When rookie middle-order batsman Haris Sohail put in a match-winning 'all-round' performance in the first ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand in Dubai, many may have wondered whether Misbah-ul-Haq had found a possible replacement for the suspended Mohammad Hafeez.

Last Sunday, International Cricket Council (ICC) declared Hafeez’s action illegal and suspended him from bowling duties.

The 34-year-old joined Pakistan's ace spinner Saeed Ajmal in being suspended for the same offence, but was retained for the ODI series against New Zealand for his batting ability. Team manager Moin Khan said 'Pakistan's World Cup plans had been badly hit, but Hafeez had a lot to offer to the team as a batsman.'

But the truth is, the team never really counted on his batting as much as it did on his mastery with the ball. Such was his hold that the figures of 10-39-1 almost seemed a permanent fixture when the Pakistan bowling card popped up on the screen.

Does our emasculated attack stand a chance in Australia?

 

There is no doubt that it was the Professor's bowling which always made up for his shortcomings with the bat. And even though he scored a vital 76 to propel Pakistan to a competitive 252 in the second ODIagainst New Zealand, it was pretty evident from the way the second half of the game meandered that something was frustratingly off about Pakistan's combination.

New Zealand were 103 in 18.2 overs of their chase when they lost their first wicket. It was a helpless passage of play for Pakistan, who, led by Shahid Afridi for a good part of the chase after an injury to Misbah-ul-Haq in the field, seemed to be merely going through the motions thereafter.