Mohammad Hafeez defends himself after string of poor performances

Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez is a veteran in the T20 format. The ‘Professor’ as they call him has been serving Pakistan for close to two decades and is keen to continue playing for few more years. However, Hafeez’s recent performances have not been that great.

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Hafeez scored a 99 against New Zealand in Hamilton in December 2020 but since then, he has left his fans disappointed with strings of low scores on South Africa, Zimbabwe, England and West Indies tours. While Hafeez admitted that his performance as a batsman has not been up to the mark, he emphasized that his contributions as an all-rounder has helped the 'Men in Green'.

“If you look at my individual performances in the three T20Is against England, in the first match I came to bat in the 18th over and played around eight or nine balls and made 25 or 26 runs. Those runs proved very helpful to help the side to a big total. In the second match, when you have to chase with an average run rate of 13 then you can only attack. You don’t have another option. In the third match, I got a chance, and I haven’t been in that form, but I contributed with the ball in that match. Overall, the tour of England was ok,” said Hafeez.

“In West Indies a T20I was reduced. Three out of the remaining four could not be played due to rain. The one that was completed was won by us because of which we won the series. My performance in that match was good and I was the man of the match. Overall, as a player you try to contribute to help your side to victory and I have done that. As an all-rounder I have contributed but yes, I am working harder on my batting and am trying to regain last year’s form,” he added.

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Pakistan won the T20I series against South Africa and Zimbabwe but lost the series against England before picking up a 1-0 win over West Indies. Hafeez further said that he is working hard to regain his form.

“This year I have played international and league cricket, but I have not been satisfied with my performances with the bat. My numbers had been changing in different situations and conditions. I never take it negatively because you always have an opportunity that you need to avail and perform better,” he said.

“Overall, in the three to four months, starting from the tour of South Africa, I have not been satisfied with my batting performances. I am trying every day to technically regain that form and confidence. I am looking forward and everyday my outlook, as far as my batting is concerned, is to perform better. I am sure that things will start working very soon,” he concluded.