'Why they r there for???'- Mohammad Hafeez Slams Babar Azam's Match-Winning Tactics In The Game Against New Zealand

Despite having a great run in recent times, Pakistan's middle-order woes have been under the radar of experts. The issue was highlighted throughout the team's run in the Asia Cup last month, as well as during the 3-4 loss to England at home.

On Saturday, however, captain Babar Azam changed his batting strategy against New Zealand in Christchurch, and Pakistan were rewarded with an impressive six-wicket win. Pakistan lost opener Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood in the space of three deliveries during their 148-run chase in Christchurch. After Masood was dismissed for a duck, Babar was well set on 18-ball 31.

Pakistan then sent Shadab Khan at No.4, and the pair combined for an incredible 61-run stand to stabilise the innings. Following Shadab's dismissal for 22-ball 34, Mohammad Nawaz walked in at No.5 to assist Babar. Pakistan completed the chase with 10 balls remaining.

Despite the victory, veteran Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez was enraged by Babar's decision and questioned its logic. He objected to Babar's plan to send Shadab and Nawaz ahead of Iftikhar Ahmed and Asif Ali.

"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," he tweeted.

Here is Mohammad Hafeez's tweet

Promotion of @76Shadabkhan at no 4 & @mnawaz94 at no 5 can give short term success but wil 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 wil remain an issue… #PAKvNZ

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) October 8, 2022

"We have a plan to send him up to charge the bowlers, he played well . Me and Shadab planned that I play all the way and he will go for his shots," Babar later explained the logic behind the tactic.

In the meantime, the Men in Green are preparing for the 20-20 World Cup in a tri-series against New Zealand and Bangladesh. They will begin their World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India on the 23rd of October. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the mega clash.