Asia Cup T20, India v Pakistan: Pakistan player ratings

Pakistan began their Asia Cup campaign against arch rivals India at Mirpur. However, they put up a shambolic performance with the bat leaving their bowlers with too much to do. Only 2 batsmen reached double figures while the rest failed to inspire any confidence. However, Mohammed Amir stole the limelight for Pakistan with an exceptional spell in what was set to be a one side affair. But once he was bowled out, it was a cakewalk for India with Kohli again leading his way out. In the end, Pakistan lost by 5 wickets. Here we discuss and rate each player according to his performance in the game.

1. Mohammed Hafeez  – 2/10:

In a big match, it’s always important to start well. Hafeez who had already scored a boundary in the over tried to cut Nehra but due to the bounce, ended up giving a feather edge which went straight to Dhoni. This put a lot of pressure on the 2 youngsters at the crease. He should’ve been responsible and batted with a bit of maturity.

2. Sharjeel Khan – 3/10:

The man in form, Sharjeel Khan had got a good start after an early breakthrough for Pakistan. However, he got deceived by a slower one by Bumrah as Rahane pouched an easy catch at slips. Thus, he failed to grab the opportunity of performing at the big stage.

3. Khurram Manzoor – 3/10:

He began quite slowly and was seen struggling from the beginning. He even survived a decision from the umpire where he had clearly edged the ball. However in the next over, Khurram set off for a run from the non strikers end which was never to be. It was Malik’s call. In the process, he lost his bat and Kohli made a brilliant throw to ensure Khurram was on his way. This was a complete waste of wicket when Pakistan was looking to build on.

4. Shoaib Malik – 2/10:

Yet another same mistake which the other batsmen made. After spending some time on the crease, He tried to drive an outstanding swinger without any feet movement and ended up edging it to Dhoni. Malik’s dismissal meant Pakistan’s top order was blown inside 7 overs.

5. Umar Akmal – 2/10:

Known as a finisher for the Pakistan team, Umar Akmal lacked judgement. As Yuvraj tried to angle in the ball, Akmal literally tried to push it off outside the line and got plumb LBW. Stupid move of leaving so much gap between bat and pad.

6. Shahid Afridi – 2/10:

Like all his innings even this didn’t last long enough for Shahid Afridi. Being the most experienced player and captain of the team, He mindlessly tried to challenge Jadeja the fielder and settle for two. Jadeja’s arm was too quick and Afridi was way out of the crease as MS Dhoni took off the stumps. He didn’t even bowl in the match.

7. Sarfaraz Ahmed – 5/10:

If someone in the Pakistani batting lineup showed some potential to bat on, it was Sarfaraz Ahmed. There was little hope for Pakistan when he started playing some superb shots. However, he too ended up getting bowled by Jadeja, trying to drive the ball. Thus, ending all Pakistani hopes.

8. Wahab Riaz – 2/10:

Wahab Riaz failed to add any pressure after a stupendous spell by Amir. He gave away many easy runs and destroyed all good work done by the bowlers earlier. He kept bowling fullish deliveries and allowed Kohli to attack. The extras too didn’t help to Pakistan’s cause.

9. Mohammed Sami – 7/10:

Mohammed Sami was decent on the sideline of Amir’s spell and even later bowled quite efficiently. He consistently bowled a good length. Though he didn’t trouble the batsmen much, he managed to pick up 2 late wickets in the form of Kohli and Pandya.

10. Mohammed Irfan – 6/10:

Mohammed Irfan also bowled some great lengths in tandem though not as effective as Amir. He still failed to pick up many wickets and also conceded extras, thus undermining the pressure. His height factor helped him generate some great bounce from the pitch which troubled the batsmen a bit during his first spell. 4-0-16-0

11. Mohammed Amir – 9/10:

In a match where no one thought Pakistan had any chance, Mohammed Amir bowled one of the greatest spells in T20I history. He got both the openers Rohit and Rahane on unplayable balls in the first over before striking again in his second over by getting Raina. He troubled Kohli and Yuvraj a lot who survived some close calls. His prodigious swing made a target like 83 for India require some enigma to finish it off. Unfortunately for Pakistan, he had just 4 overs to bowl.