Pakistan had a rather disappointing Asia Cup 2023 campaign and now their focus shifted to the ICC World Cup 2023 in India, starting October 5. The Men in Green announced their ODI squad after the Asia Cup and recalled Hasan Ali. Notably, Naseem Shah, who suffered an injury during the Asia Cup, has been ruled out of the World Cup, handing Pakistan a severe blow. Pakistan have named three travelling reserves – wicketkeeper-batter Mohamad Haris, spinner Abrar Ahmed and fast bowler Zaman Khan for the World Cup. They would be considered if there were any injuries in the squad.
Going by Pakistan’s recent scenes at the Asia Cup, the side looks dependent on skipper Babar. Batting remains a weak link for the Men in Green and this is something they will need to address. Also, the ruling out of Naseem dents Pakistan further. In 14 ODIs, he has claimed 32 scalps at 16.96. Pakistan will feel gutted to miss his services. Hasan, who has 91 ODI scalps, last played an ODI match against West Indies in Multan, in 2022. Pakistan have a decent squad in place and if they scale the full potential, a desired approach could be achievable. Ahead of the World Cup on October 5, here we present the analysis of Pakistan.
A look at Pakistan’s 15-member ICC World Cup squad
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Wasim Junior, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Osama Mir.
Naseem’s injury a major blow
Missing Naseem will hurt Pakistan’s lethal weapon in the pace attack alongside Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. However, plenty of cricket both in international and global T20 leagues took a toll on the 20-year-old. Naseem injured his right shoulder during the Super 4 stage game against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup which could delay his return to international cricket for three to four months. Hasan, who hasn’t been part of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket for over a year, got a surprise recall; several others in contention like tall fast bowler Ihsanullah and Mohammad Hasnain were also ruled out because of various injuries.
Strengths of the Pakistan cricket team
Imam-ul-Haq deserves praise for solidity upfront with the bat. Imam is closing in on 3000 runs in ODI cricket at 50.44. He is a champ performer in Asia and a solid show is what will be expected from the southpaw. Imam needs to produce his best show in what will be a crucial aspect for Babar & Co. Another major positive for the Pakistan cricket team is skipper Babar around whom the team is dependent largely. Babar has 5409 runs in ODIs at 58.16. His consistent run flow and ability to keep the batting in shape makes him one of the world leaders. If Pakistan are to go out and get to the semis, runs from Babar will be massive. He knows he has extra responsibility in hand and will want to make things work.
Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed are players who can put in a shift. Rizwan is known for his all-round stroke play and solidity. He has 1693 runs at 36.90. In terms of strike rate, Rizwan’s tally reads 88.59. He will want to play well and make sure Pakistan get those extra runs in the middle and death overs. Iftikhar Ahmed will be expected to play a massive role. The all-rounder has 472 runs from 19 matches at 47.20. His strike rate in ODI cricket is over 100. Expect the big shots from Iftikhar’s blade.
With the ball, Afridi leads the line. The left-arm pacer was top-notch for his side in the 2019 World Cup in England and a similar show will now be expected. With Naseem’s absence, it’s up to Afridi now to bowl more intelligently. In 44 ODIs, he has taken 86 scalps and could breach the 100-wicket mark. Haris is another bowler who can have a massive impact. Recently, the fast bowler raced past 50 wickets in the format. Shadab Khan with his spin exploits can be a weapon. The vice-captain of Pakistan has 83 scalps.
Weaknesses of the Pakistan cricket team
As mentioned above, Naseem’s absence could hinder Pakistan’s growth. The 20-year-old with his promising economy rate and nagging length and line would have been a top force. Hasan’s return is marked with questions. He hasn’t been in the game for a long time. Also, Pakistan’s bench doesn’t quite have the threat factor in both pace and spin. A lot of work will be needed in the bowling department in the World Cup. Mohammad Wasim Jr and Mohammad Nawaz need to back themselves and play a fearless brand of cricket.
On the other hand, Fakhar Zaman’s poor show can hurt the Pakistani side. Fakhar has struggled to find himself going and was dropped to the bench in a decider at the Asia Cup tie versus Sri Lanka. He needs to find his feet. He has an average of 46.00 in 2023 and needs to find his feet shown in the early parts.
Pakistan’s other batting options look bland. That’s a worry for a team that can struggle to find rhythm and intensity, especially with the dependency on a few crux senior names to bail them out on most occasions.
Author’s view: Pakistan could miss out on the last four
Pakistan could well miss out on the top four with key factors in play. Naseem’s absence and too much riding on Babar’s shoulders are the main issues. If Babar fails to score consistently, expect the side to struggle for runs. Pakistan haven’t quite found rhythm in ODI World Cups since 1992 and here we can see them struggle once again. It will need a Herculean task for Babar and his troops to beat the best and go the distance. Pakistan will have to make sure they remain focused.
Players to watch out for
Imam is a player on whom the money can be spent. He is a classy performer and his ability to churn out big scores are a plus. In 12 matches, he has 448 runs in 2023, hammering five fifties. He needs to get those triple-digit scores
Shaheen is one of the best in business and is a pacer to watch out for. His brilliant swing and seam movements can rattle the best batters. Shaheen has to think and work smartly. His role is a big factor in this side.
Pakistan Cricket Team World Cup schedule
In this 10-team tourney, all teams will play each other and the top four reach the semis. Here is Pakistan’s schedule.
Pakistan vs Netherlands, October 8 (Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad) 2:00 PM
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, October 10 (Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad) 2:00 PM
India vs Pakistan, October 14 (Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad) 2:00 PM
Australia vs Pakistan, October 20 (Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru) 2:00 PM
Pakistan vs Netherlands, October 23 (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai) 2:00 PM
Pakistan vs South Africa, October 27 (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai) 2:00 PM
Pakistan vs Bangladesh, October 31 (Eden Gardens, Kolkata) 2:00 PM
Pakistan vs New Zealand, November 4 (Chinnaswamy Stadium) 10:30 AM
England vs Pakistan, November 11 (Eden Gardens, Kolkata) 2:00 PM