KARACHI:
On Sunday, Pakistan lost the T20 international cricket series to England by four to three. Among our three wins, two were very narrow, whereas England beat us comprehensively in their four victories. From our consecutive losses to Sri Lanka in the Asia cup to our series loss to a rather weak England team, it is quite evident that our batting line-up is brittle with the middle order faltering most if not all the time. Our team comprises multiple openers but none of them can hold middle-order positions.
I have seen the likes of Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Haider Ali and Khushdil Shah more than I can recall. But I am unable to recall a time when most if not all these players clicked or batted at a level that was commensurate with a world-class team. Our batters seem utterly unable to handle short balls and quality spin. However, our team management and coaches are adamant that this was the best team available. I wonder how we will fair in the world cup with this team in Australia where pitches are guaranteed to be fast and bouncy. Another weak department is our fielding, which is inconsistent and below par.
With the world cup around the corner, we appear to be far from prepared. The team management must use the upcoming tri-series with Bangladesh and New Zealand as an opportunity to work on the team’s weaknesses and continue experimenting with the middle order. Otherwise, we will yet again rely solely on our bowling, prayers, and miracles.
Raja Shafaatullah
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2022.
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