Asia Cup: Pakistan squad for tomorrow's match

[Bublu Bhuyan]

Link: http://www.cricketnext.com/news/afri.../32480-13.html

Karachi: Pakistan's star all-rounder Shahid Afridi is set to be dropped against their match against India on Wednesday, it is learnt here.

According to highly placed sources close to the team management, two players — Afridi and Wahab Riaz — did not impress the selectors with their performance are likely to be dropped.

Afridi was out for a duck and could not capture a single wicket in his full quota of ten overs. Wahab Riaz, who celebrated his 24th birthday last Saturday could not penetrate into Sri Lanka's depth of batting and capture only one wicket.

Riaz's place may be taken over by Abdul Rauf who replaced Umar Gul due to rib injury.

The selectors are also toying with the idea of asking Shoaib Malik to come lower down in the batting order, even though he scored a century against India as an opener. He is likely to come in at No. 6 and young left-handed opener Nasir Jamshed may open with Salman Butt.

The Pakistan skipper was rushed to the hospital on the eve of the crucial match against Sri Lanka on Sunday. He was dehyderated for the second consecutive day and was able to play in the match at the last moment only.

[cars112]

According to highly placed sources close to the team management, two players — Afridi and Wahab Riaz — did not impress the selectors with their performance are likely to be dropped. Afridi was out for a duck and could not capture a single wicket in his full quota of ten overs. Wahab Riaz, who celebrated his 24th birthday last Saturday could not penetrate into Sri Lanka's depth of batting and capture only one wicket.

One so-so game for Afridi does not change his value as an ODI spinner.

Riaz needs to be given more time than to be dropped after one bad game. He's a young bowler with potential and will come good.

[muhammad saad]

Originally Posted by cars112 One so-so game for Afridi does not change his value as an ODI spinner. Riaz needs to be given more time than to be dropped after one bad game. He's a young bowler with potential and will come good.

He is a mediocre bowler after he slowed down.

[Garuda]

Originally Posted by cars112 One so-so game for Afridi does not change his value as an ODI spinner. Riaz needs to be given more time than to be dropped after one bad game. He's a young bowler with potential and will come good.

I will agree with Afridi being dropped as he has got enough chance. With so much experience if he is not willing to play for the team then he deserves to be dropped.

However, don't agree with Riaz as he is new and this will only dent his condidence. I don't think Pak is going to loose anything more by playing him. The replacement is also a newcomer. So better continue with Riaz for the entire series.

[DM]

Terrible news.

One off-match for his bowling and he's dropped? (and even that wasn't really off - had one of our best economy rates - everyone got tanked in that match except tanvir).

It's no more than the usual treatment for Afridi - they select and drop him like a yo-yo.

[ataullah]

Wahab bowled way better than Rao. Agree he was slow but bowled better after his first over of 11 runs. His last 8 overs went for 41 with isn't bad on a flat pitch bowling to a settled Sangakarra

[alexjohn_tcr]

Originally Posted by DM Terrible news. One off-match for his bowling and he's dropped? (and even that wasn't really off - had one of our best economy rates - everyone got tanked in that match except tanvir). It's no more than the usual treatment for Afridi - they select and drop him like a yo-yo.

But deep down in your heart you wanted him to be dropped ?

[Bublu Bhuyan]

Afridi's failure with the bat doesn't bother me, his approach while batting does. Any player no, matter how good they are, needs to be booted out if he can't play accordingly how the team wants him to. It's not some sort of galli match where a player can do whatever he feels like and get away with it. Even a youngster is supposed to play accordingly how the team management wants him to. Afridi even after playing International cricket for over a decade, plays as if it's some sort of a video game match and not International cricket.

[cars112]

Originally Posted by Garuda I will agree with Afridi being dropped as he has got enough chance. With so much experience if he is not willing to play for the team then he deserves to be dropped.

Question is not of his batting - I did criticize his shot against Sri Lanka. The point is his bowling. It is very good in ODI cricket and dropping him after one so-so (as DM says it wasn't outright bad) game is not sensible

[cars112]

Originally Posted by bublubhuyan Afridi's failure with the bat doesn't bother me, his approach while batting does. Any player no, matter how good they are, needs to be booted out if he can't play accordingly how the team wants him to. It's not some sort of galli match where a player can do whatever he feels like and get away with it. Even a youngster is supposed to play accordingly how the team management wants him to. Afridi even after playing International cricket for over a decade, plays as if it's some sort of a video game match and not International cricket.

But he merits a place as a bowler.

[Random Aussie]

Stop changing the team. Pick the best 11 players available and back them.
It's no wonder players from Pakistan are regularly criticised for playing for themselves, one bad game and they get dropped.
Does any other team in world change the team every single game like Pakistan at the moment?

[alexjohn_tcr]

Originally Posted by cars112 But he merits a place as a bowler.

You mean to say there isnt a better spinner in the whole of Pakistan?

[Garuda]

Originally Posted by cars112 Question is not of his batting - I did criticize his shot against Sri Lanka. The point is his bowling. It is very good in ODI cricket and dropping him after one so-so (as DM says it wasn't outright bad) game is not sensible

Yes, his bowling is better than his batting. But honestly, the bowling is not that great in this series which will ignore his batting.

Any decent spinner will give you that economy without wicket and will also be able to make some runs.

he is not able to give you wickets in this flat pitches, economy is 5+ I guess and zero batting. Whats harm in trying someone else? May be he can come in when the pitch is helpful and you can ignore his batting completely.

[Bublu Bhuyan]

Originally Posted by cars112 But he merits a place as a bowler.

That's true, but I hate to watch him waste his batting talent just because he feels like wasting it. The only reason he is a good bowler is because while bowling he can't go nuts, and if he does he'll get smacked all over the park. The same is not the case with batting, he gets the liberty in that case and does whatever he feels like.

My problem with him is why doesn't he realize that he's lucky to be able to represent his country, lucky to be selected among the top 11 players of a country, but instead he wastes his batting prowess as if it's his god given right to do so.

[cars112]

Originally Posted by alexjohn_tcr You mean to say there isnt a better spinner in the whole of Pakistan?

Nope - how can there be when there is only one better spinner in the whole world (Vettori)? Check out the rankings:

http://www.iccreliancerankings.com/o...g/rankings.php

Originally Posted by Garuda Yes, his bowling is better than his batting. But honestly, the bowling is not that great in this series which will ignore his batting. Any decent spinner will give you that economy without wicket and will also be able to make some runs. he is not able to give you wickets in this flat pitches, economy is 5+ I guess and zero batting. Whats harm in trying someone else? May be he can come in when the pitch is helpful and you can ignore his batting completely.

Garuda I take your points but he is ranked the no.9 bowler in the whole world. He is a good spinner and indeed the second best in the whole world (ODIs).

Originally Posted by bublubhuyan That's true, but I hate to watch him waste his batting talent just because he feels like wasting it.

Well I was shattered by his shot in the last game against Lanka, I have to admit. But the trade off is that when he comes off, he completely finishes the opposition's chances

[alexjohn_tcr]

[QUOTE=cars112]Nope - how can there be when there is only one better spinner in the whole world (Vettori)? Check out the rankings:

http://www.iccreliancerankings.com/o...g/rankings.php


I got your point. I repeat the question.Isn't there a better spinner in the whole of Pakistan?

Forget rankings.

[Garuda]

Originally Posted by cars112 Garuda I take your points but he is ranked the no.9 bowler in the whole world. He is a good spinner and indeed the second best in the whole world (ODIs).

Should that be the only reason why he should play rest of the two games? He may be the no 1 ranked in ICC but in this pitch he is not that useful and if pakistan wants to give some fight in next two matches then they need to try someone else.

What is Raina's ranking? then he shouldn't be in the team.

Well I was shattered by his shot in the last game against Lanka, I have to admit. But the trade off is that when he comes off, he completely finishes the opposition's chances

This is an expectation due to his 4-5 innings he played during his 260 odd matches. If we go by complete probability what is the chance for that to happen? Better to go for someone who has 50% chance to give you 30 runs from 30 balls. Someone like Tanvir and arafat.

[sayed.jaffar]

I am not sure if he will be dropped or not. I hope he will be out of the team as he has no business in the starting XI. Selectors could have done this immedately after the IPL. Anyway, the realized there is no point of giving Afridi more chances. He better go do the domestic circuit and get his form back.

[cars112]

Originally Posted by Garuda Should that be the only reason why he should play rest of the two games? He may be the no 1 ranked in ICC but in this pitch he is not that useful and if pakistan wants to give some fight in next two matches then they need to try someone else.

It shouldn't be the only reason but it sure is one of the determining factors. And as DM pointed out, even on this pitch, he was the second most economical bowler in one of the games.

Originally Posted by Garuda This is an expectation due to his 4-5 innings he played during his 260 odd matches. If we go by complete probability what is the chance for that to happen?

Well he has 33 scores of 50 or more in 249 innings, so it is more like 1 in 7.5, and a lot of the time he would have batted low in the order and so without time to score 50. The batsmen are there to score the runs but when they don't, it is useful to have a guy who 1 in 7.5 times can make a blistering fifty which can dent the opposition severely (granted it wouldn't finish them off completely as I said earlier but still).

Also Afridi has that X-factor around him on the field which can't be quantified.

[sayed.jaffar]

Cars112=> Please stop all your bragging about Afridi. We all know what kinda player he is and you dont have to justify his presence in the team. The chap can not even touch the ball. His bowling is becoming more ordinary by the day and I think selectors have finally realized what a blunder they have committed by keeping this guy in the team. He is not helping the captain nor his team mates. Someone else should be given a chance. If he is that important I am sure selectors will give him a chance.

[cars112]

Originally Posted by sayed.jaffar Cars112=> Please stop all your bragging about Afridi. We all know what kinda player he is and you dont have to justify his presence in the team.

"Bragging" about him? I've backed up all my claims about Afridi. I even criticized the shot he played against SL. However, he is still a vital bowler for Team Pakistan.

[the Great Khan]

dropping wahab? greattt!!..so we have to put up with more leg side trundler deliveries from rao..what do they see in this guy? another 250 run battering coming up!!

[Rudi hater]

Trouble is we don't have anyone replace him who can turn the match on its head on his day (that happens once in a blue moon). I would have given him the last opportunity at the top order ( at the end of the day we are not going to be featuring in the final) and go for his shots if it comes off fine if not so be it.

[sayed.jaffar]

Originally Posted by Rudi hater Trouble is we don't have anyone replace him who can turn the match on its head on his day (that happens once in a blue moon). I would have given him the last opportunity at the top order ( at the end of the day we are not going to be featuring in the final) and go for his shots if it comes off fine if not so be it.

You are right there isnt a good replacement but the number of chances he is getting is just not fair for someone else. Maybe someone else can come and perform. We all know he is not doing anything at the moment. I dont think he should be given any more chance. Comon, he is not someone who just started cricket a year ago he is in the team for over or around 10 years. He should know better about his game. Problem is none of these guys are real professionals otherwise they should ask selectors not to put them in the team instead they should go and play domestic cricket.

[deathstreak]

I have a simple question.
Why do you want to play a spinner against India?
Especially someone of Afridi's class who isn't even a threat to the batting?

[Garuda]

Originally Posted by cars112 It shouldn't be the only reason but it sure is one of the determining factors. And as DM pointed out, even on this pitch, he was the second most economical bowler in one of the games. Well he has 33 scores of 50 or more in 249 innings, so it is more like 1 in 7.5, and a lot of the time he would have batted low in the order and so without time to score 50. The batsmen are there to score the runs but when they don't, it is useful to have a guy who 1 in 7.5 times can make a blistering fifty which can dent the opposition severely (granted it wouldn't finish them off completely as I said earlier but still). Also Afridi has that X-factor around him on the field which can't be quantified.

I don't still agree with your view that he is so useful to the team. I do not believe too much of past stats. I don't remember when afridi was the last ODI match winner recently against decept opposition.

I donno how many of 33 scores above 50 came in last 2-3 years. Before Asia cup I had pulled this data

Score Number of times Percent
0 21 9.21%
0 to 10 71 31.14%
11 to 20 50 21.93%
20 to 30 29 12.72%
30 - 40 19 8.33%
40 to 50 10 4.39%
50 - 60 10 4.39%
60 to 70 10 4.39%
70 to 80 3 1.32%
80 to 90 2 0.88%
90 to 100 0 0.00%
100+ 3 1.32%


So if you go by stats then his scores above 50 are only 12%. Also you should consider atleast last 1 year performance when you are going for very important matches.

What is the chance that he will surprise you in next match and pull a great innings. Don't reply as afridi fan but as cricket fan.

[FAM]

Not related to the topic, but I was just wondering when the last time Afridi was clean bowled?

[cars112]

Originally Posted by Garuda So if you go by stats then his scores above 50 are only 12%. Also you should consider atleast last 1 year performance when you are going for very important matches.

OK fair enough, I accept your point that his batting hasn't been good recently. However the main reason that I said he should retain his place in the team is his bowling, irrespective of his batting.

[Dhonian]

Damn, we dont have a free wicket now

[lollol]

Sure, Wahab seems to be a good prospect, but as i said earlier, he keeps bowling these short &wide deliveries more than once in an over.

And he always gets punished for 4.

As long as he is bowling these deliveries, he doesnt deserve to play for PAK. This is something that can be sorted out without playing in the final XI....

[Dhonian]

Originally Posted by FAM Not related to the topic, but I was just wondering when the last time Afridi was clean bowled?

QOTW

[sayed.jaffar]

Originally Posted by Garuda I don't still agree with your view that he is so useful to the team. I do not believe too much of past stats. I don't remember when afridi was the last ODI match winner recently against decept opposition. I donno how many of 33 scores above 50 came in last 2-3 years. Before Asia cup I had pulled this data Score Number of times Percent 0 21 9.21% 0 to 10 71 31.14% 11 to 20 50 21.93% 20 to 30 29 12.72% 30 - 40 19 8.33% 40 to 50 10 4.39% 50 - 60 10 4.39% 60 to 70 10 4.39% 70 to 80 3 1.32% 80 to 90 2 0.88% 90 to 100 0 0.00% 100+ 3 1.32% So if you go by stats then his scores above 50 are only 12%. Also you should consider atleast last 1 year performance when you are going for very important matches. What is the chance that he will surprise you in next match and pull a great innings. Don't reply as afridi fan but as cricket fan.

Thank you for putting all these facts together. An average of just over 20 in close to 300 matches can tell you the whole picture. There are people who are simply living in the past and think that Afridi will be making a quick 100. Look at players like Sehwag, Gligrist and Jaisuriya who have performed so consistently. Pakistanis love to put Afridi in the same category of these players and i think he is not even close.

[Garuda]

Originally Posted by cars112 OK fair enough, I accept your point that his batting hasn't been good recently. However the main reason that I said he should retain his place in the team is his bowling, irrespective of his batting.

I also think he is good in bowling.

However, my point is he doesn't look harmful in karachi pitches. So it is no harm to try someone else for this series atleast as Pak team is not going to loose anything more.

But if the replacement works then it may be beneficial for the team. I am just looking at the next two matches now.

[Mercenary]

I hope Afridi gets rested for the remaining games so his wrist can heal in time for the Champions Trophy, we only have two games remaining in the Asia Cup. We can beat BD without him and against India he's taken 35 wickets in 60 games at an average of 56.48 and an Eco of 5.1.

In his last 5 games v India he's taken 5 wkts at an average of 59.20 and an Eco of 6.4, Afridi is a liability against India and we dont need him against BD.

The best thing for both Pakistan and Afridi is to rest him and allow his wrist to heal because we need a fully fit Afridi for the Champions Trophy.

[maamrut]

Right move...but i don't think Pak have anybody to replace him.Its important to send the message across nevertheless..can't take things for granted at this level.

[Pak_mystery]

Afridi needs to wake up and start realising that he's an all rounder..

[Sheikh]

Amazing that Riaz may get dropped and Rao remains untouchable.

[Savak]

Dont necessarily agree with dropping Wahab. The Asia cup is long gone, we dont have decent replacements anyway so its best to give him the experience, he will only learn the more he plays. Why havent the selectors introduced more speed in the attack? Arent their any express fast bowlers out in domestic cricket at the moment?

But i agree with dropping Afridi. The guy is under too much pressure now whenever he comes to bat. The ideal slot for him is the opening position or atmost he should bat up the order during the powerplays but he needs to be dropped and rested from the team right now. He needs to go back to domestic cricket and get himself into form with the bat. And maybe he needs to start focusing on his batting again.

[dblock]

So what Rao will stay?

[Country First]

Originally Posted by Pak_mystery Afridi needs to wake up and start realising that he's an all rounder..

That's asking too much of him

Nevertheless, he can start making amends by being honest about his actual age first...this will assist his OTT fans to make realistic evaluations of his longevity

[observer1]

I think it's about time Afridi was dropped. Ok, he is one of my favorite players, but never the less, it's unfair he plays whereas others don't.

His bowling may be good, but not good enough to warrant a place in the team. You may as well call back Saqlain Mushtaq or Kaneria, at least they can get a few wickets and get a good ECO. Even then, the would probably make more runs than Afridi has done in the whole series.

I say let Afridi have time off from Intl Cricket. Whether he plays poor or fantastic at domestic level, don't let him in the team for about 4-6 months. Then when he comes back... he will be Hungry..

[Poison]

If Afridi does get selected, and he DOESNT open the batting, I say we go on an all round rampage involving a grass eating mammal.
Seriously, he's doing zilch down the order, at least give him one shot up the order.

[MaVeRiCk]

Lol hahahahahah.. i pray it happens for good. this guy is an absolute joke.. his batting had seriously disintegrated.. hang on when was it really there

[Rudi hater]

Originally Posted by Garuda I don't still agree with your view that he is so useful to the team. I do not believe too much of past stats. I don't remember when afridi was the last ODI match winner recently against decept opposition. I donno how many of 33 scores above 50 came in last 2-3 years. Before Asia cup I had pulled this data Score Number of times Percent 0 21 9.21% 0 to 10 71 31.14% 11 to 20 50 21.93% 20 to 30 29 12.72% 30 - 40 19 8.33% 40 to 50 10 4.39% 50 - 60 10 4.39% 60 to 70 10 4.39% 70 to 80 3 1.32% 80 to 90 2 0.88% 90 to 100 0 0.00% 100+ 3 1.32% So if you go by stats then his scores above 50 are only 12%. Also you should consider atleast last 1 year performance when you are going for very important matches. What is the chance that he will surprise you in next match and pull a great innings. Don't reply as afridi fan but as cricket fan.

forget the stats Afridi and stats don't go hand in hand. I particular don't rate him but logic says that he can have a good day, if he has a good day he can destroy any attack. Also its no point replacing him with someone new who has no experience it will be unfair for the new comer. I would stick with Afridi for the last time. After this series he can be dropped forever. No point making changes at this late stage.

[6hitter]

I wonder where is afridi's brain

[salman24]

Afridi still deserves to play as a bowler!

[dblock]

I think the sad reality might be that age is catching up on Afridi and he has lost his hand-eye co-ordination and on top of that he has lost his confidence or the aura of destroying even a good bowling attacks when on his day.

Other players can remodel their game so they they don't feel the affect too much of a loss in reflexes, but if you are completely unorthodox in your approach you have very little to fall back on (reminds me of Prince Naseem in boxing)

[12thMan]

He can play if he files a petition by 11 pm tonight.

The thing is someone posts that Afridi cannot be the main spinner against India going by performances but he performs then you will get ridiculed as the performance will live for a month

But Afridi has been doing bad bowling to India so it is understandable. But as much as people like to think that he is a bowler, he is in as an all-rounder. But I don't think Paksitan team has no other spinner except Mansoor. So they probably both will play unless it is 4 pacers Tanvir, Rao, Wahab, Rauf which looks unlikey as batting suffers. and Malik could also be out or only half fit

this can lead to Mansoor, Sarfaraz, Tanvir, Rao, Wahab, Rauf as tail (#6-7 as very new) and no Malik. Can Afridi sit out, I don't think so

:akmal

[TruSachFan]

damn it. a walking wicket gone.

[in_cutter]

Originally Posted by 6hitter I wonder where is afridi's brain

he needs to grow one

[PlanetPakistan]

Amazing stuff!

Like a lot of people said they aren't happy with Wahab's performance yet Rao was ok?

[Cryin Out Loud]

This is what happens when they speak of booting Afridi, aka The Beast. At least what happened to my browser when I clicked the link the first two times.

Warning: array_values() [function.array-values]: The argument should be an array in /showthread.php on line 1789 Warning: implode() [function.implode]: Invalid arguments passed in /showthread.php on line 1789 There seems to have been a slight problem with the PakPassion (Afridi in da house? COL)

[OZGOD]

Originally Posted by Random Aussie Stop changing the team. Pick the best 11 players available and back them. It's no wonder players from Pakistan are regularly criticised for playing for themselves, one bad game and they get dropped. Does any other team in world change the team every single game like Pakistan at the moment?

Don't think so. It's a regular airport lounge.

[lollol]

Originally Posted by Cryin Out Loud This is what happens when they speak of booting Afridi, aka The Beast. At least what happened to my browser when I clicked the link the first two times.

I had the same error with this thread

[Xshazero]

If Afridi is going to be dropped than who will replace him??? As it is we dont have enough bowlers...... and if Afridi is dropped than who is going to bowl those 10 overs?? Strange.....

[Gunner786]

hope the highliighted line is true

KARACHI: Shoaib Malik’s Pakistan team will be playing under dark clouds and facing a daunting task as they take on archrival India in Super four round of Cricket Asia Cup at National Stadium in a day/night encounter on Wednesday. Pakistan’s tiny chances of qualifying for next Sunday final depend, as they must beat Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Indian side tomorrow and than hoping their rival also loses to Sri Lanka on Thursday. Shahid Afridi is struggling both with the bat and ball while team’s bowling suffered a blow with muscle rib injury to Umar Gul and team opening batting problems. Afridi is facing the axe after string of failures. Shoaib Malik almost certain to lead the team against India after getting proper rest after dehydration problem. Shahid Afridi is expected to open Pakistan’s innings with Salman Butt. Pakistan: Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik (Captain), Nasir Jamshed, Younus Khan, Muhammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), Sohail Tanvir, Rao Iftikhar, Wahab Riaz, Mansoor Amjad, Abdur Rauf and Saeed Ajmal. http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=48680

[PlanetPakistan]

yeah Malik is clearly not fit to bat for too long so he should come in at #6.

[Plasma]

Afridi is facing the axe but opening as well?

[PlanetPakistan]

Originally Posted by Plasma Afridi is facing the axe but opening as well?

Younis Khan is not happy at the way we are playing in the powerplays so having Afridi to open on flat pitches is not such a bad idea.

[Luton Bad Boy]

Rao still makes the squad after his atrocious performances.....

[iZeeshan]

At least we can utilize his batting, MAYBE.

But the only way Malik was looking good when batting was when opening.

Mixed feelings here.

[PlanetPakistan]

Originally Posted by iZeeshan At least we can utilize his batting, MAYBE. But the only way Malik was looking good when batting was when opening. Mixed feelings here.

Malik is sick so we can't expect him to bat for any more than 15 overs

[siddharth]

Originally Posted by iZeeshan At least we can utilize his batting, MAYBE. But the only way Malik was looking good when batting was when opening.Mixed feelings here.

But he makes S Butt bad.

[sehsan]

2 changes for tomm according to GEO,

Rauf coming in for wahab
Ajmal getting in for Mansoor amjad

Afridi might open as well

[PlanetPakistan]

Originally Posted by sehsan 2 changes for tomm according to GEO, Rauf coming in for wahab Ajmal getting in for Mansoor amjad Afridi might open as well

Musical chairs, musical chairs.

[Plasma]

Originally Posted by PlanetPakistan Younis Khan is not happy at the way we are playing in the powerplays so having Afridi to open on flat pitches is not such a bad idea.

I don't think its a bad idea either, but i thought he was going to get dropped.

Plus if they play RP sing, Afridi is going to be out in the fist over. Actually any left armer.

[Inswinger]

Originally Posted by sehsan 2 changes for tomm according to GEO, Rauf coming in for wahab Ajmal getting in for Mansoor amjad Afridi might open as well

Why not have Rauf come in for Rao???
And Amjad should get another game. He bowled well and will only get better.

[Xshazero]

Originally Posted by PlanetPakistan Younis Khan is not happy at the way we are playing in the powerplays so having Afridi to open on flat pitches is not such a bad idea.

yeah even i like the idea... afridi should open along with butt.....inshallah tomorow they will build up a good patnership..... that too with a decent run rate...

[cars112]

Originally Posted by 12thMan The thing is someone posts that Afridi cannot be the main spinner against India going by performances but he performs then you will get ridiculed as the performance will live for a month

He's ranked ninth in the world. If he drops down the rankings, no doubt his place will come under more scrutiny because of the lack of recent batting output. If Mansoor Amjad or Saeed Ajmal are given extended chances (unlikely) and perform, then things would be different. But as things stand, Afridi is the best spinner (yes even despite his poor average against some teams) in ODIs for us, that's the reason why I don't like suggestions to drop him.

[Mohsin]

Afridi will DEFINATELY play tomorrow against India but it will be his LAST CHANCE.

Also Saeed Ajmal will play in place of Mansoor...........why? They guy did well against Sri Lanka, can bat a bit but instead we are introducing an off-spinner against the Indian batsmen?
The only good thing i can see from Saeed bhai is that he probably hasn't any coverage for the Indians to have a look at so he may turn out to be a surprise...

[McBoom]

I don't think there has ever been more pressure on Afridi before to perform. People doubting his hitting ability, lack of form, poor bowling performances against India, last chance from selectors, phew ... thats some pressure.

[lollol]

What has Roa done to keep his place in the team???

[DM]

Originally Posted by imranahmed_khan I don't think there has ever been more pressure on Afridi before to perform. People doubting his hitting ability, lack of form, poor bowling performances against India, last chance from selectors, phew ... thats some pressure.

Exactly

They're doing all the wrong things

It's brilliant news that he's going to play. It was silly of them to drop him after one average match with the ball (he had our 2nd best economy rate!).

I just really, really hope he opens.

[Shadow_786]

Am sure a thread similer to this one must have been done if so Please Mods move it

Anyways My case is that Afridi should open if not then please send him last after all the bowlers cus his not doing anything at number 6 I no I no he might not do anything as the opener but atleast what if ? he can make quick 20 - 30 runs that puts Pressure on the bowlers all I say if he goes out on a duck even on 1 run leave this man the opener

[the true passionist]

I heard this on ARY NEWS that there will be two changes:

Ajmal (the offspiner) for Mansoor Amjad
and
Rauf comes in for Wahab


Malik plays and sadly Rao is retained. With this team of 5 specialist bowlers, I doubt we can reach 300 unless we get a really good start.

[iZeeshan]

Pathetic team.

Rao still playing, and Wahab dropped.

I hope its wrong.

[lollol]

Originally Posted by iZeeshan Pathetic team. Rao still playing, and Wahab dropped. I hope its wrong.

Bhai, its not wrong unfortunately

Its also on cricinfo... this will be the final XI

My eyes are already bleeding, when i think of Rao bowling

[Genghis]

Its sad to say, but our best chance of beating India is by having Afridi open and hit a quickfire 50 odd. I think if anything lately he's being a bit overcautious which is against his natural instinct. He needs to just go out and play his shots and use the powerplays to get some rhythm back. Its nice to keep wickets in hand and hit out in the last 20 overs, but that strategy will not always work. With our weekened batting lineup we really need our so-called allrounders like Afridi and Malik to make some good contributions.

[Random Aussie]

Originally Posted by genghis81 Its sad to say, but our best chance of beating India is by having Afridi open and hit a quickfire 50 odd. I think if anything lately he's being a bit overcautious which is against his natural instinct. He needs to just go out and play his shots and use the powerplays to get some rhythm back. Its nice to keep wickets in hand and hit out in the last 20 overs, but that strategy will not always work. With our weekened batting lineup we really need our so-called allrounders like Afridi and Malik to make some good contributions.

His last shot was over cautious?

Malik has been great with the bat lately, to be fair.

[lollol]

Originally Posted by genghis81 Its sad to say, but our best chance of beating India is by having Afridi open and hit a quickfire 50 odd. I think if anything lately he's being a bit overcautious which is against his natural instinct. He needs to just go out and play his shots and use the powerplays to get some rhythm back. Its nice to keep wickets in hand and hit out in the last 20 overs, but that strategy will not always work. With our weekened batting lineup we really need our so-called allrounders like Afridi and Malik to make some good contributions.

Afridi Golden Duck - Asia Cup