Pakistan v World XI, 3rd T20I - Pakistan's player ratings

Cricket returning to their home is clearly making Pakistan happy, it’s certainly palpable with the way they’ve performed in the Independence Cup. After failing to get over the line by fine margins in the second T20I, they stormed past the World XI side with ease and registered a 33-run win to seal the series 2-1. 

Batting first, they once again posted a big total on board with crucial contributions from the willows of Babar Azam and Ahmed Shehzad. Fakhar Zaman and Shehzad gave them a blistering start spanking Morne Morkel and Samuel Badree to all parts. Fakhar lost his way after a good start and eventually ran himself out a couple of overs after the Powerplay.

Babar Azam and Shehzad then posted another magnificent partnership, which helped them take firm control in the game. They posted a whopping 102 runs for the second wicket before Babar was dismissed for 48 off 31 balls. Shehzad and Shoaib Malik gave them a decent finish as they finished at 183 for the loss of four in their 20 overs.

Nothing went World XI‘s way despite having some big names in the side. Both the openers were dismissed very soon and the middle order lost its way completely. Barring some exploits from David Miller and Thisara Perera, they didn’t really seem competent enough on the day and Pakistan didn’t have much trouble in closing the game off in style.

Here are the player ratings of the Pakistani contingent who managed to outplay their opponents in every department.

Fakhar Zaman 6/10

He did get going for a while but then lost his way after the Powerplay. The strike-rate at which he amassed runs was a bit atypical and to rub more salt to the wound, he ran himself out.

Ahmed Shehzad 9/10

Shehzad was being trolled on social media for his innings in the second game, but this time around, he just bludgeoned the World XI bowlers apart. He worked incredibly hard for his 89 runs off 55 balls, but to scamper through for a single off the last ball of an over cost him his wicket and a well deserved hundred. Nevertheless, that doesn’t take away anything and it was fine knock coming from the 25-year-old.

Babar Azam 8/10

Touted as the next big thing in Pakistan cricket, Babar Azam proved his mettle in this high voltage series with three brilliant knocks. He did a fantastic job whilst stitching a partnership with Shehzad and registered a terrific 48 off 31 bals.

Shoaib Malik 6/10

A bit too harsh on Malik’s part to rate him six, but he rarely got involved in the game barring those two thunderous sixes he hit in his short little stint in the middle.

Imad Wasim 5/10

Barely got anything to do with the bat, but he managed to pull things back quite well with the ball. Wasim was taken for some boundaries in his first few overs, but he responded well and took the wicket off George Bailey to register some decent figures.

Sarfraz Ahmed 6/10

It’s hard to rate players who don’t much of an opportunity to prove their worth, but Sarfraz led his troops brilliantly. Sarfraz made sure he got his bowling changes spot on and fortunately for him, his team responded very well to his commands.

Mohammad Nawaz 5/10

Waited eagerly for a chance to get some time in the middle, but the top order were just too brilliant on the day. The only criteria where could contribute to the side was on the field and he ensured he was not in the news for any wrong reasons.

Shadab Khan 5/10

An off day for the youngster, who managed to create no great impact on the day. He gave away just 10 runs in his first 2 overs, but the next over he bowled went for 24 courtesy some serious hitting from Thisara Perera.

Usman Khan 7/10

Terrific with his lengths and slower deliveries. Giving away just 26 runs with 183 runs on board is absolutely marvelous and he managed to deliver a decent performance after bowling just one over in the previous game.

Hasan Ali 7/10

This lad is here to stay for a long period of time. He seems to be getting better with every game and he took two crucial wickets, giving away just 28 runs in his 4 overs. He also played a crucial role in inflicting Hashim Amla’s run out, which was pivotal breakthrough in the game.

Rumman Raees 7.5/10

How brilliant was this guy today! The back of the hand slower deliveries came out perfectly from his fingers and he gave away just 20 runs in his 4 overs. When needed, the blockholes too were spot on target. It was perfect game for youngster who is trying to make his mark on the selectors.