Shoaib still the better choice

[12cavalry]

Wahab bowled some good balls but he was wayward for most of the time today. So I believe that Shoaib would be a better choice for the upcoming matches.

What do you guys think...

[ads101]

Leave Riaz in the team. Get Akhtar in for Rehman. And open the bowling with fast bowling rather than a spinner.

[sam]

Okay, I might be wrong but this seems like quite an astute move from Afridi.

Waqar hasn't been in favour of Akhtar lately and Afridi has been very supportive.

Seems like he's given in to Waqar's wishes knowing that if Akhtar failed today, he'd be off the QF for sure. So he agrees to have Riaz play and see how he does. If Riaz does well, he stays. If he doesn't Akhtar comes back.

He's got plans. And new ones.

[chui_kadoo]

He is way better than Wahab but unfortunately Waqar and Afriidi love Wahab even though he got spanked for 40 runs in 6 overs. Also Afridi will never change the winning combination.

[chui_kadoo]

Originally Posted by sam Okay, I might be wrong but this seems like quite an astute move from Afridi. Waqar hasn't been in favour of Akhtar lately and Afridi has been very supportive. Seems like he's given in to Waqar's wishes knowing that if Akhtar failed today, he'd be off the QF for sure. So he agrees to have Riaz play and see how he does. If Riaz does well, he stays. If he doesn't Akhtar comes back. He's got plans. And new ones.

He wont change the team. Mark my words it will be the same team this wednesday

[Riff]

I think Akhtar should be in the side in the place of Riaz in the next game. Ive lost alot of respect for Afridi with the way he has treated Akhtar. I thought they were friends? Well it seems Afridi turned out to be the Judas. Watch out Razzaq, youre next

[Riff]

Originally Posted by chui_kadoo He wont change the team. Mark my words it will be the same team this wednesday

Yeah it seems that way

[fareedymohammad]

I dont think so AKhter will come back next game for Pakistan Apart from 4 or 5 deliveries Wahab Riaz was Off big time

[chui_kadoo]

Originally Posted by Riff Yeah it seems that way

I knew this would happen after the NZ game. Those dropped Akmal catches have got me really disturbed. They have cost my favourite player big time.
I am devestated that due to that we will never see Shoaib again. Im very upset indeed.
I knew that Afridi and waqar were waiting for one little slip up from Shoaib and that they would drop him for good just cos of 1 bad over. I was so looking forward to Shoaib vs Lee today. I was waiting for this for months. They gave him no confidence what soever.

[Usman Chadda]

Wahab is bowling better than Akhtar at the moment. Akhtar's bowling was very disappointing in the New Zealand game. Cannot take the risk of Akhtar leaking runs like that in important games

Wahab should play every match from now on

[sam]

Originally Posted by Riff I think Akhtar should be in the side in the place of Riaz in the next game. Ive lost alot of respect for Afridi with the way he has treated Akhtar. I thought they were friends? Well it seems Afridi turned out to be the Judas. Watch out Razzaq, youre next

If it was in Afridi's hands alone, he'd play Akhtar any day of the week. Same with Razzaq.

Waqr has a strong say in the team selection being the head coach. He had Razzaq dropped for the first 2 ODIs Vs England in England last year. The next game Razzaq gets to play and guess what?! He smacks it all around the park and scores crucial runs at the end of the innings.

[chui_kadoo]

Originally Posted by Usman Chadda Wahab is bowling better than Akhtar at the moment. Akhtar's bowling was very disappointing in the New Zealand game. Cannot take the risk of Akhtar leaking runs like that in important games Wahab should play every match from now on

Wahab 6 overs for 40 and you call that good. Did you miss the Pak Vs SL game. Shoaib was awesome then. He would have taken 5 wickets if it wasnt for those Akmal drops against NZ.

[sam]

Originally Posted by Usman Chadda Wahab is bowling better than Akhtar at the moment. Akhtar's bowling was very disappointing in the New Zealand game. Cannot take the risk of Akhtar leaking runs like that in important games Wahab should play every match from now on

If idiot Akmal would've held onto even one of those catches, there would have been no assault at the end.

The reason why Wahab picked a wicket today was because he got a nick on one of the rare good balls he bowled today and more importantly because managed to catch it.

[Riff]

Originally Posted by chui_kadoo I knew this would happen after the NZ game. Those dropped Akmal catches have got me really disturbed. They have cost my favourite player big time. I am devestated that due to that we will never see Shoaib again. Im very upset indeed. I knew that Afridi and waqar were waiting for one little slip up from Shoaib and that they would drop him for good just cos of 1 bad over. I was so looking forward to Shoaib vs Lee today. I was waiting for this for months. They gave him no confidence what soever.

It seems Waqar is still bitter that Akhtar used to side with Wasim in their playing days. And Afridi just wants the whole limelight to himself. First Ajmal went and now Akhtar. This Judas needs to be stopped

[kaalakawaa]

yaar i really don't like Rahman in the team

Especially with Hafeez doing such a fine job

Bring Shoaib in place of Rahman

[Riff]

Originally Posted by chui_kadoo Wahab 6 overs for 40 and you call that good. Did you miss the Pak Vs SL game. Shoaib was awesome then. He would have taken 5 wickets if it wasnt for those Akmal drops against NZ.

I knew this would happen. Akmal's dropped catches would be forgotten and Akhtar's economy in the game would be remembered

[sunnykhan]

I will take shoaib ahead of akhtar every match in this WC. Wahab is not as striking as shoaib does for PAK.

[SuperSportsCom]

Originally Posted by Riff I think Akhtar should be in the side in the place of Riaz in the next game. Ive lost alot of respect for Afridi with the way he has treated Akhtar. I thought they were friends? Well it seems Afridi turned out to be the Judas. Watch out Razzaq, youre next

Being friend is another thing and it should not be a factor when considering players for the team.

Having said that Akhtar can perform better than wahab as a opening bowler.

They have to figure out who will bowl the depth overs with gul because Akhtar cannot do that.

[Usman Chadda]

Originally Posted by chui_kadoo Wahab 6 overs for 40 and you call that good. Did you miss the Pak Vs SL game. Shoaib was awesome then. He would have taken 5 wickets if it wasnt for those Akmal drops against NZ.

Ridiculous excuse. Akmal's drops had nothing to do with the filth Akhtar bowled in his last spell and also the number of free hits he so freely gave away during that match. Riaz was a bit way-ward in the beginning but his ability to pick up wickets at crucial points of the match is what makes him such an asset. Shoaib is in a different class to Riaz definitely, but its about who is bowling better at the moment

[munna_]

some commentators pointed out some technical flaws in wahab's bowling action about his arm movement! I was actually surprised on that and wondered how come Waqar never noticed IF that does create a problem in his bowling?

anyway, I believe Shoaib should come back replacing Wahab, he hasn't looked too impressive in any of the matches hez played. Too inconsistent with his line n length both, doesnt seem to pose any threat to the batsmen, and seems lost with his thinking!

Shoaib can still bowl with his experience and can do a much better job! he is a more wicket taking bowler for sure and his presence is just a plus for the team because of his charisma.

[Energy]

Would absolutely love to have Akhtar in the team but just can't see it happening. The death bowling goes in favor of Riaz and that is why he might be preferred again.

[Riff]

Originally Posted by Usman Chadda Ridiculous excuse. Akmal's drops had nothing to do with the filth Akhtar bowled in his last spell and also the number of free hits he so freely gave away during that match. Riaz was a bit way-ward in the beginning but his ability to pick up wickets at crucial points of the match is what makes him such an asset. Shoaib is in a different class to Riaz definitely, but its about who is bowling better at the moment

Ross Taylor should have been back in the pavilion if he had been caught. To say that the dropped catches had no effect is ridiculous

[Usman Chadda]

Originally Posted by Riff Ross Taylor should have been back in the pavilion if he had been caught. To say that the dropped catches had no effect is ridiculous

So you mean to say Akhtar bowled full tosses to a set-batsman at the death because Akmal dropped that same batsman 20+ overs before? Also what about the few no-balls that he bowled before the drops? Clutching at straws here. The bowling was terrible and Akhtar's confidence must have been shattered. Also the fact that he wasn't given the ball and Razzaq was preferred for the over after that must have given his confidence an even bigger hit. Playing Akhtar is too much of a risk right now

Wahab is a wicket-taker and its not the end of the world if he goes for 5-6 RPO. If he gets wickets, which he usually does (and big ones at that), he has done his job

[sunnykhan]

Originally Posted by Usman Chadda So you mean to say Akhtar bowled full tosses to a set-batsman at the death because Akmal dropped that same batsman 20+ overs before? Also what about the few no-balls that he bowled before the drops? Clutching at straws here. The bowling was terrible and Akhtar's confidence must have been shattered. Also the fact that he wasn't given the ball and Razzaq was preferred for the over after that must have given his confidence an even bigger hit. Playing Akhtar is too much of a risk right now Wahab is a wicket-taker and its not the end of the world if he goes for 5-6 RPO. If he gets wickets, which he usually does (and big ones at that), he has done his job

Shoaib is a much better wicket taker than wahab.

[grunge]

Akhter should be an automatic selection....one bad over doesnt mean he gets dropped..

he is a genuine match winner who on his day will run through opponents in no time.u need big match players with experience once u reach the playoff stages...

this said,i still dont believe he will play the QF...afridi/waqar will stick with their winning line up

[chui_kadoo]

Originally Posted by Usman Chadda Ridiculous excuse. Akmal's drops had nothing to do with the filth Akhtar bowled in his last spell and also the number of free hits he so freely gave away during that match. Riaz was a bit way-ward in the beginning but his ability to pick up wickets at crucial points of the match is what makes him such an asset. Shoaib is in a different class to Riaz definitely, but its about who is bowling better at the moment

Simple Question 2 you my friend. If Akmal took one of those catches from Ross Taylor would Ross Taylor hit 28 off Shoaib's last over??

Please answer Yes or No???????

[Usman Chadda]

Meh. From an emotional point of view, I understand why you guys want Akhtar to play. But Wahab is doing a decent job till now and it would be unfair to drop him for someone who got a merciless beating in the last game he played

[saad1024]

Originally Posted by sunnykhan I will take shoaib ahead of akhtar every match in this WC. Wahab is not as striking as shoaib does for PAK.

Err yeah, I agree

[chui_kadoo]

Originally Posted by Usman Chadda So you mean to say Akhtar bowled full tosses to a set-batsman at the death because Akmal dropped that same batsman 20+ overs before? Also what about the few no-balls that he bowled before the drops? Clutching at straws here. The bowling was terrible and Akhtar's confidence must have been shattered. Also the fact that he wasn't given the ball and Razzaq was preferred for the over after that must have given his confidence an even bigger hit. Playing Akhtar is too much of a risk right now Wahab is a wicket-taker and its not the end of the world if he goes for 5-6 RPO. If he gets wickets, which he usually does (and big ones at that), he has done his job

Wahab has only taken 2 wickets in 3 matches and you call him wicket taker.
Shoaib would have had so many more wickets by know if ot wasnt for Akmal. Also if he had played against Zimbabwe and canada he would have bagged many more.
Simple 1 over does not make you a bad bowler and also if it hadnt been of those drops Ross taylor would not have hit him

[Riff]

Originally Posted by chui_kadoo Simple Question 2 you my friend. If Akmal took one of those catches from Ross Taylor would Ross Taylor hit 28 off Shoaib's last over?? Please answer Yes or No???????

Originally Posted by Usman Chadda Meh. From an emotional point of view, I understand why you guys want Akhtar to play. But Wahab is doing a decent job till now and it would be unfair to drop him for someone who got a merciless beating in the last game he played

Just answer the question

[chui_kadoo]

Shoaib so far this tournament.
5 overs for 10 against Kenya
10 overs 42 2 wickets against SL
Was 8 overs 40 runs 1 wicket against SL if your exclude the last over. Would have had 3 wickets also. Apart from 1 over he has done much better than Wahab.

Mark my words if Ross taylor was caught he would have destroyed the middle order.
His tail was up and in good rythem.
Afridi and Waqar fail to see that and just want Shoaib out at any cost.

This could well bite them back in the butt in the later stages especially on flat tracks where Razzaq wont be as effective. Shoaib should have been a must and had to be backed all the way.

[Riff]

Originally Posted by sunnykhan Shoaib is a much better wicket taker than wahab.

Agreed. Lol at saying Wahab is a bigger wicket-taking bowler than Shoaib. Akhtar has had a history of getting crucial wickets against big teams, Wahab doesnt have this.

[grunge]

Originally Posted by chui_kadoo Shoaib so far this tournament. 5 overs for 10 against Kenya 10 overs 42 2 wickets against SL Was 8 overs 40 runs 1 wicket against SL if your exclude the last over. Would have had 3 wickets also. Apart from 1 over he has done much better than Wahab. Mark my words if Ross taylor was caught he would have destroyed the middle order. His tail was up and in good rythem. Afridi and Waqar fail to see that and just want Shoaib out at any cost

i feel Waqar doesnt want Akhtar around...he was the one coming up with the fitness comments even before the WC had started

[chui_kadoo]

Originally Posted by grunge i feel Waqar doesnt want Akhtar around...he was the one coming up with the fitness comments even before the WC had started

I knew this from the start. Thats why I was devestated after those Akmals howlers.
I knew that Afridi and Waqar were waiting for one mistake from Shoaib.
I am beginning to dislike both Afridi and Waqar now

[immubhai]

Shoaib is lot better than Wahab.
Commentators, specially Moody was right about his analysis. Wahab´s action is good, but the way he releases the ball, has problems and Waqar knows this, that was the reason, why he sought Wasim´s help on this and Wasim was also pointing out the same thing in other game but this kind of things dont go away in a span of weeks. Wahab may take another year to get better.

I think, they are not playing Akhtar for a reason. Akhar might play in semi final or Final, depending on the wicket.

In the next game, I see we playing with three specialist spinners against windies.

[chui_kadoo]

Originally Posted by immubhai Shoaib is lot better than Wahab. Commentators, specially Moody was right about his analysis. Wahab´s action is good, but the way he releases the ball, has problems and Waqar knows this, that was the reason, why he sought Wasim´s help on this and Wasim was also pointing out the same thing in other game but this kind of things dont go away in a span of weeks. Wahab may take another year to get better. I think, they are not playing Akhtar for a reason. Akhar might play in semi final or Final, depending on the wicket. In the next game, I see we playing with three specialist spinners against windies.

Afridi/Waqar will not change the combination now. The only way he will play if someone gets injured

[grunge]

Originally Posted by chui_kadoo I knew this from the start. Thats why I was devestated after those Akmals howlers. I knew that Afridi and Waqar were waiting for one mistake from Shoaib. I am beginning to dislike both Afridi and Waqar now

they are going to make a big mistake if they dont play Shoaib in the QF..he's raring to go as this will be his last WC and has the vital experience the team needs at such a stage of the tournament...

[chui_kadoo]

Originally Posted by grunge they are going to make a big mistake if they dont play Shoaib in the QF..he's raring to go as this will be his last WC and has the vital experience the team needs at such a stage of the tournament...

Someone needs to explain this to pea brain afridi. I dont think he has an IQ level to understand this. Im afraid its all over for Shoaib lovers. Even Wasim said that they will not probably play Shoaib anymore.
His world cup has been cut short due to others(Akmal) failures.
The day Akmal gets dropped I will be so happy. He has been doing all the dropping to the cost of others now its his turn to get dropped

[NO 1 AFRIDI FAN]

Definetely Akhter is better, he should be picked ahead of wahab for the next game.

[Usman Chadda]

Originally Posted by chui_kadoo Simple Question 2 you my friend. If Akmal took one of those catches from Ross Taylor would Ross Taylor hit 28 off Shoaib's last over?? Please answer Yes or No???????

Who cares about Ross Taylor. I am pointing out Akhtar's ridiculous full toss extravaganza in the death overs of the innings. If not Taylor, then Oram would have taken full advantage of that bowling. Any decent international batsmen would have whacked him around like a rag-doll. Also it is NOT just about the one over that went for 28 runs. He bowled 3 no-balls, that too in the early stages of the innings. Thats hazardous as far as important games are concerned

Some of you are failing to realize the point I am trying to make. Wahab is bowling better than Akhtar at the moment. Thats a fact, no matter how many 'could've-should've-would've' scenarios you apply to sympathize with Akhtar's poor show in the last match

[immubhai]

Originally Posted by grunge they are going to make a big mistake if they dont play Shoaib in the QF..he's raring to go as this will be his last WC and has the vital experience the team needs at such a stage of the tournament...

I also dont see this happening in the QF.
Well, we need to see the wicket first and then discuss the role of Akhtar. Afridi did not use Wahab in the beginning for a reason and I think that was also one of the plan thing with Afridi where he decided against Akhtar.

But I have this feeling, Akhtar is still a match winner. We should use him with Gul, with a new ball.

[Warfare]

Actually Akhtar + Wahab + Gul is the best combination.

[chui_kadoo]

Originally Posted by Usman Chadda Who cares about Ross Taylor. I am pointing out Akhtar's ridiculous full toss extravaganza in the death overs of the innings. If not Taylor, then Oram would have taken full advantage of that bowling. Any decent international batsmen would have whacked him around like a rag-doll. Also it is NOT just about the one over that went for 28 runs. He bowled 3 no-balls, that too in the early stages of the innings. Thats hazardous as far as important games are concerned Some of you are failing to realize the point I am trying to make. Wahab is bowling better than Akhtar at the moment. Thats a fact, no matter how many 'could've-should've-would've' scenarios you apply to sympathize with Akhtar's poor show in the last match

Wickets give bowlers confidence. I know that because I also play cricket and other sports. There were 2 sitters dropped by Akmal in 1 over which is unforgivable.
He had his man and his tail was up.
He had 1 bad over at the end. Can happen to the best.

Dont forget Rehman got destroyed also in that game. He went for 65 runs and he wasnt dropped. Why was that?

Razzaq went for 30 in 1 over and yet afridi backed him and he bowled well today.
Apart from 1 bad over which would not have happened due to Akmal Shoaib bowled very well.
Stuart Broad went for 36 in one over. Why wasnt he dropped for good?

[RightArm Fast]

Akthar brings fire to the team...just havng 'Shoaib Akthar' in the team changes the teams mentality, Pakistan and the opposition..

[Savak]

Rehman is not needed in the team. Our spin options with Hafeez and Afridi are well covered. Playing 3 attacking, aggressive pacers with a back up option in Razzaq will be an attacking move.

[Usman Chadda]

Chui-kadoo, i guess we'll just agree to disagree on this topic. IMO that one 'bad over' and as many as three no-balls have cost Akhtar a place in the side. When your premiere strike-bowler starts bowling such tripe at the end of the innings where you are required to bowl as accurately as possible, the captain can't help but lose confidence (the same way Akhtar lost confidence after Akmal's drops). This was apparent when Razzaq was given the ball in a helpless situation where anything he bowled would have disappeared

Thats just how it is. We have a decent back-up in Wahab and so Akhtar was dropped

[chui_kadoo]

Originally Posted by Usman Chadda Chui-kadoo, i guess we'll just agree to disagree on this topic. IMO that one 'bad over' and as many as three no-balls have cost Akhtar a place in the side. When your premiere strike-bowler starts bowling such tripe at the end of the innings where you are required to bowl as accurately as possible, the captain can't help but lose confidence (the same way Akhtar lost confidence after Akmal's drops). This was apparent when Razzaq was given the ball in a helpless situation where anything he bowled would have disappeared Thats just how it is. We have a decent back-up in Wahab and so Akhtar was dropped

Wahab went for 40 in 6 overs at 7 per over while all the other bowlers went for less than 3 per over which means rightly Wahab should get dropped from the next game.
Wahab has been average . He has 2 wickets in 3 matches played and 2 matches he played were against minnows. How can you say that he has been better than Akhter.
Akhter had played a match winning role against SL

[grunge]

Originally Posted by Usman Chadda Chui-kadoo, i guess we'll just agree to disagree on this topic. IMO that one 'bad over' and as many as three no-balls have cost Akhtar a place in the side. When your premiere strike-bowler starts bowling such tripe at the end of the innings where you are required to bowl as accurately as possible, the captain can't help but lose confidence (the same way Akhtar lost confidence after Akmal's drops). This was apparent when Razzaq was given the ball in a helpless situation where anything he bowled would have disappeared Thats just how it is. We have a decent back-up in Wahab and so Akhtar was dropped

That was 1 bad over dude!..u dont drop legends like Shoaib over that...

Besides this is no way to treat someone who served the country so much over the years..this is his last WC for God's sake.

[NZPakistanFan]

I'm bring in Akhtar for Riaz. I have a hunch that Riaz is in favour for his batting skill. As for calls to drop Rehman, the guy bowled well against Aus. In fact, he's been pretty consistent over the past year.

[pacman]

No doubt that Akhtar is a better bowler than Wahab. But Akhtar is big liability after his first spell. He is not a good fielder either. Shoaib can produce wicket taking deliveries, but so can Wahab. We just love to see them from Shoaib because of his high past.

With Wahab, the Pakistan attack is the most varied attack of all the teams in the WC. Gul with his right arm fast. Wahab with his left arm fast, producing that ackward angle for right handers. Both are good bowlers at the death. Shoaib is FAST, and we rely too much on him producing wickets in his first spell. I have not seen Shoaib being good at the death for ages. He might bring you a wicket, but more often than not, he will go for runs at the death. That is why I can understand the dilemma why they would play Wahab ahead of Shoaib. Besides, Wahab played more matches than Shoaib in NZ, and did very well to keep his place ahead of Akhtar.

[PerfectionPersonified]

my question!!! is "ameoba & usman chada" relatives by chance ? both have personal grudges with Shoaib.

Wahab bowled absoulutly trash if anyoone has played cricket at a good level would understand his line...too negative and crap

ok lets Drop Shoaib but whome we replacing him with Wahab?(A ******)

There are far better bowlers than him in our domestic but unfortaunaly we have to live with our crap selection.

If akhar by any means has to be dropped i would try junaid otherwise Akhtar still deserve to be in the team

[hur rizvi]

Akhtar is miles better than wahab ....


People are mistaken Wahab isnt a wicket taker .. he is just a one dimmensional bowler without any ability to swing the ball ...

But I know our team management is coward ....

After ajmal got stick fromhussey in t20 semi-final team management has given him no confidence what so ever and now they are doing same to Akhtar

[grunge]

Originally Posted by PerfectionPersonified my question!!! is "ameoba & usman chada" relatives by chance ? both have personal grudges with Shoaib. Wahab bowled absoulutly trash if anyoone has played cricket at a good level would understand his line...too negative and crap ok lets Drop Shoaib but whome we replacing him with Wahab?(A ******) There are far better bowlers than him in our domestic but unfortaunaly we have to live with our crap selection. If akhar by any means has to be dropped i would try junaid otherwise Akhtar still deserve to be in the team

i actually like Wahab but the competition b/w him and shoaib shouldnt even exist..
a player of Shoaib's class ,in his last world cup should be an automatic selection.period

[zulfiqar]

I'd easily play Akhtar over Wahab simply because the guy has "been there & done that" before! I'm all for Wahab but just not right now. We don't even need 10 overs from Akhtar if Hafeez/Razzaq can manage 12 overs between them, and he can bowl his 10 before the end. Whatever attack they choose I'm happy with in the end but any bowler can have a bad over. In fact, some can have even TWO (Cue Waqar vs Jadeja). It's not like Shoaib cost us the game, in fact I'd name at least 4-5 players before mentioning Shoaib's in the loss to NZ.

I guess WAG can't play together though, it has to be either WG or AG.

[PakWC'11Champs]

Don't ignore cricket is a complete game these days. You have to bat a bit if you are a bowler and you definitely need to field.

Akhtar is a lousy fielder, his batting is not that of a #11 and his fitness (lack of) makes him a liability at times in the last 10 overs.

Granted he may be the best opening bowler or first 25 overs bowler we have in the side. He is still the fastest we have.

But if a team shows they can bowl out the Aussies for 176, they are doing something right. Perhaps the biggest thing about our team is the variety we bring.

Gul - Right Arm Fast, can in swing, reverse too
Rehman - Left Arm Orthodox
Afridi - Right Arm Leg Spin, can turn it both ways and has a very good quicker ball
Hafeez - Right Arm Off Break, very slow bowler who has shown decent ability with the doosra and restricting batsmen
Riaz - Left Arm Fast, can get the ball to move away but not back, but has good yorkers and good pace from a different angle
Razzaq - Right Arm Medium, can seam a bit and has a nice nipping back delivery

Honestly - I was pimping the lineup we played (bowling wise) since before the WC. Go look back if you wish. Reason is the balance and variety. You add Akhtar to Gul and what you get is batsmen facing two right arm fast bowling guys who are trying to do the same thing.

What we have right now is a lineup where you will rarely see two bowlers come in from opposing sides with the same bowling style and strategy. The batsmen have no idea what they are going to face each over. Now that Waqar and Afridi have put in some creative bowling tactics (and fields) with good fielding around them ... Pakistan have a great bowling lineup.

[Justcrazy]

Originally Posted by PakWC'11Champs Don't ignore cricket is a complete game these days. You have to bat a bit if you are a bowler and you definitely need to field. Akhtar is a lousy fielder, his batting is not that of a #11 and his fitness (lack of) makes him a liability at times in the last 10 overs. Granted he may be the best opening bowler or first 25 overs bowler we have in the side. He is still the fastest we have. But if a team shows they can bowl out the Aussies for 176, they are doing something right. Perhaps the biggest thing about our team is the variety we bring. Gul - Right Arm Fast, can in swing, reverse too Rehman - Left Arm Orthodox Afridi - Right Arm Leg Spin, can turn it both ways and has a very good quicker ball Hafeez - Right Arm Off Break, very slow bowler who has shown decent ability with the doosra and restricting batsmen Riaz - Left Arm Fast, can get the ball to move away but not back, but has good yorkers and good pace from a different angle Razzaq - Right Arm Medium, can seam a bit and has a nice nipping back delivery Honestly - I was pimping the lineup we played (bowling wise) since before the WC. Go look back if you wish. Reason is the balance and variety. You add Akhtar to Gul and what you get is batsmen facing two right arm fast bowling guys who are trying to do the same thing. What we have right now is a lineup where you will rarely see two bowlers come in from opposing sides with the same bowling style and strategy. The batsmen have no idea what they are going to face each over. Now that Waqar and Afridi have put in some creative bowling tactics (and fields) with good fielding around them ... Pakistan have a great bowling lineup.

I agree with what you say. These days bowlers must be able to bat a little bit. Thats why Wahab needs to understand that it is expected from him that he hits a few lusty ones when he gets opportunity.

[ads101]

I wouldn't have dropped Akhtar, but Waqar and Afridi have every right to. Shoaib Akhtar ever since his comeback has never been up to par. His fitness is lacking, he can no longer bowl in the death, and his second spell is often quite poor. He isn't taking wickets consistently despite supposed to being a strike bower. He averaged over 32 in 2010, and over 47 in 2011. Not good numbers.

The reason why Akhtar has been persisted for this long is his previous past career. If he were a new bowler, he would have been dropped by now.

Wahab on the other hand has taken wickets at the average of 20 this year. He has a phenomenal strike rate, taking key wickets every match, which Akhtar isn't. Akhtar has had a lot more matches, where he's been simply a liability, going for many runs, not picking up wickets.

Brett Lee on the other hand is doing brilliantly, taking wickets, keeping things economical,and performs pretty much every match. That is the standard Akhtar is expected to be at. They are about the same age. If Lee were performing like Akhtar, he too would be dropped.

The match against New Zealand was Akhtar's fault. We can not blame him for not taking wickets in his early spell. Kamran is to blame as he dropped those two catches.

However he is to blame in the latter spell, bowling horrifically and giving away all those runs. A professional, experienced cricketer, should not have let two drops off his bowling get to him like that. It's ridiculous. Van Wyk did the same thing as kamran, yet the South African bowlers didn't let it get to them (despite the scoreboard being something like 260 for 1).

Akhtar has had games which he's been bad, and games he's been excellent. The bad probably outweigh the excellent quite a bit since his comeback.

Riaz will often do 10 good overs these days. As will Gul. Akhtar will usually only do 5. That makes a big difference when playing with just 2 fast bowlers. Which is why I feel if we play Akhtar we need to play 3 fast bowlers.


People can hate on Riaz all they like, criticise his action, bring up one or two games where he only took 1 wicket (while there are quite a few where Akhtar took none). But in recent history, Riaz has been outperforming Akhtar by some margin. He's taking wickets. Akhtar isn't.

[12cavalry]

Bump

[khalil1986]

Riaz just doesn't look good enough with the ball, in Akhtar you have a genuine wicket taker and today proves that wicket takers will win you matches for me Ajmal by far has been the most menacing of the bowlers.