An achievable target if Captain decides to go for it. Anyhow, team has to play aggressively and lower the defense, that could make game go either way. Probably, first 10 to 15 overs would decide.
Nevertheless, with some good players in the team, Pakistan can decide going for a win. Can even reshuffle the team batting order to get quick runs, and if any adversity comes, good but slow batsman like Yunus Khan and Azhar Ali, playing lower in the order could try to go for draw.
I believe so too. I think one down (remember, he opened the inning in one day with good result). I think, Shafiq then Misbah should come 4th and 5th in order.
Pakistan, trailing the three-match series 1-0, looked well on course for a big total after Sarfraz (65) and Shehzad (61) put on a rare 126-run stand for the opening wicket but Australia hit back to take the last nine wickets for a mere 89 runs to dismiss Pakistan in 49.3 overs.
1.6
Southee to Taufeeq Umar, OUT, immediate impact! Taufeeq stays rooted to the crease and hangs his bat at this one, it takes a feather and simple catch for keeper Taufeeq Umar c †Watling b Southee 4 (6b 1x4 0x6) SR: 66.66
Unfortunate that Pakistan lost quick wicket, still, I do not think it is the end. Pakistan can still go for a win. But sending Azhar Ali means, Pakistan might have set their mind to go for a draw (I hope not). Azhar Ali is slower than even Yunus Khan. :)
unfortunate that Pakistan lost quick wicket, still, I do not think it is the end. Pakistan can still go for a win. But sending Azhar Ali means, Pakistan might have set their mind to go for a draw (I hope not).
Mind you in that SL win he was instrumental along with Misbah for the win.
I think if Pakistan had gone for a draw, they should have gone for win initially with quick runs and decide to go for draw after evaluating runs from first 3 wicket loss, saving Misbah, Yunus and Azhar Ali for later batting. But, now it seems Pakistan might be going for draw, though time would tell what is actual game play.
I think Shan Masood is also a slow player, and if Pakistan was going for win, he should have gone down in order.
Unfortunate that Pakistan lost quick wicket, still, I do not think it is the end. Pakistan can still go for a win. But sending Azhar Ali means, Pakistan might have set their mind to go for a draw (I hope not). Azhar Ali is slower than even Yunus Khan. :)
You are saying as if it is a must that Sarfaraz is going to hit another 100??? shuffling the order at this stage can be dangerous, Pakistan no matter what do not want to loose the match!!! so the best scenario for Pakistan would be to have some 120+ runs by loss of wicket or 2 by Tea... that would leave Pakistan another 140 runs in 30 overs or so.. here after tea Pakistan can go for calculated attack and try to win otherwise they can always draw.
Remember Pakistan have got all time weakest tail.. they all cannot even survive a over let alone a session.
[QUOTE]
rhys: "Given that in this series; the NZ spinners have collected 6 for 606 and the seamers 10 for 535 why is Baz persisting with the spin duo? Almost twice the cost of the NZ seamers per wicket on spin friendly tracks. Rocket science it is not!"
[/QUOTE]
You are saying as if it is a must that Sarfaraz is going to hit another 100??? shuffling the order at this stage can be dangerous, Pakistan no matter what do not want to loose the match!!! so the best scenario for Pakistan would be to have some 120+ runs by loss of wicket or 2 by Tea... that would leave Pakistan another 140 runs in 30 overs or so.. here after tea Pakistan can go for calculated attack and try to win otherwise they can always draw.
Remember Pakistan have got all time weakest tail.. they all cannot even survive a over let alone a session.
Did I? :)
I wrote that Pakistan should try to win the game until they lose 3 wickets and then evaluate where they stand. They should have targeted around 100 runs in first 17 to 20 overs with at most 3 wickets down (160 runs in next 52 to 55 overs). If not, then only they should go for draw. Pakistan hardest hitter in test squad at present is Sarfraz with strike rate of 73 runs per 100 balls in test.
Obviously Pakistan would not like to send him when Pakistan is looking for draw, and that means, use him when Pakistan need fast runs in first 15 odd overs. If Sarfraz and other earlier batsmen who could accelerate the run rate fails, then Pakistan would still going to have other players like Misbah, Azhar, Yunus, and one left after 3rd wicket down, who could try to draw the match. These players can play last 50 to 55 overs without worrying about getting fast runs
Grant flower is doing excellent job with batsmen. Just wathcing how he worked with Shaun this morning.
If wickets are in hand, Pakistan can go for a win but NZ doing exellent bowling and fielding.
Lots of depend on this pair. No need to distrub the batting order. they should play normal test cricket.
I think if Pakistan had gone for a draw, they should have gone for win initially with quick runs and decide to go for draw after evaluating runs from first 3 wicket loss, saving Misbah, Yunus and Azhar Ali for later batting. But, now it seems Pakistan might be going for draw, though time would tell what is actual game play.
I think Shan Masood is also a slow player, and if Pakistan was going for win, he should have gone down in order.
I think you have forgot Azhar heroic against Sri Lanka. No need to take risks, if we have wickets in hand and there is a problem with RR then sarfraz can come ahead of his order. Meanwhile no need to risk or hurry. Wickets is not easy. Need to enjoy a true test cricket. they have best brain in dressing room and can analyze the situation very well.
I wrote that Pakistan should try to win the game until they lose 3 wickets and then evaluate where they stand. They should have targeted around 100 runs in first 17 to 20 overs with at most 3 wickets down (160 runs in next 52 to 55 overs). If not, then only they should go for draw. Pakistan hardest hitter in test squad at present is Sarfraz with strike rate of 73 runs per 100 balls in test.
Obviously Pakistan would not like to send him when Pakistan is looking for draw, and that means, use him when Pakistan need fast runs in first 15 odd overs. If Sarfraz and other earlier batsmen who could accelerate the run rate fails, then Pakistan would still going to have other players like Misbah, Azhar, Yunus, and one left after 3rd wicket down, who could try to draw the match. These players can play last 50 to 55 overs without worrying about getting fast runs
Look at the wicket, NZ did their level best and could not score more that 3.7 or 3.8, Pakistan needs a rate of over a 4 runs... and Pakistan need not to win it, they are already ahead in this series and they should not blow this chance... first option is to secure the match... can try to win it after the match is secured.... Sarfaraz can be useful in after tea session, when the ball is old and soft and bowlers are tired... not when bowlers are fresh and looking forward to a win and a new ball...
BTW 50 up for Pakistan.... they are going at smooth pace.