The debate on social media about whether Pakistan should have selected Muhammad Haris or Sarfraz Ahmad in reserves for their squad is ongoing. While Haris was ultimately chosen, some argue that Sarfraz, with his experience and qualities, would have been a better choice. It’s worth considering whether a player with Sarfraz’s skills and track record could have contributed more to the team’s success.
We will try to analyze whether the Former Pakistan Captain was robbed of this opportunity or the aggressive batsman of Pakistan deserved this.
Track Record against Spin implores Selecting Sarfraz Ahmad in Reserves
Sarfraz has been a terrific player of spin and is among a few of those who can play it in turning wickets where wizards don’t let anyone breathe. Sarfraz’s ability to read the flight of the ball, use his feet to get to the pitch of the delivery, and employ a wide range of shots, including sweeps and reverse sweeps, makes him a formidable batsman against spin.
His average against left-arm spin in ODI cricket is 42.75, while dismissed 19 times via spin as compared to 40 times vs. pace. While considering this ratio which is half of the dismissals of fast, it speaks a lot about his adaptability to get adjusted to spin conditions.
Current form Advocate for selecting Sarfraz Ahmad in Reserves
Former Men in the Green leader has been in red hot form during the ongoing Quiad-e-Azam trophy. He is the second-highest run-scorer with average, second to none, yet to be dismissed. He has scored 262 runs with an average of 262 with two fifties and one hundred.
Considering the form he is in, he should have been considered in the Squad, while Haris has been involved in leagues for the last few years and has hardly played List A and First class cricket, he lacks experience in playing according to the conditions. Though he did not get many chances in the Asia Cup, he didn’t perform in the ODI either whenever he played.
So far, the former u-19 Asia Cup-winning captain has been given 6 chances to prove his potential but he has not lived up to the expectations averaging under 10 in international cricket.
Pretext on which Haris is being preferred over Sarfraz
There can be several reasons why Haris is being given an opportunity instead of Pakistan’s CT-winning captain in the current World Cup squad.
His ability to open the innings
Peshawar Zalmi’s player has all the potential and the guts to open the innings when needed. With Pakistan having only Abdullah Shafiq in the squad as a backup opener and given the form of Fakhar Zaman Pakistan might think of changing the opening combination as this World Cup is a long journey.
His ability to finish the innings
He has played at number 6-7 in domestic cricket and can finish the innings quite well. We have seen its glimpse in one of his ODI innings too. His record in LA is extremely satisfying averaging almost 30s and striking above 100 coming as late as at number six.
While Iftikhar Ahmad as in the recent Asia Cup is playing more the role of a middle-order batsman than that of a finisher, it must have a player like him, Muhammad Asif, or Khushdil Shah in the squad.
Young, Athletic, and a better Wicket-keeper
His ability to keep the wickets and take the catches in clutch conditions can be match-winning for Pakistan. He has shown himself as a better wicketkeeper than his contemporary wicketkeepers.
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