Pakistan's middle order 'exposed', concedes Mickey Arthur

Dawn Sport Published June 13, 2017

Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur while addressing a press conference on Tuesday on the back of a heroic win against Sri Lanka confessed that Pakistan's middle order is 'exposed'

Sarfraz and I are meeting tomorrow, Arthur told reporters, conceding that the "middle order has been exposed a bit".

"We may try to get Safi (Sarfraz) and [Shoaib] Malik in a little bit earlier. We have to discuss what happens," Arthur said, responding to a question about the fragility of the team's batting lineup.

Responding to a question from the press, Arthur noted the emotional weight of the game. "It is emotionally tough at times. We are trying to play more and more consistent cricket, we are trying to get better in that department, but it is a tough ride every now and then," Arthur said.

At the same time, the head coach of the national team also asserted that his side's unpredictability was its strong suit, a belief echoed by all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez.

"Sometimes, that's our strength... Our unpredictability. We give the guys clear roles, they know what they need to do," said Arthur.

However, the head coach was quick to remind himself of the dangers of being an uncertain team.

"We do sometimes make it difficult for ourselves. We were probably soft at times yesterday," he noted referring to the quarter-final match against Sri Lanka on Monday. "But the guys are working very hard. We are evolving as a team."

"When you win ugly, you learn a lot about the team."

Pakistan has made it to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy after narrowly defeating Sri Lanka on Monday. Sarfraz Ahmed produced a superb captain's innings following a top-order collapse to see Pakistan win the quarter-final.

Pakistan, chasing a seemingly modest 237 to win, slumped to 162 for seven.

But Sarfraz's 61 not out and Muhammad Amir's 28 not out saw Pakistan home with 31 balls to spare after they shared an unbroken eighth-wicket partnership of 75.

While India will play Bangladesh in Thursday's second semi-final at Edgbaston, Pakistan will go up against England on Wednesday.

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128

Sarfraz the hero as Pakistan advance into Champions Trophy semi-final

With Pakistan's Champions Trophy triumph over Sri Lanka, Sarfraz now has something to bank on

Hafeez relishes Pakistan's 'unpredictable' tag

Jun 13, 2017 05:28pm

whatever u can do..do it...results is going to be that england is going to final

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Naveed

Jun 13, 2017 05:29pm

the only change we need to do is put safi at number 5

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truthspeaks

Jun 13, 2017 05:32pm

thank you

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Shahbaz Ahmed

Jun 13, 2017 05:34pm

Fahim and Fakhar they should do openning?

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SHAHZ

Jun 13, 2017 05:36pm

Need to drop hafeez, makik and azhar- start with fresh blood , win or lose- let the team groom

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Pure ind

Jun 13, 2017 05:37pm

Its gonna be tough for Pakistan they donot have the required credentials to play against a top side like England may be a fluke can happen like england having a real bad day. Sad that a deserving team like Australia missed out due to rains

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imtiaz

Jun 13, 2017 05:46pm

how can pakistan celebrates yesterday's win after 3 dropped catched of sarfaraz who is now being termed as "match winner" of that match

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Global Peace

Jun 13, 2017 05:47pm

Its India Vs pakistan in finals !

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Khurrum Shaikh

Jun 13, 2017 05:49pm

bring shadab and sit imad , or haffez

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Maxx

Jun 13, 2017 05:49pm

it is not a question of being exposed...the question is why the players are in the team who are not performing in the middle...bring in new players or better performers like Harris Sohail and Asad Shafiq in the middle.

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Shehzad

Jun 13, 2017 05:52pm

What catastrophe does this cricket team need to go through to realize its time to drop Hafeez, Azhar, Akmals for good.

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Usman

Jun 13, 2017 05:53pm

Give chance to new batsman. Hafeez and Shoaib Malik has failed.

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Howzat

Jun 13, 2017 05:58pm

Against quality attacks and with the current batting lineup very hard to see Pakistan scoring more than 250-260 which is a below par score nowadays. It will be our bowling/fielding which could cause an upset against England who I see as the best side in the competition.

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SAEED MASOOD

Jun 13, 2017 06:01pm

Sarfraz is a great captain in the making but we will have to get rid of the now expired lot, Hafeez, Malik, Azhar, Wahab Riaz, and even Babar Azam, these players have played more of less two hundred matches, we should not even try to improve them, new blood is needed for the 2019 world cup,

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Farjee

Jun 13, 2017 06:01pm

@Pure ind this has nothing to do with Pakistan as Australia belong to Group A. I hope you watching matches..

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Mustafa

Jun 13, 2017 06:04pm

Unable to understand based on which performance Hafeez got in? While new comers are playing confidently, old comers are playing like school kids. And yet new comer are denied.

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Thought

Jun 13, 2017 06:11pm

All is well! Just let them try

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amer

Jun 13, 2017 06:12pm

Hafeez and Malik should be send home. Include new young player in the team against England, we might lose but players will get experience. We should eye WC 2019 with new players and selection should be based on MERIT only

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Rational

Jun 13, 2017 06:14pm

Just imagine that Wahab Riaz is not injured and in the team!!! He is not there, it is a blessing in disguise. Same is for Hafeez. He is not injured and in the team. Making 10 run out of 100 balls and creating presure of such magnitude which even opponent team unable to create. Time to drop Hafeez (and also Wahab) forever.

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Amir

Jun 13, 2017 06:21pm

What it took him 1 year to realize he should have done so within 1 month. Everyone was asking for middle order change for sometime. Get Harris in to get stability either as opener or 1 down.

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Tahir A

Jun 13, 2017 06:24pm

Micky Arthur you are right. Our batting is weak like that of club cricket. There are numerous reasons for our failures over the past few years. However, wishing Pakistan the best against England but it looks like Ben Stokes alone is enough to take care of us in bowling, batting and fielding. Also their struggling opener Roy who hasn't shone so far will get a good score against us for once - if he plays.

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Kash

Jun 13, 2017 06:28pm

Drop Hafeez for Haaris Sohail. This is like for like as Haaris can only turn his arm over if and when required. Drop Imad for Shadab Drop Azhar for when Sharjeel comes back Sarfaraz can be captain and make Amir vc Malik - the jury is out but I give him the benefit of the doubt

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RIZ

Jun 13, 2017 06:30pm

When playing ODI than pick ODI team not test team. 2 youngsters (Fakhar and Fahim) have given opportunity and they are looking far better than Azhar and Hafeez. Win or lose go with young talent at least we will enjoy the game.

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iqbal

Jun 13, 2017 06:33pm

drop babar azam

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Jaffer Jan

Jun 13, 2017 06:34pm

Though Babar Azam is a good batsman, but it has been observed that he falls each time in the same way and so he should be given to watch his week point on a video and then try and avoid such shots. Then also he should be brought on position 4 and not 3. Shohaib Malik can play on 3.

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Dr SK Gardezi

Jun 13, 2017 06:37pm

Time to get rid of useless players like Hafeez and Shoaib Malik. Why is Azhar Ali playing in a One Day team? Whats the logic? He is an excellenent Test Batsman and thats really it.. How long is Pakistan Team going to carry these passengers?? Its about time to instill some young blood and give them confidence the way England Cricket Team has done. PS If there is no evidence against Sharjeel and Nasir Jamshed then give them a chance to make a comeback. They are innocent until proven guilty and not the other way around.

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Last Word

Jun 13, 2017 06:40pm

An honest admission by the coach. Pakistan's bowlers can still trouble English batsmen and restrict them to a modest total. But Pakistani batsmen have to come good firing all cylinders to win the game. Even though England will be favourites but my bet is still on Pakistan if it wins the toss and bowl first.

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Hakim

Jun 13, 2017 06:44pm

For the upcoming game or games, Hafeez has to go. I would bring on Shadab instead. Focus on batting, and play the ball in your comfort zone. Don't play reckless. Make sure your fielders perform. You have the best bowlers in the world, use them effectively.

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Jun 13, 2017 06:55pm

Hafeez should not be playing, as he plays lots of dot ball, which not good for the team. Which results in other players taking risks, and getting out !

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manzoor

Jun 13, 2017 06:56pm

@imtiaz As the head coach you have the obligation to select the proper eleven for the match.

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Feroz

Jun 13, 2017 06:59pm

Against England tomorrow Pakistan if put in need to score above 250, if England bats first they should be dismissed for below 250. Pakistan cannot chase a total above 250 and the bowlers will not be able to defend a total below 250.

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Talha

Jun 13, 2017 07:02pm

Pleaae drop Muhammad Hafeez and either bring Shadab Khan or Harris Sohail in the side. Sarfraz and Malik have to bat up in the order no matter ehat. Hafeez sets a very negative tone at the top of the order which makes the batsmen to follow very shaky and nervous.

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Arshad patel

Jun 13, 2017 07:03pm

My Salute to professor Mickey for revealing team's shortcomings! You were the last one to notice:-)

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Marcus

Jun 13, 2017 07:04pm

Pakistan need to reshuffle the batting again. They need to replace Hafeez asap with Shadab. The batting should be in the following order, 1. Azhar Ali 2. Sarfraz Ahmed 3. Shoiab Malik 4. Fakhar Zaman 5. Barbar Azam 6. Haris Sohail 7. Faheem Ashraf 8. Shadab 9. Mohammed Amir 10. Hassan Ali 11. Junaid

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baba

Jun 13, 2017 07:12pm

@Pure ind.......this is very arrogant comment, did you remember how India were defeated during the last tour of England and they repeated the same against WI at home ground....the team who is not even in the CT2017.....does this mean Indian team had no credential at that time!!!!!

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Billi

Jun 13, 2017 07:17pm

This team could not win against most Indian Ranji trophy teams or even the bottom two from the IPL with only Indian players . Pakistani cricket is rubbish . England's c team will eat you for breakfast . Bangladesh is a far far better side .It could even be England Vs B'desh

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Ahmad Zubairi

Jun 13, 2017 07:18pm

No matter what the result is it's clear Hafeez and Azhar do not belong in one day side. We need players who are energetic and active on the pitch and look for constant scoring. I don't see any point in Hafeez being in the side anymore. Good Luck Pakistan its a game anything can happen on a particular day otherwise Pakistan and Bangladesh won't be in semis and Australia and SA back home.

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baba

Jun 13, 2017 07:21pm

@imtiaz .....tell me who could have won the match from 160 odd for 7 position.............remember luck favors the brave.....recall miserable performance of pak team in 1992, no one was thinking that the same team will get the WC. If sarfraz has not played that inning even amir wouldn't have guts to score 28 runs. that was sarfraz presence at the wicket which ensured that Pakistan crosses the finish line

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mariahisconfused

Jun 13, 2017 07:21pm

@Thought exactly, it has been for 20 years

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Imtiaz Mahmood

Jun 13, 2017 07:25pm

If we win the toss against England and bowl first, our good bowling attack may restrict them to 240 and our batsmen are capable to chase that total. If England scores above 270 or Pakistan bats first, chances of a Pakistan win are remote.

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Ali

Jun 13, 2017 07:31pm

Keeping Hafeez 10 miles away from the team on any match day would be a great start - the rest will take care of itself. The guy is a professor of failure

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Ruchimah

Jun 13, 2017 07:34pm

Pakistan team will know where it stands after match with england. Good opportunity to find out shortcomings and start correcting it. It is better not to create hype of defeating England. Good luck.

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Ramal Khan

Jun 13, 2017 07:35pm

What a genious coach we have !!! He realized it after one year !!

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Sheen

Jun 13, 2017 07:47pm

Throw those non performers out of the team .They will never let pakistan win comfortably.A herculean task ahead tomorrow when pakistan plays England. It is never going to be easy against a quality side like England. Batting order needs a major reshuffle with hafeez,azhar and babar azam out and Harris suhail and shadab in.At least there won't be any regretted if pakistan looses then.Pakistan lacks the middle order punch and is in desperate need of finisher who can slog the final 10 overs of the game.

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Desi

Jun 13, 2017 07:54pm

Hafeez is a liability in the team. He will definitely fail against the pace attack of England. Hafeez should realize that his career is coming to an end. It is upto him if he wants to prolong it. He should fake injury and sit out against England because failing against England will be the end for Hafeez. It will be a blessing if he withdraws himself because it does not appear he will be dropped from the team. Just see how Wahab's exclusion has benefitted the team, Hafeez's exclusion could bring indescribable joy in the form of the Champions Trophy.

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Syed

Jun 13, 2017 07:58pm

Hafiz needs to sit. Shadab may even bat better than him at this point.

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Habib Khan

Jun 13, 2017 08:08pm

Hafeez is touting ' unpredictability ' as an advantage. But he himself is very predictable in English conditions. Can anyone tell me his batting average in all matches he has played in England, and how does it compare with other leading batsmen. Not very good, I can safely predict.

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Howzat

Jun 13, 2017 08:16pm

I think Babar Azam will swap places with Sarfraz for the SF. Mickey Arthur will probably keep the same playing 11. We had a tough time chasing 236 so would love to see what the captain/coach would change if asked to chase 326.

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Abdulla Hussain

Jun 13, 2017 08:20pm

Good work coach, keep it up. we understand you are working really hard. Some hard hitting new faces will make a good team in the near future. Micky is a gentleman non controversial coach, if he is allowed to continue for the second term he will definitely gift a robust team to Pakistan

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MHJ

Jun 13, 2017 08:25pm

We have better chance with Mickey Mouse than this cartoon. Get him outta here. Get M Hafeez outta here, get S Malik outta here, get Azhar Ali and his lame attitude outta here. Bring some players in from Under 19! Frankly I have no faith in this character call Sarfaraz Ahmed...get him outta here. The great players like Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, Waqar, Inzi, Misbah and Shahid Afridi...these were the biggest disappointment in our history. This goons didn't train or mentor a single new player. Too busy in making money or playing politics. Shame on you.

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Jaffer Jan

Jun 13, 2017 08:26pm

I realize that English team is superior, but you never know. Two important factors that Pakistani team will have to taken into account is : be calm and calculative in fielding, batting and bowling, as they say catches wins matches. Then English players have a tendency to play with emotions of our teams and they go slyly verbal to arouse the emotions of our players, don't be driven into their clutches and be calm and composed and take no notice, especially of Ben Stocks; he may say few thing on sly, don't take notice. The other thing they normally try and bowl outside offside for right hand batsmen and similar for left hand batsman. Do not get into playing with these balls, just leave them unless the balls come in as a reverse swing. Amir has more sting in hiss bowling than any of English bowlers. So play calmly, make them tired and then start scoring.

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MASROOR

Jun 13, 2017 08:37pm

we have so many non contributor, just how many changes can you really make.

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Howzat

Jun 13, 2017 08:38pm

@Habib Khan in England Hafeez avg 23 with 62 strike rate against career avg 32 with 75 s/r in ODI though most Pakistani batsmen would have a lower avg in England.

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Uday trichy

Jun 13, 2017 08:38pm

It's better to lose against England than to face India in the final.

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Farooq khan

Jun 13, 2017 08:53pm

Ugly start by Azhar, 2 of 19 balls in a one day speaks of poor batting ability. The fact is overall Pakistani batting lacks everything, Fakhar is a breath of fresh air in this under confident, squad of boys who don't endeavour to become men.

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arif durrani

Jun 13, 2017 08:54pm

no one is mentioning Muhammad Amir who was actually the main hero of the win....

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BEYONDSKY

Jun 13, 2017 08:57pm

Without Hafeez, the team will be all out for less than 100 runs.

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shubs

Jun 13, 2017 08:57pm

Unpredictability is not a virtue in professional sport, however one may try to spin it. It shows that wins are flukes, not planned and executed.

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sardar ASIF

Jun 13, 2017 08:59pm

hafeez is the problem. hafeez is so scared to play shots that he gets dismissed even on the dubmest ball!

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Badar

Jun 13, 2017 09:02pm

Incompetent shud be be word . Hafeez shoeb and azhar Ali shud be dropped with immediate effect. Azhar Ali is struggling in ODI, shoeb n hafeez are a spoiler they won't let a junior player like sarfarz win games n be called as good captain. They will always spoil the game in d middle . See recent history. Shrajeel ,n Khalid latif shud be taken instead.

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Urooj Zaidi

Jun 13, 2017 09:21pm

Get rid of Hafeez at least in Semi. Try more compact Haris, he has better technique. Till we find any other good opener we have to live with Azhar. There is no other choice.

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Qasar Shazad

Jun 13, 2017 09:27pm

@Pure ind if we can beat srilanka soth africa how xome indialost to srilanka its not a fluke the bottom li e is were through to semi final good luck to pak and eng

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Asif

Jun 13, 2017 09:28pm

Haris Sohail need to be in, youngsters need to get a chance

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Imran

Jun 13, 2017 09:32pm

Play Haris and Shadab to replace Azhar and Hafeez. 1- Fakhar Zaman 2- Babar Azam 3- Sarfaraz 4- Shoaib Malik 5- Haris Sohail 6- Shadab 7- Imad Wasim 8- Fahim 9- Aamir 10- Hassan 11- Junaid. I wish we had Sharjeel and Umar Akmal to replace them.

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Awaz...

Jun 13, 2017 09:35pm

You are very lucky that you beat SA and SL, thanks to rain and drop catches, otherwise your team's performance is zero.

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Ghaznavi

Jun 13, 2017 09:46pm

we sadly just don't have a batting lineup.

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Satya prakash

Jun 13, 2017 09:53pm

Good job done by sarfaraj .Superb innings .

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Muhammad qureshi

Jun 13, 2017 09:57pm

Get rid of Hafeez

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Zahid

Jun 13, 2017 10:05pm

Ugly win and ugly comment by Mickey

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Vivek narain

Jun 13, 2017 10:18pm

@Global Peace could as well be pakistan vs bangladesh.

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aruk

Jun 13, 2017 10:50pm

Azhar ali is a best batsman than compared to sarfaraz khan and also a more consistent player like Rahul dravid and Younus khan but, he is not getting support from his players and people.

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optimist

Jun 13, 2017 10:55pm

Mr. Arthur, the FB and the media was giving constant advise about the top four batsmen, Shahzad, Hafeez, Azhar Ali and Baber Azam. Pakistan cannot afford so many dot ball kings. You dropped Shahzad after one loss, great but you need to drop one more from Baber Azam, Hafeez or Azhar Ali. These four batsmen have never scored against a top team playing overseas and specially in any ICC event. If you take new and young players there is a chance you may fail bit 50/50. But if you select these four the chance of winning is zero percent as these players do not have the ability to rotate strike and improve the run rate which is below 30-50 in any ICC event.

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FRIENDFROMMARS

Jun 13, 2017 10:59pm

We have to bring fresh blood all new players are playing well.

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Kashif

Jun 13, 2017 11:01pm

Plz get rid of Hafeez & Shoaib from the team against England.

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malik

Jun 13, 2017 11:29pm

Please drop Hafeez and Imad. Bring on Rumaan and Shadab, at least we get the bowlers and I am sure that they can at least score more than what Hafeez and Imad have scored. They will score at a much brisker pace than Hafeez the tuk tuk too.

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humza

Jun 13, 2017 11:32pm

@imtiaz a win is a win

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malik

Jun 13, 2017 11:36pm

@Marcus Why on earth would you not have Fakhar open the innings. He has set a very positive tone from the beginning. You don't change what is working. Drop Hafeez and bring in Sohail Harris. I would put in Shoaib at 3, Sarfaraz at 4 and then Babar.

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Jun 13, 2017 11:59pm

Get rid of Hafeez and Shoaib, look at their performances in Windies and in the three matches in this tournament. Give chance to youngsters, the seniors are in a rapid downward mode.

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Yesu Das

Jun 14, 2017 12:20am

It's amazing how you guys are praising Safi after 3 dropped catches!!

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Yesu Das

Jun 14, 2017 12:21am

Babar is doing Akmal brothers now! No wonder they are related!!

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Asif

Jun 14, 2017 12:23am

The best thing you can do is to drop hafeez.

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Truth

Jun 14, 2017 12:24am

@baba because no one was knowing that imran khan team mates are damaging the ball by cola caps.

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Saad

Jun 14, 2017 12:40am

@SAEED MASOOD agreed but give more chance to Babar. Open with Fakhar and Faheem to show some aggression. Get Fawad Alam in

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Fahim Khalil

Jun 14, 2017 12:45am

Guys Please don't panic at all. Shoaib and Hafeez have to be on top of their game both Bat & Ball. you are the senior most players in the side and you have to be roll model for young players in the side. Pakistan should attack with Spin on English player's. Fast BowleRs must have to ball on proper line & length and don't give any Room to free up the hands of English player's Block their angels. Batting Order should be : 1- Hafeez 2- Fakher Zaman 3- Azhar Ali 4- Babar Azam 5- Shoaib Malik 6- Sarfaraz 7- Imad Wasim 8- Amir 9- Faheem Ashraf / Shadab 10- Zohaib Hassan 11- Junaid Khan

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Awais Sheikh

Jun 14, 2017 12:46am

If Fakhar Zaman falls early then Faheem should go in to keep the pace otherwise just be normal-keep two slips all the times obviously not when the spinners are on. You will make the match up not down when we are left with few overs. it will also support the middle order as they are not making runs so fluently. You have 30 overs to bold them out by keeping the inner ring strong.

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Awais Sheikh

Jun 14, 2017 12:48am

@Yesu Das you praised Kohli and Yuvraj too after they were dropped. Its a game of cricket and anyone who performs becomes a hero-which yuvraj and kohi obviously are :)

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Jun 14, 2017 12:50am

Pakistan line up should be 01-Azhar Ali 02-Fakhar Zaman 03-Shoaib Malik 04-Babar Azam 05-Sarfaraz Ahmed 06-Mohammad Hafeez 07-Faheem Ashraf/Shadab Khan 08-Imad Wasim 09-Mohammad Amir 10-Hasan Ali 11-Junaid Khan

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Mindshare

Jun 14, 2017 12:55am

Hafeez, unpredictability make us almost out of international cricket game. It's not worth to celebrate it. But you are really getting predictable from couple of games.

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Saba javed

Jun 14, 2017 12:55am

pak should better get rid of azhar ali he is not an ODI player. open with Hafeez n fakhar. a team playing with hafeez 2 down can win nothing.. imad has never shown his talent as all rounder play with a solid batsman instead of him. it should be a quality contest if not a win for Pak.

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Arif Khan

Jun 14, 2017 12:58am

It was not an ugly win Mickey it was a hard fought battle in which the front forces fell cheaply, please do not discredit the whole lot, think about replacing Hafeez and do not drop Ashraf he is an asset, bring the change in place of Hafeez who is a fired shot now.

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Morad786

Jun 14, 2017 01:02am

Hafeez should go. Haaris Sohail should be brought in. We should be playing a team with a view to 2019 WC.

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Aamir

Jun 14, 2017 01:03am

well what you expected from Hafeez, Azhar, Shoib, Baber and Imad in the lineup. Hafeez, Shoib and Azhar has not worked in ODI for a long time so what did you expected miracles? Imad has not performed once with his batting and his bowling is mediocore with no turn. Drop him and play Fahim to give him a chance. For now drop Azhar and move Hafeez up and play Harris Sohail who was a better batsman but got injured and needs to be played again. Play Shadab as well.

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manzoor

Jun 14, 2017 01:07am

Please don't replace Fahim Asraf for any equation.It will be a great mistake.Even you can keep the same team against England.No problem will arise if Haris is replaced for Azhar and Shadab for Hafeez.In cricket presence and absense of a single player sometime keeps huge impact.

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gp65

Jun 14, 2017 01:16am

Man of the match should have been either Amir who took two crucial wickets and supported his captain to carry his bat to the end. OR Fakhar Zaman whose fantastic 50 at a strike rate over 100 had positioned Pakistan wonderfully at 74/0 in 11 overs.

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vaqas

Jun 14, 2017 01:37am

Persisting with shoaib Malik and trying to force in the akmal brothers into the team will certainly not improve the chances of the Pakistanis winning any match. Specially the akmal brothers are a waste of space.

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Raja

Jun 14, 2017 02:11am

@a let's have little more faith in our team, inshallah we will win from England just the way we won from South Africa and Sri Lanka.

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Qasim

Jun 14, 2017 02:18am

Replace IMAD . No need for fake superstar . Should be doing modeling just like Afridi

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Zahid

Jun 14, 2017 02:22am

Balony..... same old excuses and statements. One don't need a match to know that, 1, Sarfraz is batting too low, 2, you are slowing yourself by keeping the baggage of Hafeez. Just look at his stats, they don't lie or make funny excuses. For tomorrow, bring back Shadab for Hafeez and move both Shoaib and Sarfraz one position up. Rest should be fine. Remember England won't drop that many catches as Sri Lanka, so there may not be any 'luck'. Luck may be getting sick of your selection and might not shop up at all, *LOL*

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Ben

Jun 14, 2017 02:24am

Mickey is right, and the reason is that Pakistan is carrying incredible amount of dead weight like Azhar, Hafiz, to name a few. Then there are others who are not T20/50 over game material like Babar, and even Shoaib. Mickey can't do his job, as he is getting players that are not suitable for any format. There is no doubt in my mind that PCB is not going to allow him to choose players for any or all formats of the game. Pakistan team at best is a rag tag unit, but they should thank their stars because Mickey is their coach.

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Ahmar

Jun 14, 2017 03:01am

Drop Hafeez. He is a negative player. Any way what ever changes Pakistan make. England average score is 300 in one day games. Strong batting line up and strong bowling along with even stronger feilding.

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Ismail

Jun 14, 2017 03:05am

I think one has to be optimist. I think Ashraf did good job in warm match against BD. He is good baller and batsman. Much better then Ahmad Shehzad who is good for nothing. Opening par seems to be good. Azhar should play positive game. No hurry. Let the ballers get frustrated. At the last few overs our ballers should not go after wickets and instead save runs as it was mistake after 7 wickets, they tried to get wickets and gave more runs?

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Shazad

Jun 14, 2017 03:31am

I do not know why some people are feeling so hopeless about Pak team. Pak only needs change in batting order and faith. Pak already defeated Eng last year on same ground in Wales chasing 303. Here is Pakistan score card: ... Azhar: 33, Sharjeel 10, babar 31, Shoaib 77, Sarfraz 90, Rizwan 34, M Nawaz: 2, Imad: 16. extra 11. Actually Pakistan was 3 for 77 when Sarfraz joined Shoaib. Sarfraz made 90 runs in 73 balls and turned the table, as when he got out (4th wicket), total was 240 and Pakistan needed only 60 runs in 74 balls with 6 wkts remaining. Pakistan reached the target in 49th over. check the score card: http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2016/engine/match/913661.html I believe, tomorrow team in batting order (from available players) should be: Zaman, Sarfraz, Shoaib, Azhar, Imad, Babar, Haris, Shadab, Faheem, Amir, Hasan. If Captain decides, team needs fast bowler instead of slow arm, than Rumman could replace Shadab.

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optimist

Jun 14, 2017 03:38am

@aruk What a statement for a player who was dropped by his own team Lahore in PSL.

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spellbinder

Jun 14, 2017 03:55am

@optimist - agreed 100%. The problem is selector Inzimam who just go to the Lahore academy to watch players. He takes dictation from the board members and coach. He seldom listens to Tauseef Ahmad or other coaches or accept their recommendation. FB people recommended a better team as it did not include Azhar Ali, Wahab Riaz, Shahzad or Hafeez. PCB pays the selectors 20 lacks rupees every month, 250 lacks a year plus expenses. Inzimam doesn't go to the ground to watch anyone play as he is touring with the cricket team to Dubai and England. .

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spellbinder

Jun 14, 2017 04:09am

@Billi The Indian side cannot even beat Karachi A or B or under 19 team. The problem with Pakistani team is the selection and parchi system. Bangladesh is getting better every day because they select team on merit. Sarfaraz was not the selectors choice he was sent only when the Akmal brothers were injured against Sri-Lanka. Now he is constantly performing so Inzimam cannot drop him though Ramiz Raja, Waqar Younus and Inzimam prefers M. Rizwan, as they have repeatedly criticized Sarfaraz wicket keeping.

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Qasim Rizvi

Jun 14, 2017 04:10am

Sorry Arther it is difficult to win against England, bcs Hafiz, Shohaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, Shahzad these are old, used and never performed are to be dropped and retired. Malik and Hafiz are again again failed.

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Ghaznavi

Jun 14, 2017 04:32am

Final will be played between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

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Koshur

Jun 14, 2017 05:32am

Hafeez really has guts to go ahead and give briefings about the team when you are performing below par.This means his confidence of getting selected by influence.

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Riaz

Jun 14, 2017 05:47am

Comments from supporters are confused. Too late to make changes for the semis. Stick what you have got. Drop Babar to no 4 and get either Hafeez or Malik at 3 and promote sarfraz to 5. Decide best strategy to either bat or bowl first. Engalnd will opt to bat first if they win toss. So perhaps best to make them chase?

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Optimist

Jun 14, 2017 06:37am

Fawad Alam was dropped because he failed against Bangladesh , though he was a match winner in the Asia Cup. Baber Azam is failing regularly how many more times he will fail before selectors will replace him or replace Hafeez or Azhar Ali.

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Khan

Jun 14, 2017 06:43am

@Kash I agree with you. Except making Amir VC. Don't need a vice captain now but after one year, make Hassan Ali VC. He's got the energy and game awareness.

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Muhammad Ali

Jun 14, 2017 06:43am

@imtiaz the same like Indians celebrate their victory against Pakistan after poor fielding by greens.

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Apoorva

Jun 14, 2017 07:12am

It is impossible for Pakistan to chase anything over 250 .I believe England will win by at least 100 runs if they bat first

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Shafkat

Jun 14, 2017 07:34am

@imtiaz in the same way other teams celebrate when pakistan drop catches.

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paulderv

Jun 14, 2017 08:21am

Pakistan is the only team which uses high profile ICC tournament matches as "trial and error" to figure out their best combination of players. They did they same thing during WC2015 when it took them first 2 matches to figure out that Nasir Jamshed is a dud both in fielding and batting. Now they are repeating the same mistake with Hafeez. He is being carried around more in his reputation than any part of team plan . The sooner he is replaced by Harris Sohail, the better it is . Does anyone remember that Haris was in the original Pakistan World Cup 2015 squad and before he got injured, he was developing into a permanent feature of a future middle order. If he had achieved fitness and proved domestic form to be selected in the 16 member squad - why does he have to wait for a dud like Hafeez to get injured before earning a chance to showcase his talent again ?

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Indian

Jun 14, 2017 08:23am

I'll put my money on Pakistan as it's much better team than England on any given day. Bangladesh is also emerging well and should beat India to give them some lessons in humbleness. Hope to see a Pakistan Bangladesh final. Good Luck.

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Zee

Jun 14, 2017 08:30am

it was really an ugly win by chance. A lot of work is needed for rebuild.....

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Uday trichy

Jun 14, 2017 08:45am

@arif durrani yes the media want to make the captain the hero.

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ajay

Jun 14, 2017 09:08am

@Farjee watching middle order bat i think pak was lucky against SA

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Abdul G Ahmad

Jun 14, 2017 09:15am

Please no Hafeez swap him for Shadab

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Rama

Jun 14, 2017 09:47am

Pak won't get chances against Eng as they got against SL. Eng is in form and the home team. To be fair, even the Pak team wouldn't have expected to be in semi final. But since the team is there, play your best.

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Ayaz

Jun 14, 2017 09:57am

Out of three matches Pakistan played.....Big defeat against India in first......An unfinished second match against South Africa when anything could have happened and a narrow win against Sri Lanka rather gifted by Lankans dropping Sarfaraz twice.....What consistency and improvement are we talking......Bangladesh is much better team than Pakistan at present...Any doubt..?

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ebrahim

Jun 14, 2017 10:13am

Drop old tired tried horses like Hafeez and Azher lose but with new faces. You tried Fkhar Zaman and he was responsible for last two wins.

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Sandeep Gaur

Jun 14, 2017 10:21am

@Amir I heard a lot about Haris Sohail though most of readers commented on the same.Why he not been tried in the previous matches when established players didn't performed ?

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pitbull

Jun 14, 2017 10:31am

I have been following Pakistan cricket for last 25 year, and the thing which remained consistent down the years is their mediocre batting. This shows the complete lack of apathy for domestic cricket, where young talent gets groomed under watchful eyes. Its high time now that the former retired greats should go into coaching on ground, rather than preaching from the commentary box.

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Zehri

Jun 14, 2017 11:04pm

Keep it up, at least someone is giving a good name to this country .... Good luck sarfraz

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Yousuf47 London

Jun 15, 2017 06:14pm

It was humble for Mickey Arthur to accept the middle order is considerably weak but did not suggest a remedy other than reshuffle the order. Maybe Mickey Stewart overlooked Faheem Ashraf, a pinch hitter to take over the mantle from Malik. Pakistan will only itself to blame if its not prepared to take the risk in investing on the youngsters to form the core group.

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Ahmed

Jun 15, 2017 10:55pm

@a Please support india in final.This will surely work for Pakistan

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