New Zealand v Pakistan 1st ODI Preview and Discussion / Playing XI Announced [PTV]

[Azrim_91]

Congrats on Pakistan winning the test series. It would be great if Pakistan were able to demolish NZ in the ODIs going in to the WC with high hopes! what would your starting lineup be for this ODI?

mine:

M.Hafeez
K.Akmal (wk)
Younis Khan
Asad Shafiq
Misbah Ul Haq (V.Cpt)
Umar Akmal
Shahid Afridi (cpt)
Abdul Razzaq
Abdur Rehman
Umar Gul
Shoaib Akhtar

12th and 13th men: Wahab Riaz and Saeed Ajmal

[PakWC'11Champs]

I think you know what you get from Razzaq at 8, I would use the NZ series to see how Tanvir and Riaz play at that spot. Whoever bats there is also going to open the bowling with Akhtar. I would use the first few ODI's to test out Tanvir's health and whether Riaz can be effective in a new ball bowling partnership with Akhtar.

The rest of the lineup looks good. At this point, Rehman has earned a spot ahead of Ajmal.

[hashbb]

K Akmal
M Hafeez
Y Khan
U Akmal
A Shafiq
S Afridi (c)
A Razzaq
Wahab Riaz
A Rehman
S Akthar
U Gul

[mon858]

Originally Posted by hashbb K Akmal M Hafeez Y Khan U Akmal A Shafiq S Afridi (c) A Razzaq Wahab Riaz A Rehman S Akthar U Gul

you can't leave me out i'm vice kuptaan

[The Chaudrey]

We should go with our strengths and have 3 seamers (+ Razzaq) and two spinners (+Hafeez). I would like to see Akhtar, Gul, Riaz, Ajmal and Afridi as the front line attack (Ajmal’s variations can be really important for getting breakthroughs).

This will mean dropping one of the middle order quartet of Younis, Misbah, U Akmal or A Shafiq (especially when you consider both Razzaq and Afridi will be batting down the order). I would actually consider a more radical approach by using Razzaq to either open or come at no.3. He could be an ideal pinch hitter for sub-continental conditions

[mon858]

Originally Posted by Azrim_91 Congrats on Pakistan winning the test series. It would be great if Pakistan were able to demolish NZ in the ODIs going in to the WC with high hopes! what would your starting lineup be for this ODI? mine: M.Hafeez K.Akmal (wk) Younis Khan Asad Shafiq Misbah Ul Haq (V.Cpt) Umar Akmal Shahid Afridi (cpt) Abdul Razzaq Abdur Rehman Umar Gul Shoaib Akhtar 12th and 13th men: Wahab Riaz and Saeed Ajmal

i like this side, except for 2 concerns
1) new ball partnership with shoaib, razzaq may work in nz against nz, but not sure if will work well in SL/india.

2) 3 slow players lumped together in middle order (yk, as, mh). either umar akmal comes up higher or perhaps we make room for ahmed shehzad in place of one of the slow players, since these will be odis in subcontinent, need more players who can score quick then save wicket/ recover.

[w8in_4_0402]

Im not sure who we should select 3 pacers and 1 Spinner which has to be Ajmal because of his successful partnership with Afridi.

Wahab has to e in the team and Sohail tanvir should get a chance a least to show why he is in the WC squad.

Experimetn against NZ and we have to play our best teams against Bngladesh and england in wc warm up matches. i mean best possbile teams.

[The Chaudrey]

Originally Posted by mon858 you can't leave me out i'm vice kuptaan

Although i can't see this happening, but i'd seriously consider using Umar Akmal as a wicket-keeper batsmen as he was quite impressive during the T20s and, quite frankly, i don't trust Kamran Akmal ........

[anakwalajinn]

Salaam.

Here is mine:

kamran
hafeez
younis
misbah
akmal
afridi
razzaq
gul
akhtar
wahab
ajmal

[mon858]

Originally Posted by w8in_4_0402 Im not sure who we should select 3 pacers and 1 Spinner which has to be Ajmal because of his successful partnership with Afridi. Wahab has to e in the team and Sohail tanvir should get a chance a least to show why he is in the WC squad. Experimetn against NZ and we have to play our best teams against Bngladesh and england in wc warm up matches. i mean best possbile teams.

well, surely you can rest shoaib for a few of the games, since this series as not as critical. so in place of him and perhaps gul for some games,you can play tanvir/riaz. but i dont know if we can really play 3 specialist seamers as that would mean 1 less batsman. so if razzaq can do a decent job with the ball, we should go with 2 seamers (shoaib + riaz/gul/tanvir, + razzaq, + afridi + rehman/ajmal + hafeez)

[Mujahid27]

In Sub continent you have to go with two spinners and three pacers.

Mohammad Hafeez(Can bowl 5 overs)
Kamran
Younis
Misbah
Umar Akmal
razaaq
Afridi
Sohail Tanvir
Abdul Rehman or Saeed Ajmal
Umar Gul
S.Akhtar

[*sallu*]

Rotation is important so they should make sure all 15 member squads get adequate game time before the world cup and the fast bowlers (including Tanvir) are rotated to minimize chances of injuries

[Desi]

Misbah wouldn't be in any limited overs team of mine. He is full of heart but utterly fails at rotating the strike. Poor guy is going to go from hero to zero in 1 series.

Hafeez
Kamran
YK
Asad
Umar
Afridi
Razzaq
Gul
Wahab
Ajmal
Akhtar

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Hafeez
Kami
Younis
Umar
Misbah
Afridi
Razzaq
Gul
Wahab
Ajmal
Akhtar

[Azrim_91]

I like everyone's thought, however here's my thought.... the main dilemma pakistan have is

play 2 or 3 speciallist seamers..

the bowling options are

Pacers:
-Akthar
-Gul
-Riaz
-S.Tanvir

Spin:
-Rehman
-Ajmal

Part timers

-Razzaq
-Hafeez

1.) If playing 3 seamers (pick between tanvir or wahab for 3rd spot), then you sacrifice one specialist batsmen.... between Misbah, younis, shafiq or akmal (jnr)
- however if you play tanvir, he slightly compensates, as he can bat better than wahab (having said that wahab can bash it abit)
- another point though... is tanvir a better bowler than wahab??????

2.) are you going to play Rehman or Ajmal..?????
- Rehman is left arm spin... no doosra, however he can bat as well! and can field better than ajmal... also in really good form
- Ajmal, known for this doosra, good bowler, in poor form at the moment
- once again conclusion..is it worth putting in rehman due to this current form and his batting + fielding capabilities over ajmal.. who no question has been our best odi bowler in the last 2 years???????????????????


3.) If you play 2 seamers... you get all your 4 specialist batsmen in there... misbah, younis, shafiq and akmal (jnr).... however it requires razzaq and hafeez to share the load for the 5th bowler perhaps????????????????

[jawad1]

Mohammad Hafeez
Kamran Akmal (wk)
Younis Khan
Misbah Ul Haq (V.Cpt)
Umar Akmal
Asad Shafiq
Shahid Afridi (cpt)
Abdul Razzaq
Abdur Rehman
Umar Gul
Shoaib Akhtar

Wahab Riaz
Saeed Ajmal

[Poison]

All I know is that all five matches are going to be 270-300+ games...flat tracks and tiny grounds...sounds good !

[strongman123]

Main issue which the management has to decide on is whether or not to go with a specialist spinner, because if they do then, you are looking at 7 batsmen and 4 bowlers, on the other hand going with 3 seamers and 2 all round spinners (Hafeez & Afridi), gives you a shorter tail.

Fair to say that the batting lineup makes itself with slight adjustments. Also, shoud try couple of bowling combinations to see what works and what doesnt.

[mon858]

Originally Posted by Azrim_91 I like everyone's thought, however here's my thought.... the main dilemma pakistan have is play 2 or 3 speciallist seamers.. the bowling options are Pacers: -Akthar -Gul -Riaz -S.Tanvir Spin: -Rehman -Ajmal Part timers -Razzaq -Hafeez 1.) If playing 3 seamers (pick between tanvir or wahab for 3rd spot), then you sacrifice one specialist batsmen.... between Misbah, younis, shafiq or akmal (jnr) - however if you play tanvir, he slightly compensates, as he can bat better than wahab (having said that wahab can bash it abit) - another point though... is tanvir a better bowler than wahab?????? 2.) are you going to play Rehman or Ajmal..????? - Rehman is left arm spin... no doosra, however he can bat as well! and can field better than ajmal... also in really good form - Ajmal, known for this doosra, good bowler, in poor form at the moment - once again conclusion..is it worth putting in rehman due to this current form and his batting + fielding capabilities over ajmal.. who no question has been our best odi bowler in the last 2 years??????????????????? 3.) If you play 2 seamers... you get all your 4 specialist batsmen in there... misbah, younis, shafiq and akmal (jnr).... however it requires razzaq and hafeez to share the load for the 5th bowler perhaps????????????????

one option to get around the losing a batsman when playing 3 seamers issue is to send in tanvir or wahab as pinch hitter either during first 15 overs or during batting powerplay, to go out there and get some boundries, while still having some regular batsman to follow.

[ads101]

1. Mohammed Hafeez
2. Kamran Akmal
3. Ahmed Shehzad
4. Umar Akmal
5. Misbah ul Haq
6. Younis Khan
7. Shahid Afridi
8. Abdul Razzaq
9. Wahab Riaz
10. Umar Gul
11. Shoaib Akhtar

[Amjid Javed]

Originally Posted by ads101 1. Mohammed Hafeez 2. Kamran Akmal 3. Asad Shafiq 4. Umar Akmal 5. Misbah ul Haq 6. Younis Khan 7. Shahid Afridi 8. Abdul Razzaq 9. Wahab Riaz 10. Umar Gul 11. Shoaib Akhtar

Thats a good and balanced line up!

[ads101]

Originally Posted by Amjid Javed Thats a good and balanced line up!

don't like the fact Kamran akmal's in there (I'd rather give umar the gloves. Quite frankly neither kamran's batting or keeping is up to par in ODIs), but he was in good form in England and it looks like Malik and yousuf aren't playing.


Whoops I actually made a mistake, I didn't want Asad Shafiq playing there, I wanted Ahmed Shehzad. I'll just go and change that lol.

[Pakistani93]

Originally Posted by ads101 1. Mohammed Hafeez 2. Kamran Akmal 3. Ahmed Shehzad 4. Umar Akmal 5. Misbah ul Haq 6. Younis Khan 7. Shahid Afridi 8. Abdul Razzaq 9. Wahab Riaz 10. Umar Gul 11. Shoaib Akhtar

+1 to this expect i would rather have Asad Shafiq instead of Ahmed Shezad

[Poison]

Originally Posted by ads101 don't like the fact Kamran akmal's in there (I'd rather give umar the gloves. Quite frankly neither kamran's batting or keeping is up to par in ODIs), but he was in good form in England and it looks like Malik and yousuf aren't playing. Whoops I actually made a mistake, I didn't want Asad Shafiq playing there, I wanted Ahmed Shehzad. I'll just go and change that lol.

Akmal's batting is excellent in ODI's, really our missing ingredient at the top of the order

[Azrim_91]

just anoter point to add to my post (#15) and also mentioned by strongman (#18) that yes, playing neither rehman or ajmal may allow you to play 3 seamers and longer tail, but no specialist spinner... in the WC subcontinent we need spin but we also need reverse swing...

playing Sohail Tanvir would be the ideal situation with Akhtar (as he is an opening bowler and can swing it). however he may also leak runs.....

but wahab is an old ball specialist.... therefore you'd only have gul and potentially akthar as old ball bowlers..

BUT playing wahab means no official opening bowler... therefore razzaq may have to open the bowling..

I think this series is CRUCIAL in getting the bowling lineup sorted.... try tanvir opening the bowling and also try wahab opening the bowling... if the series if won or lost...then try playing 4 seamers... etc...

however, the conditions must be taken into consideration... it will vary alot in india

[ads101]

Originally Posted by Poison Akmal's batting is excellent in ODI's, really our missing ingredient at the top of the order

It really hasn't. The man averages just 27 after so many ODIs (he averages 27 as an opener too), and is one of the lowest averages of all playing wicket keepers. In fact Boucher was booted out of the ODI team for his batting form, and yet he still has an average of 29.

Yes he's stylish and yes he's got potential, but he just doesn't score runs regularly. An average of 27 isn't really acceptable in ODI cricket for a wicket keeper these days. And to top it all, he's probably the worst wicket keeper around too. For a wicket keeper who is pretty much selected mainly for his batting it just isn't good enough.

[Ayyub]

My Line up will be :-

1.Mohammad Hafeez
2.Kamran Akmal (wk)
3.Younis Khan
4.Misbah Ul Haq (Vice-Captain )
5.Asad Shafiq
6.Shahid Afridi (Cap )
7.Abdul Razzak
8.Abdul Rehman
9.Sohail Tanvir
10.Shoaib Akhtar
11.Umar Gul

[PAF]

We have Hafeez who was pretty decent against England and South Africa with the bowl. Therefore he can bowl as a 5th bowler along with Razzaq which will allow us to play an extra bat. The team should be:

Mohammad Hafeez
Kamran Akmal
Younus Khan
Umar Akmal
Asad Shafiq
Misbah ul Haq
Abdul Razzaq
Shahid Afridi
Sohail Tanvir
Umar Gul
Shoaib Akhtar

[wez4all]

Originally Posted by PakWC'11Champs I think you know what you get from Razzaq at 8, I would use the NZ series to see how Tanvir and Riaz play at that spot. Whoever bats there is also going to open the bowling with Akhtar. I would use the first few ODI's to test out Tanvir's health and whether Riaz can be effective in a new ball bowling partnership with Akhtar. The rest of the lineup looks good. At this point, Rehman has earned a spot ahead of Ajmal.

Originally Posted by ads101 It really hasn't. The man averages just 27 after so many ODIs (he averages 27 as an opener too), and is one of the lowest averages of all playing wicket keepers. In fact Boucher was booted out of the ODI team for his batting form, and yet he still has an average of 29. Yes he's stylish and yes he's got potential, but he just doesn't score runs regularly. An average of 27 isn't really acceptable in ODI cricket for a wicket keeper these days. And to top it all, he's probably the worst wicket keeper around too. For a wicket keeper who is pretty much selected mainly for his batting it just isn't good enough.

Our Middle order has got low averages too:

Younis khan: 32.48
Misbah: 37.90 (but he played only 58 matches)
umar akmal: 37.33 (24 matches)

Openers:

Hafeez: 21.82 (58 matches)

[ritzy_123]

my line would be:

1. Muhammad Hafeez

2. Kamran Akmal

3. Asad Shafiq

4. Younus Khan

5. Umar Akmal

6. Misbah Ul Haq

7. Abdul Razzaq

8. Shahid Afridi

9. Wahab Riaz

10.Umar Gul

11.Shoaib Akhter

[wez4all]

Originally Posted by ritzy_123 my line would be: 1. Muhammad Hafeez 2. Kamran Akmal 3. Asad Shafiq 4. Younus Khan 5. Umar Akmal 6. Misbah Ul Haq 7. Abdul Razzaq 8. Shahid Afridi 9. Wahab Riaz 10.Umar Gul 11.Shoaib Akhter

NZ series is to try the best combination and work out the players role. Sohail Tanveer should be tested in this series to check his form and fitness.

[pakistandiehardfan]

Mohammed Hafeez
Kamran Akmal
Younis Khan
Umar Akmal
Misbah Ul Huq
Shahid Afridi
Adbul Razzaq
Wahab Riaz
Umar Gul
Shoaib Akhtar
Saeed Ajmal

[ads101]

Originally Posted by wez4all Our Middle order has got low averages too: Younis khan: 32.48 Misbah: 37.90 (but he played only 58 matches) umar akmal: 37.33 (24 matches) Openers: Hafeez: 21.82 (58 matches)

Well yes. And Kamran's is a good deal below even those averages. Even Younis Khan still averages about 5.5 runs more than Kamran. Which is quite a significant difference. I'm not even favour of playing Younis Khan at 3. I'd rather play him at 6 where he's played quite a few games, and averages something around 44. Which is far better than any other batsman we've tried at no.6. Younis khan is also a very good fielder and very good at affecting run outs. He's also a good batsman for others to play and build an innings. Kamran isn't really.


Hafeez is only in the team as he's now recalled and in good form. He also offers us a good bowling option.


Kamran throughout the whole of his career, we have always been satisfied with his batting, yet it all he has managed to do was get an average of 27. It's a pathetic average, and he should have been dropped a long time ago just for his batting (not even taking wicket keeping into account).

This is the problem with Kamran is the fact that we've been happy to include him despite him averaging just 27 as an opener. We haven't tried out better openers, or shown faith in them, we've been content with his mediocre batting. There isn't anyone to replace him as they're all very untested. We've announced a squad where we've got very little option but to play kamran.


We should have tried out more wicketkeepers instead of persisting with kamran. If the gloves were given to his brother umar, I'm sure his wicketkeeping would be at least good as kamran's, and his batting better.


The thing we have to ask ourselves, why are we happy with a guy who averages just 27 for an opener? Are you telling me there isn't a single opener who could average more than that in Pakistan. Even Shahzaib Hasan averaged 33.



What should have happened is Kamran should have been dropped from the ODI squad and forced to try and get back. He would have worked on his batting, and tried to improve it. But we didn't, and hence there isn't any motivation for him to improve on his batting if we're all happy with his mid 20 average.

[wez4all]

Originally Posted by ads101 Well yes. And Kamran's is a good deal below even those averages. Even Younis Khan still averages about 5.5 runs more than Kamran. Which is quite a significant difference. I'm not even favour of playing Younis Khan at 3. I'd rather play him at 6 where he's played quite a few games, and averages something around 44. Which is far better than any other batsman we've tried at no.6. Younis khan is also a very good fielder and very good at affecting run outs. He's also a good batsman for others to play and build an innings. Kamran isn't really. Hafeez is only in the team as he's now recalled and in good form. He also offers us a good bowling option. Kamran throughout the whole of his career, we have always been satisfied with his batting, yet it all he has managed to do was get an average of 27. It's a pathetic average, and he should have been dropped a long time ago just for his batting (not even taking wicket keeping into account). This is the problem with Kamran is the fact that we've been happy to include him despite him averaging just 27 as an opener. We haven't tried out better openers, or shown faith in them, we've been content with his mediocre batting. There isn't anyone to replace him as they're all very untested. We've announced a squad where we've got very little option but to play kamran. We should have tried out more wicketkeepers instead of persisting with kamran. If the gloves were given to his brother umar, I'm sure his wicketkeeping would be at least good as kamran's, and his batting better. The thing we have to ask ourselves, why are we happy with a guy who averages just 27 for an opener? Are you telling me there isn't a single opener who could average more than that in Pakistan. Even Shahzaib Hasan averaged 33. What should have happened is Kamran should have been dropped from the ODI squad and forced to try and get back. He would have worked on his batting, and tried to improve it. But we didn't, and hence there isn't any motivation for him to improve on his batting if we're all happy with his mid 20 average.

I did not post those averages to support kamran. the only reason i posted them to reflect that our whole batting line up has low averages compared to other teams.

[Azrim_91]

may i also ask, can someone work out kamran's average on DEAD FLAT pitches, i.e. pakistan, india sri lanka etc... then post it...

coz frankly, the reason why he averages 27 is because he literally cannot play swing to save his life... even when he's an opener.. in england he has done pathetic.. encluding his few innings in 2010...

in india opening the batting he'll be destructful.. mark my words!

the reason he's in the team is because of his batting... there is no other better opening batsmen right now in pakistan..

[Rizz Khan]

Originally Posted by Poison All I know is that all five matches are going to be 270-300+ games...flat tracks and tiny grounds...sounds good !

All 6 Matches.

[Zaid23]

Hafeez
Kamran
Shafiq/AHmed
Younis
Misbah
Umar AKmal
Afridi
Razzaq/Tanvir
Gul/Wahab
Rehman/Ajmal
Akhtar

All bases covered.....excellent squad

[Rizz Khan]

Kamran Akmal (WK)
Mohammad Hafeez/Ahmed Shahzad
Asad Shafiq
Younis Khan
Umar Akmal
Misbah-Ul-Haq (VC)
Shahid Afridi (C)
Abdul Razzaq
Wahab Riaz/Abdul Rahman/Saeed Ajmal/Sohail Tanvir*
Umar Gul
Shoaib Akhtar

Note*- Depends On The Track And Form.

[Impala_KaifTamasha]

Hafeez
Kami
YK
Misbah
U.Akmal
Afridi
Razzaq
Riaz
Gul
Ajmal/Rehman
Akhtar

Personally i would play Shafiq instead of a spinner but the PCB wouldnt do this for sure.

[Rizz Khan]

Originally Posted by Impala_KaifTamasha Hafeez Kami YK Misbah U.Akmal Afridi Razzaq Riaz Gul Ajmal/Rehman Akhtar Personally i would play Shafiq instead of a spinner but the PCB wouldnt do this for sure.

PCB Or Afridi ?

[AZ]

gut feeling says Kami and Razzy bhai are gonna tear the Kiwis to shreds.

[Crucifier]

Sohail Tanvir WILL be playing. Unless he gets injured, he's 100% set to play the first ODI.

M Hafeez
K Akmal
Y Khan
Misbah
Umar Akmal
S Afridi
Abdul Razzaq
Sohail Tanvir
Umar Gul
Shoaib Akhtar
Saaed Ajmal

I'm confident this will be the team. Wahab wasn't too impressive in the tests and broke down. So Tanvir will get the nod ahead of him.

[Rizz Khan]

Originally Posted by AZ gut feeling says Kami and Razzy bhai are gonna tear the Kiwis to shreds.

Haha, I Put Afridi In The List Too!

[AZ]

Originally Posted by Rizz Khan Haha, I Put Afridi In The List Too!

there is no point of predicting Afridi's actions/results.

kuch bhi ho sakta hai.

[Rizz Khan]

Originally Posted by AZ there is no point of predicting Afridi's actions/results. kuch bhi ho sakta hai.

Dekhleyna, Man Of The Series: Shahid Afridi

Fixed.

[pakbl10]

1) M. Hafeez
2) K. Akmal
3) A. Shafiq
4) Y. Khan
5) M. Ul-Haq
6) U. Akmal
7) S. Afridi
8) A. Razzaq
9) U. Gul
10) S. Ajmal
11) S. Akhtar

[AZ]

chalo sahi hai, I'll remember it

[1137moiz]

I'm actually pretty chuffed that the one-day series starts so quickly after the tests. I hate waiting

[Rizz Khan]

Originally Posted by AZ chalo sahi hai, I'll remember it

I'll Get POTY? 'Prediction Of The Year! Deal? Haha

[SAF]

I cant wait for this series. especially since the 1st ODI is on Saturday
I think Kami and U.Akmal will replace Shezad and Shafiq. Afridi can also play Sohail Tanvir instead of a spinner but I doubt that

anyway, this is the best possible playing 11 for the 1st ODI

1. Kamran Akmal

2. Hafeez

3. Yunis Khan

4. Misbah

5. Umer Akmal

6. Afridi

7. Razzaq

8. Wahab

9. Gul

10. Shohaib Akhtar

11. Rehman/Ajmal

[ads101]

Originally Posted by Azrim_91 may i also ask, can someone work out kamran's average on DEAD FLAT pitches, i.e. pakistan, india sri lanka etc... then post it... coz frankly, the reason why he averages 27 is because he literally cannot play swing to save his life... even when he's an opener.. in england he has done pathetic.. encluding his few innings in 2010... in india opening the batting he'll be destructful.. mark my words! the reason he's in the team is because of his batting... there is no other better opening batsmen right now in pakistan..

all batsmen averages increase on flat pitches. Kamran's average increases to 29.45 in asia (his average in India is about 15). So hardly a jump really.

The only guy in the pakistan line up (who's played a lot of matches) that really jumps I can think of is malik, whom from an overall average of around 34, jumps to just over 39. But hey he's not in the squad so it doesn't really matter. Salman Butt too, his jumps up to 42 but he's suspended of course for the moment.

[jawad1]

everybody have got a same squad

[Rizz Khan]

Originally Posted by jawad1 everybody have got a same squad

Mine Is Different !

[Zoab_Khan]

Didn't Afridi say he was going to open in ODI and Umar Akmal would be wicketkeeper?
I don't want to see Kamran Akmal in the squad.

[Zoab_Khan]

First ODI is Friday.

[saeed-sohail]

Misbah
Hafeez
Nani
YK
Umar
Razzaq
Afridi
Wahab
Rehman
Shoaib
Gul

[Inswinger]

I don't think we'll have any surprises in the XI. This is what I expect on Friday:

Hafeez
Kamran
Younis
Umar/Asad
Misbah
Afridi
Razaq
Riaz
Gul
Ajmal/Rehman
Akhtar

Sohail Tanvir, Tanveer Ahmed, and Ahmed Shehzad will definitely not be playing. Asad and Umar are fighting for the one open batting spot while Rehman and Ajmal will compete for the lone spinners role. I'd take Umar and Rehman at this time. Umar because he's explosive and we already have Younis and Misbah to stabilize the innings, so it lessens the need for Asad. Rehman over Ajmal based on current form and Rehman's batting ability.

[cricfan4ever]

1. Mohammed Hafeez
2. Ahmed Shehzad
3. Umar Akmal
4. Younis Khan
5. Misbah/Asad
6. Afridi (c)
7. Kami (wk)
8. Abdul Razzaq
9. Wahab Riaz
10. Umar Gul
11. Shoaib Akhtar

that would be my line up...but we know that Ajmal is Afridi's favorite so he's bound to play...so count on Shehzad not playing and Ajmal coming in his place which gives us 1 less specialist batsman which would than mean Kami opening with Hafeez...but I guess either line up will be fine...of course depending on how the series is going in terms of results (we are leading or losing) than we can experiment with the bench...

[cric]

I think every player should know their role is. most time the batsmen don't know what to do. no plan or anything. just come and either they do tuk tuk or slogging.
Mine playing XI would be ( specially batting line up)


1 Hafeez
2 k akmal
3 u akmal
Those top 3 strength is big hitter. they all can utilize power play specially u akmal, he is the only batsman from pakistan, who can score and score quick against both pace and spin.

4 YK
5 misbah
Those 2 are the best against spinners. can rotate strike. and build partnership in middle over.
6 asad ( i am not sure what his role is going to be)

7 Razzaq
8 afridi
No need to explain about those 2
bowling line always can be changed depending on pitch, form and team balance.
9 wahab/gul
10 akhter
11 ajmal/rehman

[ahsan88]

Source: PTV News

Team announced for the 1st ODI against New Zealand

Gul, Wahab, Ajmal, Tanvir rested

Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Misbah ul Haq, Umer Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Sohail Tanvir, Shoaib Akhtar

[Afridi_Fan]

You got to be kidding. Gul not playing?

[ahsan88]

Originally Posted by Afridi_Fan You got to be kidding. Gul not playing?

Was surprised myself when i saw it. Only 2 front line seamers in Sohail & Shoaib.

Sohail hasn't played for the last 2 years, God knows what shape he is in.

[hashbb]

Expect us too go over six an over if akThar gets phainty cuz tanvir and Razzaq are gonna get hit for sure

[ahsan88]

I'm sure we will see Gul & Wahab at some point in the series, team using the rotational policy too early.

[Zoab_Khan]

Why not play Gul? What kind of idiots are choosing this playing-11?
Take kakmal, let Uakmal keep and play Umar Gul.

[Afridi_Fan]

Don't believe this line up.

[FastBowler]

Razzaq and Shoaib have been the usual combination opening the bowling, but I think Sohail Tanvir might open instead of Shoaib or Razzaq today.

[FastBowler]

Its not a bad lineup. Three fast bowlers and three spinners.

[*sallu*]

Relax guys, don't read too much into this

Gul, Wahab and Tanvir are the test bowlers being rested.

They are doing the smart thing in rotating the sides.

I will be play our world cup 11 only in the last 2 games after everything has been settled

[Afridi_Fan]

Originally Posted by *sallu* Relax guys, don't read too much into this Gul, Wahab and Tanvir are the test bowlers being rested. They are doing the smart thing in rotating the sides. I will be play our world cup 11 only in the last 2 games after everything has been settled

Okay, I am relaxed.

[IM NOT YOU]

the reason for playing this XI is because they want to find out what these players like abdul rehman, sohail tanvir can do in ODI's so that we know what to do when the world cup comes.


perfect time for experiments. people criticising dont understand the situation.

[taxzu]

I am not sure the news is right. Who plays odi with three specialist bowlers. Even india plays 4 specialist bowlers.

[Newton_fan]

Match Facts
January 22, Wellington
Start time 14:00 (01.00 GMT)


Big Picture
Pakistan are in a pleasantly unfamiliar position, that of beginning a series as the favourites. In their last two one-day series they managed to stretch far stronger opponents - England and South Africa - to the limit, while also dealing with an unending list of controversies on the side. This time, however, they have almost no distractions; the delay in the naming of the World Cup captain is almost a non-issue for a side that thrives in anarchy. They have also managed to put the spot-fixing hearings out of their mind and, instead of making a big deal of the delay in the verdict, they have shown signs of moving on.

Misbah-ul-Haq deserves credit for the newfound stability. Critics questioned the side's approach when they blocked out the final session of the Wellington Test, led by Misbah at his obdurate best. But the fact of the matter is that Pakistan sides of earlier vintage would invariably have gone after the target, only to collapse in a heap and concede the series lead. Pakistan can do with a dose of such calmness in the one-dayers too, yet Shahid Afridi's return to the helm of affairs will offer a counterpoint. The interplay between the two men promises to form an interesting sub-plot to this series, and the results could decide who will eventually lead Pakistan in the World Cup.

New Zealand have far bigger questions to address before they can think of the big event. They haven't won an ODI in 11 successive attempts, and John Wright knows only a radical change in approach and combination can pull his side out of the rut. With batting in the middle overs being a major source of worry, Wright has already decided to change things around - Brendon McCullum will take guard at No. 6, breaking his successful association with Jesse Ryder at the top. Jacob Oram returns to the side, while James Franklin promises stability, so New Zealand have the pedigree to turn the corner. Will they kick the losing habit in Wellington?

Form guide

New Zealand: LLLL
Pakistan: LWLWL

Players to watch out for…
New Zealand saw Abdul Razzaq at his menacing best in the third Twenty20 that preceded the Tests. A few days before that, he smashed South Africa in Abu Dhabi with one of the most stunning one-day innings of all-time. Razzaq's methods may not work too often, but when they do, they turn games in a matter of minutes. His smart assortment of legcutters and slower balls could also pose New Zealand problems on wickets that have traditionally been slow and spongy.

Brendon McCullum is being sent down the line-up specifically to take advantage of the batting Powerplay. He has only played six of his 152 ODI innings at that position, though he has had reasonable success at Nos. 7 and 8. Like Razzaq, McCullum is an impact player, but he will go up against some of the smartest end-overs practitioners in the game, namely Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal and the irrepressible Shoaib Akhtar.

Team news

New Zealand have announced their XI, giving seamer Hamish Bennett a game and benching Jamie How. Martin Guptill will open the innings alongside Jesse Ryder, while McCullum will resume duty behind the stumps.

New Zealand: 1 Jesse Ryder, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Ross Taylor, 4 Scott Styris, 5 James Franklin, 6 Brendon McCullum (wk), 7 Jacob Oram, 8 Daniel Vettori (capt), 9 Nathan McCullum, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Hamish Bennett

Pakistan are yet to finalise the XI, but have announced that Kamran Akmal will be opening their innings. If Wahab Riaz continues to suffer from the flu that curtailed his participation in the second Test, Sohail Tanvir could get a chance.

Pakistan (possible): 1 Kamran Akmal (wk), 2 Mohammad Hafeez, 3 Younis Khan, 4 Misbah-ul-Haq, 5 Umar Akmal, 6 Shahid Afridi (capt), 7 Abdul Razzaq, 8 Umar Gul, 9 Abdur Rehman / Saeed Ajmal, 10 Wahab Riaz / Sohail Tanvir, 11 Shoaib Akhtar

Stats and trivia
Pakistan have a 48-32 win-loss record against New Zealand. In New Zealand, though, it drops to 12-20

Younis Khan has played 207 ODIs, without getting a game in New Zealand. Afridi has only played three, while Razzaq leads the way for the current team, with 10 outings here

Quotes
"My bowling's gone really well, I've been extremely happy with the way the ball has come out. The runs haven't been flowing but I don't feel far away."

Jacob Oram is confident of making an impact on his return to the national side

[Afridi_Fan]

If we go by this line up, that will mean that Asad Shafique will be dropped so that both and could play in the side.

[Mobashir]

New Zealand have a good team combination, i rally don't know how they lost so many matches in a row.
Surely some players were missing plus asian conditions, but i think they can be really good here in New Zealand.

Our team is also looking good on paper. I like the team combination, I just hope Asad Shafik is given a chance before Misbah Ul Haq because he deserves it more.
But whoever is playing should bat at 5, Umar Akmal should be the number 4.
I will also prefer Abdur Rehman as a spinner over Saeed Ajmal not because of bowling skills but because of fielding and the litle batting he can gave us.
Finally, if Wahab Riaz is unfit it will not be that bad too try Sohail Tanveer who I am sure can be more than useful with both bowl and bat in ODI's.

Come on Pakistan!

[IAJ]

If the wicket is slow as the cricinfo preview described it then it's OK to to in with only 2 frontline seamers and Abdul Razzaq being the third.

But on the other side the grounds are so small in NZ that Abdul Razzaq might be smashed to all parts and edges of Akhtar's bowling might go for sixes.

I am looking forward to this match

[Justcrazy]

Gul at number 8 is too high.
Afridi + Razzak + hafeez = 10 overs. Far less
They should bowl at least 20 overs and get an xtra batter in the team.

[Justcrazy]

Pakistan should have got another seamer instead of Razzak
Afridi + Hafeez can spin.

[NJamal]

So how can the Moron Butt judge Afridi's performance in this series as a Captain when he is not provided with a full strength playing 11? I think thats all a drama and they Will announce Afridi as Captain for WC.

[Legal Eye]

Resting the the three seamers who have just finished a test series (given Gul's injury record too) is a sensible policy. Big picture guys