Mohammad Hafeez is a Pakistani cricket player known for his versatile skills as an opening batsman and offspin bowler. He made his debut for the Pakistani team in 2003 but had to wait until 2011 to establish himself as a regular player in all formats of the game.
Hafeez brings a range of options to the team with his aggressive batting style at the top of the order. He possesses an organized technique that allows him to switch to a defensive mode when required. In addition, his exceptional control over line and length makes him a valuable option for his captain to utilize at any stage of the innings. Hafeez’s prowess extends beyond his batting and bowling capabilities; he is also an outstanding fielder, particularly in the point region.
However, Hafeez faced challenges in the early years of his international career due to his inability to convert promising starts into substantial scores. Often falling victim to scores in the 30s and 40s, he struggled to fulfill his potential and deliver consistent performances.
His breakthrough came in 2011 when Hafeez displayed remarkable consistency with both bat and ball across all formats. This stellar year saw him scoring two centuries in tests, three in ODIs, and two fifties in Twenty20 internationals. Hafeez’s performances earned him ten Man-of-the-Match awards, making him only the third cricketer (after Sanath Jayasuriya and Jacques Kallis) to score over 1000 runs and take 30 or more wickets in ODIs in a single calendar year. Forming a stable opening partnership with Taufeeq Umar, Hafeez’s aggressive approach complemented Taufeeq’s defensive style and solidified Pakistan’s top-order in Test matches.
While Hafeez has continued to impress with his abilities, he remains an enigmatic figure in the cricketing world. The ease with which he switches from an attacking to a defensive mode has puzzled both fans and critics. Although statistically one of Pakistan’s most prolific cricketers, Hafeez has at times struggled to fully capitalize on his immense talent.
Hafeez’s elegant batting style, accentuated by his exquisite cover-drives, has produced numerous memorable moments. He holds the tenth position on Pakistan’s all-time ODI runs list. Notable innings include a century against India in Dhaka and three hundreds in four games against Sri Lanka in 2013. However, his most famous innings is arguably his swashbuckling unbeaten 57 in the Champions Trophy final against India, leading Pakistan to a commanding victory.
Hafeez’s bowling is equally valuable to the Pakistan team. His consistency as a bowler offers an additional option for his team, leading to his selection even when his batting form may be lacking. At times, he has opened the bowling for Pakistan, particularly in T20 cricket. Moreover, he briefly assumed the role of the team’s lead spinner after Saeed Ajmal’s suspension for an illegal action.
However, Hafeez has also faced his share of challenges. He has been suspended three times for an illegal bowling action. These periods of uncertainty have threatened his place in the side, as his technical flaws as a batsman appear to persist. Despite being overlooked for a recent series in Zimbabwe, Hafeez’s extensive experience in 50 Tests, 200 ODIs, and close to 100 T20Is suggests that counting him out prematurely would be a risky move.
Mohammad Hafeez’s career has been marked by versatility, inconsistency, and the ability to overcome challenges. His dynamic skills and contributions to the Pakistani team make him a significant figure in international cricket.
