Cricket World Player of the Week - Mohammad Hafeez

Facing heat from the media, 39-year-old Mohammad Hafeez repaid the faith of the selectors with a 36-ball 69-run knock in the 2nd T20I between Pakistan and England.

Hafeez also became just the third player to complete 2,000 T20I runs and is our Cricket World Player of the Week.

When Pakistan took the field in their first-ever T20 international against England, in 2006, there were two individuals who walked out to open the innings for Pakistan, in pursuit of the 145-run target set by England.

One of them was Shoaib Malik. The other was Mohammad Hafeez. By the time 25-year-old Hafeez was run-out on 46 off 40 deliveries in that game, Pakistan were poised for a victory. The team won comfortably with 13 balls to spare.

5??1?? from just 26 balls for Mohammad Hafeez ?? #ENGvPAK SCORECARD ?? https://t.co/gj4Qi7nJbR pic.twitter.com/M2YaaQnxKe

— ICC (@ICC) August 30, 2020

14 years later, with the dismissal of Fakhar Zaman, 39-year-old Mohammad Hafeez came out to take guard in another T20I against England. He had a lot being said and written about him in the media - apparently he was past his prime and was taking the spot of youngster Haider Ali, the future of Pakistan cricket.

Hafeez brought an end to all criticism with a 36-ball 69-un knock which helped Pakistan to a sizable 195-run total.

Starting cautiously, it did not take Hafeez long to grow into his work as the stylish batsman struck 5 fours and 4 sixes. During his stay at the crease, he batted at a strike rate of over 190.

Hafeez will be a part of Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad in 2021 or not, only time will tell, but he has certainly staked his claim with the explosive hand.

© Cricket World 2020