Renowned international cricket coach Mike Hesson has questioned Pakistan’s decision-making during their opening round defeat to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi.
The New Zealander called into question the Pakistan team’s tactics after the side was unable to open with Fakhar Zaman following his injury. Hesson specifically called out the team management for not promoting Tayyab Tahir as an opener in Fakhar’s absence, a move that could have paid dividends given their aggressive nature of play. Instead, Pakistan opted for Saud Shakeel—a move that saw the team struggle to get going in the powerplay.
Mike Hesson made his feelings known on the matter to Rehan Ul Haq during an appearance on Sporting Myths’ YouTube channel.
With Fakhar Zaman unavailable, Pakistan had a chance to inject aggression at the top, especially after being set a mammoth total. But their conservative approach backfired as the decision to send Saud Shakeel alongside Babar Azam resulted in a painfully slow start, with the team managing only 22 runs in the first 10 overs. This lack of intent put Pakistan on the back foot early in the innings, contributing to their eventual 60-run defeat.
Mike Hesson, who has vast experience coaching at the highest level, was critical of Pakistan’s reluctance to utilize Tayyab Tahir—an aggressive batter who could have taken advantage of the fielding restrictions. He pointed out that Tahir’s natural stroke play and ability to dominate early could have provided the momentum Pakistan desperately needed.
“Saud Shakeel is still trying to find his feet, isn’t he? In that role at 3, he’s probably four or five. Tayyab Tahir has at least opened the batting quite a lot in domestic cricket, and that would make a huge amount of sense. He’s not a Fakhar Zaman, but he is an attacking player. So he’s at least got the option of complementing Babar at the top. Two players at the top who are trying to find their feet doesn’t make any sense,” Mike Hesson said in his critique.
Pakistan’s conservative start not only put pressure on their middle order but also allowed New Zealand’s bowlers to settle in, eventually helping the Kiwis notch an easy win. With a crucial game against India up next, Pakistan will need to rethink their top-order strategy once again. Whether the team management heeds Hesson’s critique and makes necessary adjustments remains to be seen, but the stakes couldn’t be higher as they prepare for their arch-rivals on February 23.