I was watching his analysis after the match today, and he insisted that Pakistan play Saeed Ajmal and open the batting with Kamran and Asad and move Hafiz down the order. I don’t think it’s wise to make such changes now when we’re already in the elimination stage. If these changes don’t work, we’ll be out of the tournament and everyone will be blaming Afridi and Waqar for experimenting during the final stages of tournament, and not sticking with a winning combination.
What do you all think?
Re: Imran Khan insisting that Pakistan make changes
A difficult one.
I am pretty sure Imran's reasoning behind that is Asad's better, more solid technique with the bat which w'd mean better opening partnerships and less pressure on Younis & Misbah and even Umar Akmal. Hafeez is not very consistent and susceptible to getting out in the 20s and 30s even when he gets in!
As for Ajmal, he may be a better strike bowler but I am not sure if he can contain the batsmen or bowl tight in PPs like Abdur Rehman. Plus his fielding is very poor
Re: Imran Khan insisting that Pakistan make changes
Hafeez is a useless batsman. That much has already been established a while ago. On a good day he might get 30 odd. But he in the side because there isn't any other opener and as he has shown today his bowling is useful. That being said, his only spot in the team is as an opener. Shafiq is doing good as a number 3, no need to change that. Akmal also is best suited as an opener. I would recommend us sticking to this batting order (with Razzaq before Afridi).
As far as Ajmal goes, I would ideally play him ahead of Rehman. However, given how crappy Riaz is, I would rather play an extra spinner in the form of Ajmal than have him in the team. Gul and Rehman/Razzaq can share the new ball. The spin trio of Ajmal/Rehman/Afridi can be quite successful on these wickets, just look at Sri Lanka.
Re: Imran Khan insisting that Pakistan make changes
^ so no place for Akhtar!
I do not entirely disagree with your suggestion though
Re: Imran Khan insisting that Pakistan make changes
^ Of course Akhtar would be the obvious choice, but I had a sneaking suspicion his retirement announcement was a result of being told he will not be selected in future matches. For what reason, who knows? He is entitled to an occasional bad game, especially after those catches went down.
Re: Imran Khan insisting that Pakistan make changes
As a Wicket Keeper my self, I can tell Fast bowlers r really frustrated when you drop catches of there bowling, even hard ones. I back Shoaib even if he cursed akmal for dropping catches.
Imran wasnt scared of making bold decisions. Thats what younis khan did, brought Afridi @ #3 in T20 WC.
Its never too late to make the right decision.
Re: Imran Khan insisting that Pakistan make changes
Ajmal should come in for rehman .....he can really trouble the windies batting with his dosras