Following their semi-final exit to Australia, here are our ratings for how Pakistan’s players fared in the tournament.
Mohammad Rizwan – 8.5/10
281 runs @ 70.25, SR: 127.72
Continued his astonishing run in T20Is this year, crossing the barrier of 1,000 runs in 2021 in his semi-final knock. His innings against Australia was made extraordinary by the backstory: having spent two nights in hospital recovering from a chest infection, Rizwan proceeded to hit a 52-ball 67 in a total of 176-4.
Babar Azam – 8.5/10
303 runs @ 60.60, SR: 126.25
Led a united side and was incredibly consistent with the bat, hitting four half-centuries in six knocks. Was tied down by Australia’s spinners in the semi-final, eventually finishing on a sedate 39 off 34 balls. Still, a fine maiden campaign as skipper to look back on.
Fakhar Zaman – 6.5/10
109 runs @ 27.25, SR: 118.47
Wasn’t able to fire until the semi-final, when he truly came alive with some stunning six-hitting. For a while, it seemed his 32-ball 55 was to be the match-defining knock.
Mohammad Hafeez – 6/10
85 runs @ 28.33, SR: 163.46 | 1 wicket @ 52, ER: 8.66
Delivered his best work with the bat at the backend of the group stage. His canny off-spin faltered at the most crucial juncture, however, with his 13-run over against Australia beginning with a double bouncer that David Warner dispatched for an almighty six.
Shoaib Malik – 7.5/10
100 runs @ 50, SR: 181.81
Kept calm with a crucial 26 not out in a thrilling win over New Zealand and exploded with an 18-ball 54 not out against Scotland.
Asif Ali – 8.5/10
57 runs @ 57, SR: 237.50
Played two outrageous match-winning knocks against New Zealand and Afghanistan, averaging a six every third delivery he faced in the tournament. Fell for a first-baller against Australia but that was only because he was trying to do his job: to go big or go home.
Imad Wasim – 7.5/10
4 wickets @ 28.5, ER: 5.70
Was a very tidy presence with the ball in the Powerplay until the semi-final, when he felt the wrath of Warner during a 17-run over.
Shadab Khan – 8/10
9 wickets @ 15.33, ER: 6.00
Began brilliantly against India with a clever haul of 1-22 from his four overs and ended with the best ever figures in a men’s T20 World Cup semi-final, taking 4-26 against Australia. After a tough few years with the ball in the format, this was a reminder of the precocious talent who first emerged on the scene.
Haris Rauf – 7.5/10
8 wickets @ 21, ER: 7.30
A fine tournament for the raw and hugely gifted quick. Was particularly terrific in the wins over India and New Zealand, showing off his slower balls against the former before dismantling the latter with figures of 4-22. Like his pace-bowling colleagues, the off day came in the semi-final, where he went at more than 10 an over.
Shaheen Afridi – 8/10
7 wickets @ 24.14, ER: 7.04
A truly thrilling sight with the new ball: he took both of India’s openers and made the ball talk against Australia too. Sadly, his tournament finished on a sour note, with Matthew Wade depositing him for three consecutive sixes.
Hasan Ali – 4/10
5 wickets @ 41.40, ER: 9
A disappointing tournament due to both his returns and a crucial dropped chance in the semi-final. Perhaps just unfortunate to lose form at the wrong time; 61 international wickets this year at an average just below 20 point to that.
