Pakistan were the number one T20 side for more than 2 years on a streak till May 2020 when a recent reshuffle came as the ICC issued an annual update, eliminating results from matches played between 2016 and 2017 in determination of the rankings. Post this shuffle Pakistan slipped two places and currently stand fourth in the list of best T20 international sides. So let’s discuss one of the players who’s biggest reason for their T20 success and has given the maximum contribution over the last few years : Mohammad Hafeez.
Hafeez scored a mind blowing 99 not out yesterday against a formidable Kiwi side although it came out to be in a lost cause. He was splendid in his shot selection and found gaps as easy as one likes. He knew which bowlers to go after, and built his innings stunningly well. Once again proving why he is important to Pakistan’s T20I unit, Hafeez ended Pakistan’s innings with a six off Kyle Jamieson’s final delivery, falling agonisingly short of his maiden T20I century, remaining unbeaten on 99.
Hafeez is lovingly known as “The Professor” by his team mates due to his lively and inquisitive nature. He’s someone who always approaches a fellow player and talks to the about what they could improve in their game and is one of the most approachable seniors in the Pakistan squad at the same time. General cricketing trends show a dip in form when the player crossed the 30 year old mark but this has not been the case for Hafeez who has blossomed his gameplay in recent times. After he retired from test cricket he focussed on his white ball cricket game and the efforts have clearly shown instant results.
He has been a regular in the Pakistani T20 squad over the past 2-3 years and is a invaluable asset to the side. Considering his current form and the stellar knock he played recently against the Kiwis he could prove to be a major boon for the Pakistani side coming into the World T20 tournament next year. He is clearly one of the most experienced player in the side and brings all round experience into the team. Hafeez has also brilliantly transformed his game from a calm and composed to an aggressive intent rather smoothly and doesn’t hesitate a bit is playing those big shots as and when required which makes him one of the biggest bonuses for Pakistan T20 side if he can keep up this form.
Other players which strengthen their T20 squad include the talented Babar Azam. There are things that can be done to change the culture of a team, and they can have a massive impact, but often success relies on something as simple as having very talented cricketers – and Babar Azam is that. Since making his T20I debut for Pakistan back in September 2016, Azam’s form for his country has been nothing short of sensational. He is currently ranked by the ICC as the no.1 T20I batsman, and holds the world record of being the fastest batsman to 1,000 runs (in just 26 innings).
They also have a fierce bowling attack which is a massive bonus in the shortest format of the game. Boasting the likes of Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim, Pakistan have dismissed their opposition 31 times, which is more than anyone else. They have also defended a total of under 150 on 40 occasions out of 44. Even if the likes of Babar Azam fail to fire, the bowling attack still has a good chance of winning them the match. Also the range of players that former captain and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq has been selecting for the side has been a perfect mix of young and old. Inzamam and coach Mickey Arthur have also been able to eke out the best of experienced heads like the 38-year-old Mohammad Hafeez and 36-year-old Shoaib Malik, which has proved invaluable in bringing talents like Afridi through.
