Hafeez’s poor run has seen him score just 61 runs in his last six innings, a development the team management is taking into consideration, according to an official close to the matter. PHOTO: WICB
After sharing the honours in the two games played in Guyana, Pakistan and the West Indies move to Saint Lucia for the third One-Day International (ODI) today with both teams looking to take the lead in the five-match series.
The mercurial nature of both sides has been on display in the two matches so far. Pakistan demolished the hosts in a crushing 126-run win in the opening ODI with all-rounder Shahid Afridi marking his comeback to the side in grand fashion.
However, the second game saw the tourists return to mediocrity with West Indies helping themselves to a 37-run win to level the series.
While Pakistan enjoy a good record at the Gros Islet, winning all their previous three encounters, their poor batting form – the team has played out 50 overs just once in their last five ODIs – and the top-order’s continued failure to contribute substantially has been a constant worry and may even be a threat for the team’s unconquered record at the venue.
According to an official close to the team management, Pakistan have planned an extensive practice programme on the eve of the important match.
Changes likely in team
While the team saw its winning combination retained for the second match, a defeat is now likely to see Pakistan experiment with their line-up.
Asad Shafiq, who could score just 10 runs in two innings, is likely to sit on the bench with the team management also unimpressed by the form of opener Ahmed Shahzad and vice-captain Mohammad Hafeez who have scored 24 and 21 runs respectively.
Umar Amin and Haris Sohail are being considered for the match, according to the official.
In the bowling department, wicket-less Wahab Riaz and Asad Ali, who proved to be expensive in the second game, may have to sit out to make way for Junaid Khan and spinner Abdul Rehman.
“Rehman may get a chance as conditions are expected to support the spinners. But this is all under consideration as the final decision will be made after reading the pitch on match day,” said the official.
‘Pakistan must lift up batting’
Former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that batsmen needed to spend more time in the middle and concentrate on converting their starts — traits that the team missed out on in the second game as well as the first.
“Our batsmen will have to perform,” said Akhtar. “They need to build their innings and concentrate on making a big score. The top-order batsmen especially need to be patient.
“They must aim to play out the 50 overs.”
The former pacer also stressed the need to make changes in the team combination.
“You have to make a tough call on Asad [Shafiq] and Hafeez. I feel Rehman should play for Asad [Ali] as they [West Indies] are getting trapped with spin. I think these changes are inevitable.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 19th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (17)
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we need top order batsman partnerships ,THEY HAVE TO KEEP ONE THING IN MIND scoring 50 isn't a big thing. nasir jamshed was caught immediately after scoring a 50 and if its a good pitch for spinners then they will have to avoid being aggressive on sunil narine when he bowls play in gaps rotate your strike getting 3 or 4 runs in over is better than scoring nothin
Even Indian cricket team under 19 can beat pakistan in batting.
West Indies crush pakistan team in 3rd ODI.Best of you luck
need to drop Hafeez and Asad Ali ............... afridi did good job in 1st odi but now he will give performance in next year :D ....... Misbah deserve to lead the team but he must change his bating style tuk tuk
@Adeel Azhar:
Thats a hilarious comment.
Asad Shafiq is the best batsman we have ..We need to stick with him, he will come around. He is no imran farhat or hafeez. He should be given all the onedays to build his confidence in this series.
Please dont drop Shahzad, he is a talented kid. We should drop Hafeez, he seems clueless and they are giving him so much unnecessary hype, he is already in his 30's and yet to prove his worth, better change him with Harris Sohail.
My money is on Windies.
I support Windies. Windies, please bat first and score around 250. Pakistanis will automatically break down while chasing.
@Kiran Khan: Ahmed Shahzad is also not an ODI material. Suggest keeping him for T20s and that too only in Bangladesh Premier League. btw, bothered watching his 5 maiden over brilliance in the 2nd ODI? Complete disaster on a not-flat pitch and not-below-quality bowlers. Azhar atleast blocks the ball with some clue.
Lets cut a little slack for the green shirts on the eve of third one day. If we keep on dropping players when they hit a rough patch there wouldn't be much of a team left. some rotation of players is inevitable and healthy donot expect Afridi or Hafeez to perform great everyday . lets enjoy good cricket tomorrow. in a game somebody is going to be a loser. if our team does its best lets applaud them win or lose.
Ahmed Shehzad will beat Bradman's 99.94, believe you me.
I blame Najam Sethi.
now time has come to send prof. Abdul Hafeez to school for learning ABC of cricket .............
Asad Shafiq is NOT ODI material, just like Azhar Ali, he should stick to playing in Test Matches only. Also, for the love of God, please drop Hafeez. He will not score any runs since he is not playing on Asian pitches or against Bangladesh. My team would be:
Ahmed Shehzad Nasir Jamshed Umar Amin Harris Sohail Umar Akmal Misbah Ul Haq Shahid Afridi Asad Ali Saeed Ajmal Mohammad Irfan Junaid Khan