Re: Rahat Ali picked as Junaid Khan replacement
Well, most surprising is selection of batsmen who are just liabilities rather than match winners. For instance:
Shahzad on average plays 44 balls and score 32 runs
Hafiz on average plays 41 balls and score 30 runs
Younus on average plays 41 balls and score 31 runs
U Akmal on average plays 41 balls and score 35 runs
Misbah on average plays 58 balls and score 42 runs
Afridi on average plays 20 balls and score 23 runs
Together on average they would play 255 balls (42.5 overs)and would score around 190 runs with Pakistan losing 6 wkts. That is what on average they are doing throughout their career.
Now, what last 4 wickets could add in 7.5 overs is everyone’s guess. With present lots, Pakistan would be lucky if they add 25 to 30 runs in remaining overs, taking total on average to 220 in 50 overs.
With such score, no team on average can win against top teams.
Worse is that, their average includes runs playing on flat pitches of Sharjah and Dubai. In bouncy and pacy pitches of Aus and NZ, they might not be able to post their average runs, means team ability is to score on average even less than 220 runs in 50 overs (chasing or giving target). On top of that, most Pakistani fielders lack fielding quality.
In Australia and NZ, their averages are: U Akmal Ave = 37, Younus Ave = 18, Hafiz average = 12, Misbah (Test Average, as he did not play ODI in Aus and NZ) = 25
I think only players in the team at the top who deserve a place is Misbah (though he is too old now, and would lack in fielding) followed by Afridi down the order as hard hitter (and all rounder).
I would have preferred first 4 players who play on average at least 60 to 70 balls (Average over 45 and SR over 75), making ~ 200 in first 40 overs for loss of at most 4 wkts. Then team could have 3 hard hitters (two of them all rounders) at 5 to 7 with Ave over 25 and SR over 100, taking score to 270 plus. Remaining 4 players should be proper bowlers. If by any chance top 7 (4 batsmen and 3 All-rounders) fall early, than Pakistani bowlers should have average above 10 and SR over 100,so that they can still make Pakistan reach the target of at least 270 plus.
Damn good analysis ....
Why are we surprised to see them losing .... it's only consequent :(