Shoaib Malik Suggests Ideal Batting Position for Mohammad Haris Ahead of Crucial Matches
Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has weighed in on the optimal batting position for young wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, particularly as the team prepares for the Asia Cup 2025 and the highly anticipated clash against India.
Malik's Recommendation: Number Three for Haris
Speaking on a local sports platform, Malik advocated for maintaining the winning combination that led Pakistan to success in the recent tri-nation T20I series against Afghanistan and the UAE. He emphasized a simple strategy for optimizing the batting order.
“Look, you recently won the tri-nation series, and the combination that helped you win should largely remain intact. It needs to be simplified: you have left-hand and right-hand openers; if the right-hander gets out, Haris should come in at number three, while Fakhar Zaman should move down accordingly. The pattern should be left-hander for left-hander, right-hander for right-hander,” Malik explained.
Malik believes Haris is most effective when batting during the powerplay, leveraging the field restrictions. He argued that pushing him down the order diminishes his impact.
“If that doesn’t happen, and the left-hander gets out with Fakhar coming in, you still need to ensure Haris bats during the powerplay. Lower down the order, he becomes ineffective because he isn’t a natural power-hitter and isn’t suited to that role.”
Haris's Past Success at Number Three
Malik highlighted that Haris's most significant contributions have come when batting at number three. The veteran believes consistency in this approach is key.
“If you look at his recent performances, he scored runs when he played at number three. The combination hasn’t always worked smoothly, but it should be kept simple: right-hander for right-hander, left-hander for left-hander.”
Malik's Mentoring Approach
Malik also shared insights into his mentoring approach with Haris during the Champions Cup tournament, focusing on mindset over technical adjustments.
“Mentoring is not just about telling someone what to do. A mentor should first listen to the player’s mindset — how they view the game. When I spoke with Haris, I suggested he try a different approach," he stated.
"Even if it didn’t bring immediate success, at least he would understand the process. I didn’t focus much on his skills; I worked on his mindset. Our players don’t need as much technical correction as they need mental clarity.”
Haris's Recent Form and Asia Cup 2025 Start
Despite having a strike rate of 137.21 in 28 T20Is, Mohammad Haris's form has been inconsistent recently. However, he has begun his Asia Cup 2025 campaign strongly, suggesting a return to form.
Mohammed Haris has begun his Asia Cup 2025 in style with a stunning batting display in Dubai on Friday. Facing Oman, Haris put on a show for the crowd with a fine half-century batting first. The keeper batter’s form bodes well for the Men in Green, with the IND vs PAK clash on the horizon.
Pakistan and head coach Mike Hesson rate Haris highly. In the PSL 2025, he scored 247 runs in 10 games, striking at 148.79. Some runs under his belt would be a huge confidence boost ahead of the IND vs PAK game. The 24-year-old will be key with his six-hitting against the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
Haris Shines Against Oman: A Warning Sign for India
Mohammad Haris delivered a blistering performance against Oman, scoring a quick-fire half-century. This display of form comes as a timely boost for Pakistan ahead of their crucial match against India in the Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan has moved away from stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan in a tactic that has ignited a lot of debate. Coach Mike Hesson has adopted a rather aggressive approach, with Rizwan replaced by Mohammed Haris. The move raised eyebrows given the right-hander only managed 33 runs in 5 games in the recent UAE tri-series.
Come the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan have reaped rewards of their faith in Haris. The 24-year-old led Pakistan’s assault in Dubai, regularly finding gaps. It was his maiden T20I fifty to go along with his solitary century in 29 innings. Haris managed the bulk of the scoring, eventually dismissed for 67 off 44 balls. He laced his innings with 7 boundaries and 3 sixes.
