4th June - Group B - India v Pakistan

[honestbharani]

I see what you are saying, BW but I think that kind of thinking will be more impactful in T20s than ODIs. ODIs still let you bat 300 balls which is a lot of time. You need to have your better batsman batting as much of that time as is possible. Malik has always screamed out solid #5 for me as a batsman. He was just shunted all over the line up and his clear abilities in ODI cricket were wasted. At least at this stage of his career, you would want him to bat at the spot he is most comfortable with.


Plus, given Sarfraz's age, there is always an upside that he will get better at this role of #6. As important as the CT is, you gotta have 1 eye on the WC in 2 years time too.


Also, I would definitely look to fit in Shadab. This line up is not as good against spin as previous Indian batting line ups, especially leg spinners, given our plethora of right handers.

 

[tobe_ornot2]

Didn't say it represents his entire career. You said you wouldn't trust him with building an innings. I just provided two recent examples where he did just that.

That theory of not having your best batsman batting down is certainly true but the context here is also about how to best utilise your resources. Does Pakistan have a cleaner striker lower down? No.
Who can play the role better? Sarfraz or Malik?

Game strategies are built upon making the best out of your resources and sometimes that means having your best batsman bat a bit lower if it means you can get more out.

Pakistan's death over batting has been the lowest among the top order teams for a while now

I said I'd trust Malik more with building an innings than Sarfraz. Not that Sarfraz couldn't.

Also I dint see the argument here, you are simply posting to make one. Bottom line is Malik is the much better bat. He should bat higher. Simple. Its not rocket science.

 

[Burgey]

***** now turning his attention to this group.

 

[srbhkshk]

"Batting and bowling and fielding" - Haris Sohail on Pakistan's strengths.

 

[hendrix]

wrong thread

 

[cnerd123]

***** now turning his attention to this group.

I pay attention to both groups. Im a cricket fan before a India/Bangla/HK fan.

 

[centurymaker]

Looks like this game too might end in a No Result..

In two years, there should be a reserve day for each world cup game or else the whole wc tournament may be such a spoil sport especially given the extensive league like format..

 

[centurymaker]

The beauty of the league-like format will be severely diminished with unfortunate No Results

 

[Black_Warrior]

Looks like this game too might end in a No Result..

Really ****ing hope so

 

[smash84]

Oh yes, the forecast for Birmingham is rain for the next few days, looks like it will be a wash out

 

[Black_Warrior]

Wahab in, Junaid out. Kinda expected that if Wahab passed fitness. They have lost confidence in Junaid completely


Squad

Azhar
Shehzad
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Sarfraz
Shadab
Imad
Fahim
Hassan
Amir
Wahab

 

[Black_Warrior]

"India should play Pakistan like a practice match for the rest of the tournament" - Sehwag

 

[weldone]

Wahab in, Junaid out. Kinda expected that if Wahab passed fitness. They have lost confidence in Junaid completely


Squad

Azhar
Shehzad
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Sarfraz
Shadab
Imad
Fahim
Hassan
Amir
Wahab

Who will be left out? has to be one among Shadab/Fahim/Wahab.

 

[SeamUp]

Who will be left out? has to be one among Shadab/Fahim/Wahab.

Personally I would leave out Imad Wasim if Hafeez is bowling again.

Got the better strike option in Shadab as the spinner while bowling and lower order striking of Fahim with the bat in hand. The more dynamic option this Pakistan team needs.

 

[weldone]

Imad won't be dropped. Wahab should be dropped, but I have a feeling that they will drop Shadab to play the extra seamer.

 

[weldone]

Indian team selection will be interesting too. Only one will play among Ashwin, Umesh, Shami. Kohli will want Umesh in the team, Kumble will want Ashwin - but Shami is probably the correct choice.

Other 4 bowlers are obviously Bhuvi-Bumrah-Hardik-Jadeja

 

[Pratters]

Umesh will play I think. Better option v Pakistan.

 

[tobe_ornot2]

Pakistan have a wealth of choice in bowling, a leggy to compliment Hafeez and Malik? Or the pace bowling all rounder in Ashraf?
The problem for them lies with a mediocre opening slot and a middle order that doesn't score as quickly as England.

India have solid bowling options and again, much like Pakistan, a good selection dilemme. Again, the problem lies with a batting order that can go big or bust...and teh question remains, are they carrying Dhoni and Yuvi?

Ultimatley, I think the rain wins.

 

[Black_Warrior]

Who will be left out? has to be one among Shadab/Fahim/Wahab.

Personally I would leave out Imad Wasim if Hafeez is bowling again.

Got the better strike option in Shadab as the spinner while bowling and lower order striking of Fahim with the bat in hand. The more dynamic option this Pakistan team needs.

Imad won't be dropped. Wahab should be dropped, but I have a feeling that they will drop Shadab to play the extra seamer.

Based on the feelers in the press conference, it appears to be a toss up between Fahim/Shadab. My own preference would have been to play both drop Imad but they are too conservative to do play a debutant and a guy with 4 caps over a relatively more experienced guy.

If you have picked Wahab over Junaid, you have to play him because Fahim as a third seamer on these pitches is a risk against this Indian line up.

Indian team selection will be interesting too. Only one will play among Ashwin, Umesh, Shami. Kohli will want Umesh in the team, Kumble will want Ashwin - but Shami is probably the correct choice.

Other 4 bowlers are obviously Bhuvi-Bumrah-Hardik-Jadeja

Pretty sure Bhuvi is not playing.

Shami
Yadav
Bumrah
Jadeja/Ashwin

 

[smash84]

Imad won't be dropped. Wahab should be dropped, but I have a feeling that they will drop Shadab to play the extra seamer.

They'll never drop Wahab. Arthur loves him. But he really needs to be dropped.