New Zealand Tri Series 2022

[Bevab]

Actually, inability to put up a good total on NZ grounds can be a concerning factor. The grounds are smaller in size compared to their neighbours. Australia might be a bit of a shock for them. Just like it was for NZ during the CWC Final #MCGSoBig

They smoked plenty of big sixes though that would have counted anywhere in the world across these games. Power hitting isn’t their problem, their lack of a T20 game plan involving their first team members is more of an issue.

I don’t see how Allen doesn’t play the WC after these knocks either. He’s the only one providing impetus in the top three. Conway’s shown that he can work nicely with him and that right-left combo will surely be tempting. Conway at four also doesn’t work at all IMO, slows down the game too much at a critical juncture. It’ll have to be a straight battle between Guppy and Kane then and I’m not liking Guptill’s chances against the skipper as he’s well past his peak (despite recency bias favouring him) and Kane isn’t going to drop himself.

The middle order performing is also a welcome conundrum for them. Phillips has to be in the team now for sure, should have been years ago but better late than never. I’m sure they’d like to have Chapman in even if he has a short ball issue but Bracewell and Neesham are both lefties and are more reliable bowling options. Mitchell will also probably be seen as the reliable number four that can be aggressive if needed which spells doom for the Hong Kong prospect.

In short, this has been a productive series for NZ that has provided some answers to their woes. If only they take them onboard and are wise with managing their senior players…

 

[CerealKiller]

 

[CerealKiller]

If you need a middle order batter to make 45 off 20 to win you the game, with just a couple wickets down, then your openers haven’t played well, in my opinion.

 

[wasteyouryouth]

If you need a middle order batter to make 45 off 20 to win you the game, with just a couple wickets down, then your openers haven’t played well, in my opinion.

Good practice, for every match when that happens, though

 

[Khan Sahab54]

If you need a middle order batter to make 45 off 20 to win you the game, with just a couple wickets down, then your openers haven’t played well, in my opinion.

Nawaz deserved M.O.M today.

 

[A.P Haux]

Given Bangladesh have lived up to the sponsor's name, do they get the trophy now?

View attachment 271509

I loved the part when Bangladesh were like: "It's washing time!" And washed themselves all over the opposition. Truly one of the teams of all time

 

[CerealKiller]

Good practice, for every match when that happens, though

Shadab and Nawaz can't rescue us every time, and i don't need to say anything about the rest of the middle order. Utilising the Powerplay better is the only solution.

 

[Bigby Wolf]

Nawaz should open the batting for Pakistan from one end.

 

[Bigby Wolf]

Haider Ali did his job. Well played.

 

[Velocity]

Seems like Pakistan have given up on constructing an ideal middle order with batsmen playing at specific batting numbers. But might not necessarily be a bad thing going into the WC, because their middle order seems to come out with some unpredictable innings when the opposition least expect it (Nawaz cameo against India, and today). Even so with Haider Ali playing a few useful innings recently and Asif Ali has played a few matchwinning innings in the last WC too. The unsettled middle order seems like an advantage for Pak as much as it's worrisome with that flexibility of sending whoever at two-down. Pretty much epitomises "Pakistan gonna Pakistan"

 

[Bevab]

Seems like Pakistan have given up on constructing an ideal middle order with batsmen playing at specific batting numbers. But might not necessarily be a bad thing going into the WC, because their middle order seems to come out with some unpredictable innings when the opposition least expect it (Nawaz cameo against India, and today). Even so with Haider Ali playing a few useful innings recently and Asif Ali has played a few matchwinning innings in the last WC too. The unsettled middle order seems like an advantage for Pak as much as it's worrisome with that flexibility of sending whoever at two-down. Pretty much epitomises "Pakistan gonna Pakistan"

Their template seems to be relying on the openers for a big score at a slightly reduced speed for the extra security and a bunch of low value (in terms of wicket) hitters in the middle order who can raise the scoring rate with quick and unsustainable 20s. Have one bloke in the batting order whose main job is to rescue the innings if the openers fall cheaply which is currently Masood and previously Zaman. Neither seem great at said role but at least Masood has a couple of 50s to show that he can do a job if needed even though it has only resulted in defeats so far. Rely on the fiery pace and valuable spin duo to win matches primarily.

This is a much better way on how to utilise your resources when you’re a top heavy, bowler friendly side without the sheer batting depth (although Wasim is supposed to be a genuine bowling all-rounder) than what Kohli’s India showed in 2019 with much better players in key roles back then. This is IMO the best winning strategy that Pakistan have at the moment and shows that Babar despite being a tad slow on the field with his decisions does have a solid plan for the side. Ideally you would want the top three to bat at a higher rate too and it does seem like they’re taking efforts to do that in most games which can only help.

 

[Bevab]

From NZ’s perspective feel like they’ll gladly take the loss if it means Williamson is back in form.

However this was the same story with him in the last WC too, he was playing low impact innings throughout the tournament until his stunner in the final. I’m not sure if NZ have the batting resources like England to carry Williamson’s inconsistency till his time to shine arrives. Guppy’s also seemingly done for, good that Allen has absolutely kicked the door in terms of sealing his spot. Helps that he’s the elusive answer to NZ’s obsession with finding a quality replacement for Baz for years.

Seems like Sodhi is doomed after today, arguably the most overrated wrist spinner in world cricket IMO. Indian fans who hate on Chahal have seen nothing like this guy. Macewell has done very well indeed and deserves his shot at being thrashed in the WC. Him and Satnav should be a decent spin duo. If Lockie isn’t fit for the WC, Milne has to come in for Tickner. Anyone but Tickner, if only Sears was fit.

 

[CerealKiller]

Their template seems to be relying on the openers for a big score at a slightly reduced speed for the extra security and a bunch of low value (in terms of wicket) hitters in the middle order who can raise the scoring rate with quick and unsustainable 20s. Have one bloke in the batting order whose main job is to rescue the innings if the openers fall cheaply which is currently Masood and previously Zaman. Neither seem great at said role but at least Masood has a couple of 50s to show that he can do a job if needed even though it has only resulted in defeats so far. Rely on the fiery pace and valuable spin duo to win matches primarily.

This is a much better way on how to utilise your resources when you’re a top heavy, bowler friendly side without the sheer batting depth (although Wasim is supposed to be a genuine bowling all-rounder) than what Kohli’s India showed in 2019 with much better players in key roles back then. This is IMO the best winning strategy that Pakistan have at the moment and shows that Babar despite being a tad slow on the field with his decisions does have a solid plan for the side. Ideally you would want the top three to bat at a higher rate too and it does seem like they’re taking efforts to do that in most games which can only help.

Perfectly put in terms of the thinking by Babar and company. I was watching an interview by Mohammad Wasim the other day, the chief selector, and he said exactly this, that the openers are the strength of the team, and the middle order was selected to complement their game. That’s why Shoaib Malik isn’t in the team, because everyone from number 4 down needs to be a hitter who can go hard from ball one. Just wish they’d taken Azam Khan, and maybe Imad Wasim ahead of Qadir.
The top three absolutely need to score a little quicker in the Powerplay though, because this is a high-risk approach. It has cost us in the WC semifinal and Asia Cup final.

 

[CerealKiller]

This is a much better way on how to utilise your resources when you’re a top heavy, bowler friendly side without the sheer batting depth (although Wasim is supposed to be a genuine bowling all-rounder) than what Kohli’s India showed in 2019 with much better players in key roles back then.

Can you elaborate on what India got wrong in 2019?

 

[CerealKiller]

Once again, the top three played badly. If you’re chasing 160 and you get to 60-1 in 10 overs, that’s just bad. You can’t leave the middle order to score 10 an over in every chase, and then when they fail, blame it all on them instead of recognising the slow approach at the start.