Expectations
This is generally high when the Pakistan team plays. The World Cup in India makes it even more exciting, because emotional factors may come into play. And this is a team capable of big things. There is a lot of potential and firepower. Despite missing speedster Naseem Shah, they are enviably equipped in key departments. They definitely start as one of the teams to watch out for.
Where they finished last time
They were in contention for a semi-final berth until the end of the league stage. There were some strong performances, including wins over both the finalists — England and New Zealand. But there were some flat days and a washout against Sri Lanka. They eventually finished fifth in the table, equal on points with New Zealand but behind on net run-rate.
Strengths and weaknesses
The speedsters: Fast bowling has always been a strength of this team. It’s no different this time. Yes, they will miss Naseem Shah, who is one of their best. But they still have what it takes to master any conditions. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will be the principal fast bowlers. There is able spin back-up in Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz.
All-rounders the key: They have all-rounders. There are batters who can bowl a bit and bowlers who can bat more than just a bit. Shadab, the vice-captain, could be the difference between Pakistan and other teams. This is a well-balanced side on paper. Man for man in Indian conditions, they are almost as good as the best.
Batting bases covered: The batting is strong. They have players who can play the holding game and cut loose. There is technique, temperament and experience. They have done well in the sub-continent. And this team has all the bases covered when it comes to batting in the different stages of an innings. Led by Babar Azam, they know what works on these pitches.
Loose fielding unit: Fielding is the most obvious weak link. It has been their historical bane. Be it catching in the slips or covering the outfield, it is not a surprise to see them fumble. This has cost them big games in the past. The World Cup quarter-final against Australia in 2015 and the T20 World Cup semi-final against the same team in 2021 are examples.
Tendency to self-destruct: Also, they have a tendency to implode when things seem to be going their way. This usually happens in the closing stages of big events, where they overcome the big teams early on in the competition. It’s difficult to explain why this happens. But this is a reason why they have not done really well in the last few World Cups.
Star turn
It’s a close call between Babar and Shaheen. Both are game-changers. But going by the prejudice that cricket is a batter’s game, let this go to Babar. One of the most prolific batters in recent times, who is also a treat for the eyes, the skipper will be the cynosure. He is in form and will enjoy the batting conditions in India.
New kid on the block
One cannot really say that someone over 27 is a new kid. But given that he is a newcomer to this stage, leg-spinner Usama Mir is the lesser-known player to watch out for. He has the trait his tribe is known for, which is deceptive aggression. The chances of Pakistan fielding another leg-spinner alongside Shadab are not high. If they do, Usama could spring a few surprises.
Where they should finish
Pakistan will be disappointed if they do not make the semi-finals. The last time they went that far, the tournament was played in India in 2011. They should be more at home in these conditions than in England and Australia. If they play to their strengths and reduce traditional weaknesses, they can make the last four. After that, who knows!
Match schedule
Oct 6: Versus Netherlands, Hyderabad
Oct 10: Versus Sri Lanka, Hyderabad
Oct 14: Versus India, Ahmedabad
Oct 20: Versus Australia, Bengaluru
Oct 23: Versus Afghanistan, Chennai
Oct 27: Versus South Africa, Chennai
Oct 31: Versus Bangladesh, Kolkata
Nov 4: Versus New Zealand, Bengaluru
Nov 11: Versus England, Kolkata
Full squad
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.
Likely first-choice XI
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.