Introduction:
The 13th edition of the Cricket World Cup is just a few nights away and we could see the excitement growing day by day. The reason for that might be the fact that this World Cup could be the last one for many Modern – Day greats like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, David Warner. The World Cup comes back to India after 12 Years and only for the 4th time in the history. For the first time, all the games will be played in India (previously played in Pakistan, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh).
TEAM PAKISTAN:
Pakistan did not have the greatest of campaigns in the last world cup. They were tied on 11 points with New Zealand and due to poor NRR they missed out on the semi-final berth. They did find momentum towards the back end of the tournament but heavy losses against West Indies & India did hurt them. Ever since that World Cup, the Pakistan team has gone through many changes. Players like Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, Mohammed Amir, Sarfaraz Ahmed & Imad Wasim are retired or sidelined. The current Pakistan team is young and has been one of the most successful teams post the 2019 World Cup. They have consistently maintained their ICC Rankings from 1-4.
SQUAD:
- BABAR AZAM (C)
- FAKHAR ZAMAN
- IMAM UL HAQ
- SAUD SHAKEEL
- IFTIKHAR AHMED
- ABDULLAH SHAFIQUE
- SHADAB KHAN (VC)
- AGHA SALMAN
- MOHAMMAD NAWAZ
- MOHAMMAD WASIN JR
- MOHAMMAD RIZWAN (WK)
- MOHAMMAD HARIS (WK)*
- HARIS RAUF
- SHAHEEN AFRIDI
- HASAN ALI
- USMA MIR
(Note: * Travelling Reserve)
STRENGTHS:
- TOP-ORDER: The Pakistani top order is one of the most consistent and dangerous in the competition. Even though both Fakhar Zaman & Imam Ul Haq are short of runs, we can’t write off their experience and class. Once they come back to form and with the likes of Babar Azam & Mohammed Rizwan to follow, the Pakistan top order has enough fire to burn the opposition.
- SEAM BOWLING: Historically, Pakistan have produced some great seamers especially left arm seamers. And this Pakistan team is no different. Ever since Wahab Riaz & Mohammed Amir left the side, the Pakistan team management have handled the transition quite easily with the emergence of Shaheen Afridi & Haris Rauf. T20 Leagues like PSL, BBL & CPL has played a huge part in this transition. They will miss the services of Naseem shah as the tournament progresses.
WEAKNESS:
- MIDDLE ORDER: Pakistan’s strong top order has somewhat contributed to this weak middle order. They have either underperformed or undercooked at times. Players like Iftikhar has experience but lacks consistency. And its vice versa for players like Saud Shakeel & Agha Salman. For Pakistan to do well in this tournament, their middle order must step up at some stage of the tournament.
- SPIN BOWLING: Generally, the spin department will be the strongest part of their bowling for Asian Teams, but as things are always different in Pakistan’s team, the spin department is looking ineffective. The vice-captain Shadab Khan had a forgettable Asia Cup and Mohammed Nawaz has been struggling to find his place in the XI. Iftikhar’s part time spin has been a plus point, but he might not fare well against better teams. Like their middle order, the spinner will also play a key role for them to go a long way in this tournament.
PROBABLE PLAYING XI:
Imam Ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Abdullah Shafique, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
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FIXTURES:
- Netherlands vs Pakistan (Hyderabad) – 06th October 2023
- Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (Hyderabad) – 10th October 2023
- India vs Pakistan (Ahmedabad) – 14th October 2023
- Australia vs Pakistan (Bengaluru) – 20th October 2023
- Afghanistan vs Pakistan (Chennai) – 23rd October 2023
- Pakistan vs South Africa (Chennai) – 27th October 2023
- Bangladesh vs Pakistan (Kolkata) – 31st October 2023
- New Zealand vs Pakistan (Bengaluru) – 4th November 2023
- England vs Pakistan (Kolkata) – 11th November 2023
FACTS:
- 3 - The number of times the World Cup has been held in the Sub-Continent and Pakistan have qualified for the knockouts all three times.
- 4 - Pakistan will be the only team to play two matches in 4 different grounds in this World Cup.
- 77.7% - Pakistan have the best win percentage since the 2019 World Cup.
- 1 - Babar Azam needs 1 more century to become the batter with most centuries for Pakistan in ODIs.
CONCLUSION:
Until the Asia Cup, where they were considered as one of the favorites, they had all their bases covered. But a huge loss to India and some unexpected injuries has given them a slight set back. To add salt to the wound, the players have had some issues with the board regarding their Central contract. Since the Sri Lanka tour which started in this June, they have been playing without any remuneration.
The Pakistan players once decided to not to take part in any of the World Cup promotions and boycott sponsors. But thankfully all the issues have been sorted just before the big tournament. Their leading players and the board have come together for a mutually agreed salary hike. While comparing with the previous World Cup squad, this Pakistan team looks really strong. It has the perfect blend of experience and talent. Along with India, England & Australia, Pakistan is also the most likely team to reach the Semi-Finals.
