New Zealand's Full Tour vs Pakistan : Oct 31-Dec 07,2018 in UAE

[hammadahmed88]

Hafeez to retire from tests after this match:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_...ez-retire-test-cricket-ongoing-abu-dhabi-test

 

[hammadahmed88]

Azhar Ali is finally looking to regain some form at no 3. I think that's a much better spot for him in tests. I just hope that, with Hafeez' long overdue retirement from Test cricket, Pakistan don't now move Azhar up as opener and ruin this little mojo he's worked hard to get back. Leave people where they're working. I also hope Babar stays put at 6. He's been doing well there. They should think about grooming openers. Mr. nephew has a spot until his pious uncle is in probably, so no point discussing that situation, but at least we can try to groom another opener. Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Fakhar etc. There are options here.

EDIT: I think that was a bit harsh on Hafeez from me. He's been a good cricketer overall and deserves to go out with appreciation. I just didn't like his knowitall demeanor. Management probably did him a disservice playing him as a specialist batsman and moving him around all over the place as well, with no real permanent role.

 

[Rehan_24]

One question, Is Somerville a debutant for If ? If Yes then Newzeland has done the trick against Pakistan.

I believe Nz is at lead at the moment. A score of above 100 would enough. Late middle order ruined all the hard work Azhar and Shafq put in.

 

[CerealKiller]

Is Somerville a debutant

Yes

 

[hammadahmed88]

Yes

I'm not sure who said it but someone mentioned how Pakistan are most vulnerable against dubutants. I guess that theory holds true so far in this match.

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

What a turnaround, Kane freaking Williamson once again. Brilliant innings and brilliant partnership. This match is evenly poised. Love it

 

[Rehan_24]

I'm not sure who said it but someone mentioned how Pakistan are most vulnerable against dubutants. I guess that theory holds true so far in this match.

Atleast off recent I said. I can even give a list of those players if you ask for.

The best strategy against us applied for all teams minor or major, Just induct a Debutant bowler and you are in more than 50 percent in the game already

 

[CerealKiller]

So predictable

 

[LiveLoveABD]

What on earth were 9 10 and Jack thinking? Why were they slogging when the need of the hour was a draw? Azam, disappointing!

 

[Master Bates]

What on earth were 9 10 and Jack thinking?

What?

 

[LiveLoveABD]

What?

What was Babar Azam thinking with that shot? Same goes for SS Afridi and Hasan Ali!

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

Well done New Zealand, we always talk about England, Australia, India, South Africa... we never talk about New Zealand with the talent resource how brilliant they have been since last few years now. England first now New Zealand winning an overseas series. Well done and brilliant stuff. Good series this overall.

I just feel Pakistan has to find a better keeper batsman. Sarfaraz Ahmed does not inspire confidence and scoring mere 88 runs in 5 innings (30 coming in one inning) is really poor from a captain trying to help a team win or draw.

 

[LiveLoveABD]

Well done New Zealand, we always talk about England, Australia, India, South Africa... we never talk about New Zealand with the talent resource how brilliant they have been since last few years now. England first now New Zealand winning an overseas series. Well done and brilliant stuff. Good series this overall.

I just feel Pakistan has to find a better keeper batsman. Sarfaraz Ahmed does not inspire confidence and scoring mere 88 runs in 5 innings (30 coming in one inning) is really poor from a captain trying to help a team win or draw.

He is also an absolutely terrible captain. I think India and Pakistan have the two most poor captains tactically in world cricket today. Kohli's batting is what is keeping him in the job. Personally, I don't see the 'big deal' about Sarfaraz.

 

[Velocity]

What a win by New Zealand. Big win in the subcontinent against a strong Pak side. KW is probably the best leader in world cricket today, I've always been impressed by his coolness and his composure on the field. Those were two excellent centuries from KW and Nicholls. The most impressive performances for me were from the two debutants, Somerville and Ajaz Patel who have never played overseas and they've adapted quite quickly and performed very well considering it was their first international series.

Pakistan seems to be bothered a bit before their tour to SA. They've lost their best pace bowler Abbas, and morale is especially low with this home series defeat. Sarfraz put under even more pressure.

It seems like Sarfraz is still there because there isn't anyone else who can take his spot as captain. PCB have learned their lesson of making Azhar Ali the captain. Now with Hafeez gone, the list shrinks. Perhaps Babar Azam? Shafiq?. There doesn't seem to be any long-term options than Sarfraz himself.

 

[Rehan_24]

I dont think so there is any need to replace captain. We all understand that after the departure of Younis Khan and Misbah, The middle order has never left with that strength. YK and Misbah specially YK played crucial roles in winning test matches or saving them many many times. Particualrlt In Uae and who can forget his double ton in England and his superb century in his last tour to Australia. Though we lost the match, But Younis was the one of the best batsman of his time in World Cricket.

Post them, The most onus lied with Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali to take up the role, while both have been disappointing and major set back is the inconsistenty. Particularly Asad Shafiq who has always been inconsistent thought he performed better at no. 6 position. His promotion up the orde didnt work in middle order.

Babar Azam is a top talent batsman. Those calling him disappointment posses a tiny cricket literacy. Management just has to fine tune the lineup. Have a fresh pair of openers. I would back Fakhar Zaman and Sami Aslam/Shan Masood and even Shehzad as he gets back his form and ban lifts over. Promote Babar up there and must have a back up batsman who can be tried out in place of all Haris, Azhar and shafiq so a competition builds up.

As far as captaincy goes, Its true that Sarfraz is the only choice at the moment, Its better he learns things quickly.

For the tour of South Africa, you cant really say Pakistan lost confidence before it Lol can u really say that ?? You know very well how unpredictable Pakistan can be and that every team knows so there is always a bright chance out there of us coming back with au bang.

The series was overall pretty good 2-1 defeat is acceptable. Somerville and Grandhomme shouls be thankful to Pakistan that they have given both players a good run for some days or maybe an year.

Kane Williamson is a huge fighter and top quality batsman, He is a match winner. Though this match was lost because of more mistakes from our side than Kane's captaincy on field.