Marks out of ten for each of Pakistan’s players, following their series loss against New Zealand
Andrew Fidel Fernando30-Nov-20167Mohammad Amir
He is keeping count of the catches dropped off his bowling. By his measure, it’s at least 12 in Tests since his return. Bowled the best over of the series, in Hamilton, but cruelly had to settle for just one wicket from it. He wasn’t always menacing – particularly once the juice had left the pitches, but he was the bowler New Zealand’s batsmen seemed least keen on facing.Sohail Khan
Has pecs like adjoining cliffs, and forearms like branches, but it is Sohail’s wit that got him most of his wickets this series, though the muscles did help with his batting. He was expensive in the second innings at Hamilton, but was otherwise good in a series that didn’t really feature the outswing he relies on.Babar Azam
His 90 not out wasn’t the highest score in the series, but it may have been the most impressive innings, as more experienced teammates crashed and burned around him. Has a back foot punch as sublime as his monobrow, and in his efficient footwork and ability to pick length early, he may have the tools to become a very good batsman. This has been said of plenty of young Pakistan batsmen before. We can only hope Azam doesn’t become another cautionary tale.Imran Khan
Bowled accurately on a helpful deck in Hamilton, delivering some especially memorable indippers to right-handed batsmen, though he picked up a wicket off a terrible, short, wide ball as well. Wasn’t the most threatening Pakistan bowler, but was the most disciplined in the Test he played.6Rahat Ali
Was the best of Pakistan’s bowlers on the third morning at Hagley Oval, which was maybe the visitors’ best session of the whole series. Despite having achieved his team’s best haul in that game, was unrequired in Hamilton.5Sami Aslam
Could have played for a maiden Test hundred on the final day of the series, but instead he perished slogging unselfishly for the team. Nicked off twice to Tim Southee when the ball was angled across him, but this is a common enough ailment for left-handed openers. Coaches might do well to keep him out of the slips for a little while, at least until some catching confidence can be regained.Azhar Ali
His 31 at Hagley Oval came off 173 deliveries. His 58 at Seddon Park off 161. Clearly Azhar has an impressive defensive technique in difficult positions, but in this series, he didn’t quite convert that into a substantial advantage for his team.Azhar Ali’s circumspect style didn’t help his side in this series•Getty Images4Misbah-Ul-Haq
In keeping with a theme for the senior batsmen, Misbah spent a lot of time at the crease at Hagley Oval without scoring many runs. His mis-hit hook off a Southee bouncer sparked a collapse in the second innings of that match. Was unavailable for the second Test due to tragic family circumstances.Sarfraz Ahmed
Should have been run out about four times in Hamilton, but was dismissed this way only once – when Pakistan were looking to him for quick runs. Now having played 30 Tests, he will want to improve on that average outside Asia. Was generally good behind the stumps.3Asad Shafiq
The move back down to no. 6 did not produce the familiar Shafiq yield from the middle order. Had two slightly strange dismissals in Hamilton, once playing on attempting a booming off drive, and then giving point a catch off the leading edge, when he had wanted to push a full ball to leg.Mohammad Rizwan
Fell to a Neil Wagner short ball off the first Test delivery he ever faced, but managed the bouncers much better in the second innings. Looked a secure slip fielder as well.Wahab Riaz
Had a chance missed off his bowling in the second innings at Hamilton, and though he bowled a good spell on the fourth day, didn’t have enough wickets to show for it again. Pakistan hope he will be more effective across the Tasman, where the pitches are expected to be harder and faster.2Yasir Shah
Bowled 13.3 decent overs on a profoundly unhelpful Hagley Oval deck, and despite having spurred many famous victories in recent years, was left out – perhaps wrongly – at Hamilton. His greatest impact on the series might have been as a substitute fielder.Younis Khan
Eleven, 2, 2 and 1 – so read Younis’ scores on a tour on which Pakistan desperately missed him. Seam movement undid him twice, bounce once, and to close out the series, he padded up to a ball headed for off stump.
