Read PakPassion's rating of the Pakistani players that took part in the recently-concluded one-day series in India. The Junaid and Jamshed lead the way after their impressive performances with bat and ball.

By Saj Sadiq (8 Jan 2013)

Here are my ratings out of 10 for the 12 Pakistani players that took part in the recently concluded one day series in India. Ratings are based on performances with the bat, ball and in the field combined.


Nasir Jamshed 9/10

241 runs at an average of 120.50 and a strike rate of 75.31 are very impressive figures. Nasir was the in form batsman and the focal point of the Pakistani batting unit. His importance was evident when he was dismissed without scoring his customary century against India. He timed the ball beautifully all around the park and at times the Indian bowlers didn't know where to bowl to him. Only criticism would be his running between the wickets at times and backing up at the non strikers end.


Mohammad Hafeez 8/10

97 runs in the 3 innings including one not out aren't breathtaking numbers but combine this with him bowling 10 overs in all three of the ODIs, taking 2 wickets and at an economy rate of only 3.30, his brilliant ground fielding and catching and you have an integral part of the Pakistani one day squad. Hafeez is a vastly improved cricketer in all formats and he once again showed his worth. Solid performances all round, support for the captain with decision making and undoubtedly the successor to Misbah as Pakistan's one day captain when Misbah steps aside.


Younis Khan 4.5/10

The series started well for Younis with a score of 58 but then he fell away with scores of 10 and 6. The second ODI did however see Younis get a "stinker" of a decision but I was particularly disappointed with his shot in the last of the three matches. It was an ordinary shot on a wicket that didn't warrant such a stroke. Younis' place in the one day side is still a matter of debate. His form in the 50 over format of late has been poor and the one dayers in South Africacould be crucial regarding his future selection. Younis remains a brilliant fielder and brilliant team man. Another who provides superb support to captain Misbah ul Haq.


Azhar Ali 3/10

I had high hopes for Azhar in this series particularly after a couple of decent knocks against Australiain the UAE earlier this year but it wasn't to be. Azhar seemed a bit confused regarding his role and approach and perhaps the pressure got to him. His decision making whilst batting was poor and he struggled to time the ball in the two matches he played, before he was dropped.


Misbah ul Haq 5/10

57 runs in the series for Misbah at a strike rate of 51.35 will not have impressed too many of his critics and even his die hard fans will struggle to justify his approach. Misbah's undoubtedly struggling in one day cricket and his batting style simply does not work if there isn't a stroke maker batting with him. In times of crisis his batting works, but the fact is that Misbah's batting philosophy is based around reparing damage than attack. His captaincy was very good however and his astute bowling changes kept the opposition batsmen on their toes. Misbah remains a role model for youngsters in the squad and a great captain but time is running out for him in the one day team and like Younis, South Africacould be the final frontier.


Shoaib Malik 6/10

The series started well for Shoaib with a nice looking 34 not out from 35 deliveries to help Pakistan to a 6 wicket victory at Chennai, but Shoaib only made 29 runs in the next 2 ODIs. Another who received a shocking umpiring decision when he was given leg before at Delhi. Shoaib's fielding was superb throughout the tour of 
Indiaand in fact he was probably the pick of the Pakistani fielders. He only bowled 6 overs, picking up 1 wicket and only conceded 12 runs. Looked really up for the series and highly motivated which at times he hasn't. I think there is definitely room for improvement, but there were some promising signs for Malik.


Umar Akmal 3.5/10

Umar finally got his chance replacing Azhar Ali in the third ODI in Delhibut he didn't grab the opportunity. Akmal followed the instructions of captain Misbah ul Haq in compiling a patient 25 from 50 deliveries, but then as so often happens, he had a rush of blood and that was the end of that. Akmal's talent is not in question, his choice of shot is though. Once Misbah and Younis step aside from the one day side, Umar will likely be given an opportunity to cement his place in the one day side, can he do that, can he handle the responsibility remains to be seen.


Kamran Akmal 4/10

We all know that Kamran's notorious for errors behind the stumps, but to be fair to him he generally had a very good series in Indiabehind the stumps with errors being very few and far between. However Akmal's batting is vital to the team and he failed to deliver with the bat, in fact he failed to trouble the scorers in both innings that he played. Akmal in the middle order isn't the favoured choice of many and I'm certain that he'd prefer to open the innings. However unless Hafeez drops to the number three position in the order, then Kamran is going to have stick at it in the middle order. Needs runs and needs them quick. I expect him to be retained for the ODIs in South Africa, but if he fails with the bat there, then some of the young up and coming wicketkeepers in Pakistanwill fancy their chances.


Umar Gul 7/10

Gul took 3 wickets in the 3 ODIs at an average of 35.66 and an economy rate of 4.65. Whilst not at his best, Gul could have picked up more wickets than he did with a bit more luck. Gul's stock delivery the yorker was still conspicuous by it's absence for large parts of the series and he did lose his radar at times, but he supported Irfan and Junaid well as first change bowler. It was a steady series for Gul with the ball. I always feel that there is more to come from Gul with the bat than what he actually delivers. Technically he looks good but then has the tendency to play a reckless shot. 


Saeed Ajmal 9/10

What can I say that hasn't already been said about the magician. He was brilliant, at times unplayable, mesmerising, teasing, almost taunting the Indian batsmen. 8 wickets at an average of 10.75 and an economy rate of only 2.89, including his best ODI figures of 5/24 are figures that are fully justified. He troubled every one of the Indian batsmen that he came up against and he just seems to get better and better. Ajmal's fielding in the past has been the subject of criticism, but it's worth pointing out that he has worked very hard on his fielding and the improvement is clearly visible. Ajmal's ground fielding was excellent and he took a very good caught and bowled too.


Mohammad Irfan 8/10

After the T20Is there were some nerves amongst Pakistani fans about how Irfan would cope with the 50 over format, but Irfan proved them wrong with 3 wickets at an average of 35.66 and an economy rate of 5.07. Pakistan's best teams over the years have always had attacking bowlers and I liked the way Misbah gave Irfan the freedom to attack with the new ball and providing him with attacking fields. Irfan bowled with aggression and to a plan. His job was to unsettle the Indian top order and not to worry too much about runs conceded. He did his job to great effect and he was the perfect foil for new ball partner Junaid Khan.


Junaid Khan 9.5/10

Wasim Akram was and always will be one of my all time favourite cricketers and watching Junaid in this series brought the memories flooding back of when Waz would make the ball talk. When Junaid bowls, the ball speaks the same language that it did when Wasim Akram bowled. It's great to see Junaid back to his best, over his injury problems and moving the ball around at will. The Indian batsmen had no clue how to play him. In fact some used the edge of their bat more than the middle of their bat against Junaid. It was a joy to watch every one of Junaid's 8 wickets in the series and his future looks very bright if he stays fit and in form. An average of only 12.37 and an economy rate of 3.66 are superb figures which incredibly do not do Junaid justice, as he beat the bat, again and again and again.

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