Hussain Talat Hits Back, Says T20 Middle Order Is Toughest Role

Just days after being slammed for a scratchy knock against India, Hussain Talat anchored Pakistan to a crucial win over Sri Lanka. He then came to a post-match press conference to defend the value of middle-order batting in T20 cricket.

The 28-year-old allrounder said the criticism is usual, but he believes people don’t fully understand the role of middle order. “There are maybe four or five players in Pakistan who can bat in the middle order, and even they don’t want to play there,” Talat said, his tone was sharp but calm. “It’s the hardest job in T20 cricket.”

From Scapegoat to Saviour

On Sunday against India, Talat’s promotion to No. 4 backfired badly. Pakistan were cruising at nine an over when Saim Ayub fell, but momentum vanished once Talat walked in. He struggled for timing, scoring just 10 off 11, and India took control. That stretch of seven overs yielded just 38 runs, the lowest at such a period of the tournament. Fans tore into him online, some even asking why he wasn’t given the ball if his batting was that scratchy.

Talat admitted. “People forget one bad day can happen to anyone. But the middle order is different. You’re asked to be aggressive, then suddenly to anchor, and if it doesn’t come off you’re out of the team.”

Two days later, against Sri Lanka, he responded in the best way possible. Chasing 134, Pakistan collapsed from 43 for none to 56 for four, and then 80 for five. The chase was wobbling when Talat dug in with Mohammad Nawaz, resisting the temptation to swing wildly. Together, they steadied, then accelerated.

“When I went in, wickets were falling,” Talat said. “My gut told me to take it deep. Nawaz said he would attack and for me to anchor. That worked nicely for both of us.”

Anchoring the Chase

The turning point came when Hasaranga dropped short, and the team got back-to-back boundaries. Suddenly, Sri Lanka’s control was gone. Nawaz then hammered three sixes off Chameera in the 18th over to finish the job. Pakistan won with two overs to spare, Talat ending with 32 from 30 and two wickets to his name.

That one moment flipped everything. Where he had been the villain against India, now he was the man praised for “holding one end up” by experts like Aakash Chopra. Gasps had turned to cheers, and the press box buzzed with talk of Talat’s redemption.

A Long Road Back

For Talat, every performance carries extra weight. His return to Pakistan’s XI came after more than four years in the wilderness. “I’ve had to scrap harder than most,” he said. “But this group is different. Players are backed now. You get more than just one or two matches to prove yourself.”

To be fair, he is right. Pakistan’s management has been vocal about giving consistency to its bench players. 

Looking Ahead

Pakistan’s victory means they stay alive in the Asia Cup, just two games from lifting the trophy. For Talat, it’s also a personal win. He silenced critics, at least for now, and reminded everyone why middle-order batting cannot be judged by surface stats alone.

“We believe we can win this trophy,” Talat said. “But for me, it’s about proving the middle order deserves trust. If we’re backed, we can do the job.”

The picture looks very different. From scapegoat to match-winner in 48 hours, Hussain Talat has reminded Pakistan fans that cricket careers can flip on a single innings.