NZ vs PAK: Former Pakistan Captain Mohammad Hafeez Lashes Out At Babar Azam's Tactics
Published - 09 Oct 2022, 01:07 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:14 AM
Pakistan’s middle-order woes heading into the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 have been a hot debate. The problem was highlighted throughout the team’s run to the Asia Cup final last month and during the home series against England where they had lost 3-4.
However, playing against New Zealand in a tri-series comprising Bangladesh, Pakistan captain Babar Azam changed his strategy in the batting line-up. Although it resulted in an impressive six-wicket win, however, the decision drew flak from veteran Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez who was left furious at Babar’s call and questioned the logic behind it.
Promoting Shadab Khan worked out in Pakistan’s favour
During Pakistan’s chase of 148 in Christchurch, Pakistan lost opener Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood in a space of just three deliveries, both in the powerplay. Babar was well set on 18-ball 31 after Masood’s dismissal for a duck.
The Men in Green then sent Shadab Khan at No.4 and the pair combined incredibly to stabilise the innings with their 61-run stand. After Shadab’s dismissal for 22-ball 34, Mohammad Nawaz was sent at No.5 to ably support Babar. Pakistan wrapped up the chase with 10 balls to spare.
Mohammad Hafeez questions Babar Azam’s belief in his own players
However, Hafeez did not agree to Babar’s notion of sending Shadab and Nawaz ahead of Iftikhar Ahmed and Asif Ali.
He took to Twitter to post, “Promotion of @76Shadabkhan at no 4 & @mnawaz94 at no 5 can give short term success but will put more pressure & doubts in the minds of middle order batters. Why they r there for??? If no confidence on them then why they r with the team?? Middle order will remain an issue… #PAKvNZ”
