Pakistan’s decision to exclude wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has come under sharp scrutiny after Mohammad Haris poor run of form in the ongoing T20 tri-nation series against Afghanistan and the UAE. The debate intensified after Pakistan’s 18-run defeat to Afghanistan on September 2 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium where Haris once again failed with the bat.
Tanveer Ahmed Slams Rizwan’s Exclusion
Former fast bowler Tanveer Ahmed voiced his criticism on X (formerly Twitter), questioning the team management’s judgment.
“If Mohammad Haris was going to play like this, then why was Mohammad Rizwan deliberately excluded from the team?” Tanveer asked.
His remarks echo the growing frustration among fans and analysts who believe Rizwan’s consistency and experience were overlooked in favour of Haris whose struggles have stretched across multiple series.
Mohammad Haris Strikingly Poor Form
The 23-year-old batter has managed only 38 runs in his last nine T20I innings underlining a prolonged slump.
- Vs Bangladesh (July): 4, 0, 5
- Vs West Indies (August): 6, 4, 2
- Tri-series (August–September): 15, 1, 1 against UAE and Afghanistan
Despite being given repeated opportunities, Haris has failed to convert starts putting pressure on the top order and increasing criticism of his selection ahead of Rizwan.
Pakistan Fall Short in Sharjah
In the latest tri-series fixture, Afghanistan posted 169/5 in 20 overs powered by a 113-run partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal.
- Atal: 64 off 45 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes)
- Zadran: Anchored with solid stroke play
- Faheem Ashraf: Pakistan’s standout bowler with career-best 4/27
Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum. Wickets fell regularly and despite a late cameo from *Haris Rauf (34 off 16, 4 sixes)**, the team finished at 151/9.
Other contributors included Fakhar Zaman (25), Salman Ali Agha (20) and Sahibzada Farhan (18) but none could deliver a match-winning innings. Afghanistan’s bowlers—Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad shared two wickets each.
Points Table, Pakistan Still on Top
Despite the defeat, Pakistan remain at the top of the tri-series standings with two wins from three games. However, their net run rate dropped from 1.750 to 0.867.
- Pakistan: 2 wins, NRR +0.867
- Afghanistan: 2 wins, NRR +0.283
- UAE: 0 wins, NRR -1.725
Pakistan will next face hosts UAE in Sharjah on Thursday where team selection will once again be under the spotlight.
Rizwan vs Haris
Mohammad Rizwan known for his stability in T20 cricket was dropped to make room for Haris who is seen as a more aggressive option. But Haris repeated failures have reignited the debate.
Critics argue that Rizwan’s record particularly in ICC events and bilateral series offers reliability at the top order that Pakistan currently lacks. With Pakistan’s batting misfiring, pressure is mounting on the management to reconsider its choices before upcoming key fixtures.
What is Next for Pakistan?
The tri-series has already highlighted Pakistan’s fragile batting depth. With Afghanistan gaining momentum and Rizwan’s absence dominating discussions, Thursday’s clash against UAE may prove critical not just for points but for restoring confidence in team strategy.
Cricket fans will watch closely to see if Haris gets another chance or if the selectors move towards reinstating Rizwan in the playing XI.
