saim? Did he hold his hand or did he blindfold him?

And Rizwan opening or not opening has nothing to do with the fact that Saim failed badly as opener.

Please try to make an intelligent and thought provoking post for once. It is not that hard.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

I think its very clear from the posts that people are only interested in how Babar and Rizwan perform and the entire team strategy is going to be maximize their potential and performance and not worry about the overall team performance.

 

[Mamoon]

I think its very clear from the posts that people are only interested in how Babar and Rizwan perform and the entire team strategy is going to be maximize their potential and performance and not worry about the overall team performance.

There is no point in criticizing this pair if you can’t come up with alternatives. This is the problem with these detractors. They disappear or come up with laughable fantasy lineups when you put them on the spot.

I am yet to see any credible playing XI by any poster that doesn’t have these two opening.

 

[emranabbas]

Exactly. Fakhar has been great at no. 4 and this team needs a no. 4. It was unfortunate that Saim couldn't perform. But going forward Pakistan still an aggressive opener. Maybe someone like Mohammad Harris. Babar can still come and bat at no. 3.

For fakhar to be a great no.4 we need rizwan and babar to lose their wicket before the 3rd over just like how saim was doing

 

[emranabbas]

And Fakhar with a SR of 136 is a match winning opener but Babar and Rizwan with a SR of 131 are match losers.

Fakhar averages SR 157 this year

 

[Mamoon]

Fakhar averages SR 157 this year

In the middle-order, not as an opener.

He can’t bat as an opener in this format. We saw that in the recent PSL.

 

[Rana]

FaKhAr CaNt BaT aS aN oPeNer in T20 bEcAUsE hE fAiLeD iN PSL tHiS yEaR

*Casually ignores the two seasons where he blasted LQ to 2 titles as an opener

 

[mominsaigol]

@mominsaigol @topspin

We know who asked him.

Lol I was busy today, but I missed a war

 

[Rana]

Lol I was busy today, but I missed a war

He’s on overdrive enforcing 36 runs means Babar and Rizwan are true T20 openers…

Casually ignoring the 75 runs Salt and Butler smashed in 6 overs in the powerplay

 

[mominsaigol]

He’s on overdrive enforcing 36 runs means Babar and Rizwan are true T20 openers…

Casually ignoring the 75 runs Salt and Butler smashed in 6 overs in the powerplay

What do you expect from a guy who thinks babar is the greatest all Time

 

[shaz619]

Will Jacks - Avg 18, S/R 147

Terrible terrible cricketer.

@Rana They need Malan in the top order or offer Joe Root a recall.

 

[UzmanBeast]

What’s pathetic? Trying to give you a dashing start and failing?

Key word is failing my friend.

Maybe you would take glory if two openers score a good 12 (6) and leave the team in dire circumstances.

When you find someone who has yet to fail at the top and has runs behind their name, please tell me by all means.

Because you (in general, all against Rizwan-Babar) cannot name a single player who could match the volume of runs and consistency, you pick "strike rate" as your argument.

Please, tell me, where is Saim Ayub's strike rate? Where is Azam Khan's strike rate? Haven't seen it anywhere in the 40 odd international games the two have played combined.

Maybe in your world you are confusing impact and match winning.

Impacting the game for one over won't win you the game.

People are deluded in Pakistan to think we have the likes of Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Abhishek Sharma (most impactful opener in IPL this season if you exclude the absolute dollies that teams put down to let Head get started), and even the likes of Warner. We do not.

We either have unfit sloggers, or mindless, mentally weak openers who cannot give you a start against quality oppositions.

It's not a problem of plenty.

The strategy to develop any team is to build it around the best players.

The likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf are the only names that go directly on that first team sheet, which says a lot about how poor Pakistan has been in rectifying this middle order and spin bowling dilemma.

 

[Rana]

Will Jacks - Avg 18, S/R 147

Terrible terrible cricketer.

@Rana They need Malan in the top order or offer Joe Root a recall.

Oh God!

Still some fire left in Alistair Cook. He will steady the ship up top!

 

[Rana]

Key word is failing my friend.

The right kind of player

In the right position

Can fail as long as it takes to get it right. If not, replace him with the right kind of player.

That’s how England did it. It took time, but they got it right eventually. They didn’t abort a mission to revolutionise

 

[UzmanBeast]

PSL is far inferior to international cricket. If you can’t perform in PSL as an opener, don’t expect to be trusted as an opener in international cricket.

Fakhar had the chance to throw his hat in the ring by performing in the PSL and he failed in spectacular fashion.

Current form > past form. What Fakhar has done for LQ in the past means nothing when he failed for them in the recently concluded season.

Moreover, he has been a failure for Pakistan as T20I opener apart from brief purple patch in 2018.


I know more about this game than you would in a million years with your one track mind.

Babar and Rizwan are 100% better T20I openers than Fakhar.

Babar: Avg 39 SR 131
Rizwan: Avg 54 SR 131
Fakhar: Avg 22 SR 136

Only someone who doesn’t have a clue about cricket would argue that an average of 22 @ 136 is better than averages of 54 & 39 @ 131.

Are you implying that the difference between being a selfish stats padder and PP waster and a dynamic, explosive opener is just 5 points? Really?

If Fakhar was striking at 150+, I would be more than happy to see him open even with his 22 average. However, a SR if 136 is rubbish for a batsman who has the reputation of being a powerful ball striker and couple that with his pathetic average of 22 and he becomes a match loser through and through.

Fakhar might be a great T20I opener as per your dreams and fantasies, but he has been an abject failure in reality.

He has been excellent at number 4 and he needs to continue at this number. He can’t complain about batting at 4 when his numbers clearly show that he performs much better at 4 than he does as an opener.

Babar and Rizwan wouldn’t be opening any longer if Saim took his chances and we all know what you would have said had Babar played Saim at 3 or 4. You would be using his number as an excuse for his failures but guess what, there is no excuse now.

On the note of people claiming Fakhar should open, he averages in the low 20s as opener, striking as you said in the mid 130s. However, at #4, he averages 30.21 at #4 with a strike rate in excess of 160, which is exactly required at that position.

People who do not understand cricket will force a player who is clearly enjoying his time at that position (averaging roughly 35 and striking at 150+ in 2024) to move around and accommodate their delusions that he is going to hit a hundred each game.

 

[UzmanBeast]

The right kind of player

In the right position

Can fail as long as it takes to get it right. If not, replace him with the right kind of player.

That’s how England did it. It took time, but they got it right eventually. They didn’t abort a mission to revolutionise

Do not compare the quality of batsmanship produced by England's domestic circuit to ours, please.

This kind of naive argument is a classical response of all you posters claiming to remove Rizwan and Babar as openers.

Never does the thought of providing any intellectual effort pass through the minds of the Sharjeel Khan lovers.

 

[Rana]

Do not compare the quality of batsmanship produced by England's domestic circuit to ours, please.

This kind of naive argument is a classical response of all you posters claiming to remove Rizwan and Babar as openers.

Never does the thought of providing any intellectual effort pass through the minds of the Sharjeel Khan lovers.

So why even bother with me?

I don’t discuss. I don’t try to convince. You don’t like my views, be on your way.

 

[Technics 1210]

On the note of people claiming Fakhar should open, he averages in the low 20s as opener, striking as you said in the mid 130s. However, at #4, he averages 30.21 at #4 with a strike rate in excess of 160, which is exactly required at that position.

This simple fact dispels any suggestion/logic claiming Fakhar should open, that too with a 'license to attack' when it is his job to attack regardless of batting position.

 

[Rana]

This simple fact dispels any suggestion/logic claiming Fakhar should open, that too with a 'license to attack' when it is his job to attack regardless of batting position.

Rich coming from someone defending Rizwan and Babar as T20 openers

 

[mominsaigol]

Rich coming from someone defending Rizwan and Babar as T20 openers

Arguments you will hear till the day you die.

1) Fakhar failed at opening and stats show that Fakhar is the greatest No 4 for Pakistan. Cricket is a Microsoft simulation game, get that through your skull.

2) Who asked this and that to lose to this and that or who asked this and that to fail against this and that.

3) Misbah is the greatest pakistani captain of all time since Imran Khan, He brought respect back to a nation by Never solving fixing, weight gains, causing us to get beaten black and blue, getting booted out of the t20 squad and sacked as a coach, throwing outbursts and sarcastic comments on social media left and right, never scoring an odi 100, being famous for tuk tuk memes and finally getting humilated by Pakistan winning ct 2017 as soon as this man got booted into oblivion.

4) Babar is objectively the greatest pakistani batsmen of all time with his rep being no less then don Bradman and rizwan and babar are the greatest t20 opening combo for Pakistan all time.

5) Oh and don't forget the iconic, I hate this player but that's all we got and if you suggest meaningful replacements then you are nothing but a blind hater.

6) Don't forget to Bash Imad and Amir or BabarTube and subscribe to BobbyTV.

 

[Mamoon]

Will Jacks - Avg 18, S/R 147

Terrible terrible cricketer.

@Rana They need Malan in the top order or offer Joe Root a recall.

147 is an excellent SR.

Who is Will Jack’s equivalent in Pakistan who has not been selected?

 

[Mamoon]

FaKhAr CaNt BaT aS aN oPeNer in T20 bEcAUsE hE fAiLeD iN PSL tHiS yEaR

*Casually ignores the two seasons where he blasted LQ to 2 titles as an opener

In T20 internationals, Fakhar averages 22 at a SR of 136 as an opener.

Babar averages 39 at a SR of 131

Rizwan averages 50+ at SR of 136

End of story. Only a person with 0% cricket knowledge would argue against these stats.

1. Babar and Rizwan have been far better T20 international openers than Fakhar

2. Fakhar is a much better T20 number 4 than a T20 opener

 

[Mamoon]

In T20 internationals, Fakhar averages 22 at a SR of 136 as an opener.

Babar averages 39 at a SR of 131

Rizwan averages 50+ at SR of 136

End of story. Only a person with 0% cricket knowledge would argue against these stats.

No matter how much you cry, shout, laugh or post selfies (clown emojis), you cannot escape the following facts that are backed by actual data and not your fantasies and wishes.

1. Babar and Rizwan have been far better T20 international openers than Fakhar

2. Fakhar is a much better T20 number 4 than a T20 opener

131*

 

[Cric1234]

In T20 internationals, Fakhar averages 22 at a SR of 136 as an opener.

Babar averages 39 at a SR of 131

Rizwan averages 50+ at SR of 136

End of story. Only a person with 0% cricket knowledge would argue against these stats.

1. Babar and Rizwan have been far better T20 international openers than Fakhar

2. Fakhar is a much better T20 number 4 than a T20 opener

The real numbers are in tournaments where Babar and Rizwan strike at 114 and 120 which is below par.

Even if Ahmed Shehzad was brought back to open he wouldn’t do worse than Babar and Rizwan.

 

[Cric1234]

There are problems everywhere now openers middle order few bowling issues it seems like it will require a special effort for a successful tournament this time around.

A lucky escape from the group stages last time had led to more problems than solutions and we are now seeing everything going wrong at once hopefully the players can show some mettle and qualify for the knockouts.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Time has arrived that we stop experimenting and play with the best possible 11. No need to give a trial for any new opening pair. We have seen enough.

 

[Mamoon]

The real numbers are in tournaments where Babar and Rizwan strike at 114 and 120 which is below par.

Even if Ahmed Shehzad was brought back to open he wouldn’t do worse than Babar and Rizwan.

They have opened in two tournaments and Pakistan ended up in the semifinal and final. They are respectable outcomes.

That also shows us that the real problem with the team lies elsewhere. Pakistan has a weak middle & lower-order and breaking up this opening pair doesn’t make it stronger because Rizwan cannot bat in the middle-order either and Babar batting at 3 doesn’t solve the middle & lower-order crisis.

 

[Rana]

They have opened in two tournaments and Pakistan ended up in the semifinal and final. They are respectable outcomes.

That also shows us that the real problem with the team lies elsewhere. Pakistan has a weak middle & lower-order and breaking up this opening pair doesn’t make it stronger because Rizwan cannot bat in the middle-order either and Babar batting at 3 doesn’t solve the middle & lower-order crisis.

Yes there was no problem with our openers in the 2022 wc because we played a Final

 

[Usman Chadda]

Time has arrived that we stop experimenting and play with the best possible 11. No need to give a trial for any new opening pair. We have seen enough.

Azam Khan and Shadab Khan's monumental failures means the opening pair is also getting affected, so we don't even know our best 11 at the moment.

We made a massive blunder by not having Agha Salman or Irfan Niazi in the squad. They hedged their bets on Azam, and I highly doubt Babar or Kirsten would be stupid enough to continue to carry him in the team anymore.

 

[Mamoon]

Yes there was no problem with our openers in the 2022 wc because we played a Final

England is a better team than Pakistan. They would beat Pakistan 9/10 times in a big final no matter who is opening for Pakistan. Also, it was a collective failure of the batting lineup not just a failure of the opening pair.

However, I understand that since you are only interested in driving your unintelligent agenda, you want to put all the blame on the opening pair as if others covered themselves in glory and did their bit.

When Babar got out, Pakistan were 84/3 in 11.1 overs. That is not the worst position in the world, and a competent middle & lower-order could have taken Pakistan to 150-160 from this situation which would have been a very competitive total at the MCG especially for a final.

The next 8.5 overs yielded 53 runs for the loss of 5 wickets and that is where Pakistan lost the game.

In comparison, England were 84/4 after 12.3 overs with both their openers dismissed. That is a worse position than what Pakistan found itself in, but their middle & lower-order rallied.