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Strike-Rate of 150: How Change In Batting Spot Helped Mohammad Haris Regain His Form

Anurag Dasgupta

Mohammad Haris score runs vs Oman [Source: AFP Photo] Mohammad Haris score runs vs Oman [Source: AFP Photo]

Heading into the Asia Cup opener against Oman, Pakistan batter Mohammad Haris was under tremendous pressure after not performing in the last 10 matches. The batter had averaged a meagre 5, and there were rumours of him getting dropped from the side. However, on Friday, the aggressive batter turned things around for himself.

He was promoted to number 3 ahead of Fakhar Zaman, which was a baffling decision at first, but it turned out to be a masterstroke by Salman Ali Agha. With the early dismissal of Saim Ayub, Haris was promoted, and this was just the confidence the batter needed.

Haris runs vs Oman

Criterion
Data
Balls
44
Runs66
Strike rate150

(Haris vs Oman)

  • Coming into bat at 3, Haris got the license to go for the attack, and the Pakistan batter justified the promotion with a whirlwind knock and a strike rate of 150. 
  • While Sahibzada Farhan was struggling for runs, and looked toothless, Haris took off instantly and helped Pakistan switch gears.
  • Moreover, the wicket was not easy to bat on, but the right-handed batter played an aggressive knock and took the surface out of the equation.

But things weren’t easy heading into this match as Haris had endured a nightmarish run in the tri-series, coming in at 7.

Mohammad Haris in the tri-series at No.7

In 5 matches in the tri-series, he scored just 33 runs, with an average of 6.60, and a strike rate of 84.62. Interestingly, before the series, he had preached to Babar Azam to play with a high strike rate, and he himself failed to live up to the expectations.

In the series, for some reason, he was demoted to number 7, a position he was not familiar with. As a result, the numbers were difficult to come by, and he struggled badly.

How promoting him at 3 turned to be a masterstroke

Haris’ usual position in T20Is is either the opening spot or number 3. However, he was forced to bat at an unusual position. But against Oman, he was urged to play at 3, and the results were there. 66 runs, and a strike rate of 150.

Also, unlike Fakhar Zaman, Haris is someone who can start attacking the bowlers from the on-set, and hence, sending him in place of Fakhar was a bold move which worked brilliantly.