Pakistan has had the highest winning percentage in ODIs since the last World Cup, and they are currently the second-best team in ODI rankings.
Let’s see how Pakistan Cricket Team shaping up for the upcoming mega event :
STRENGTH :
Top 3 has been unstoppable in last couple of years and quick bowling trio is best in the world. Our fast bowling averaging less than 27 since last WC & it’s the best average among all WC teams. The captaincy has been top notch and this is a groomed unit currently.
UNIQUENESS :
Unreal depth in batting, variety in spin bowling department, quality fast bowling and too many all-round options.
CLARITY :
Every player have their defined role in the team which brings clarity, a good combination can save a team from various headaches.
CONDITIONS :
Pakistan have played a lot in Sri Lanka and it’s own grounds recently and it should help in the tournament, as India’s pitches are similar to them, having flat pitches with small boundaries, but a little help to spinners. You won’t get more tired pitches than this to prepare.
WEAKNESS :
Quality spin options in the middle is a concern. Our spin department averaging 40 since last WC and placed at the bottom. The pitches of India are spin friendly so heavy responsibility lies on the shoulders of our spinners.
The Orders Of Pakistan Cricket Team:
The Captain:
Babar Azam, currently the number one ODI batsman in the world is leading the team which is ranked second in current ODI rankings. He has been currently dominating the batting rankings and has been consistent in the ODI side since 2021. Babar Azam is one of the finest batters in contemporary cricket. He has been the most important wicket for any bowler of every team due to his consistency. He will be playing an important role in the World Cup individually as well as a captain.
The Top Order:
The top order of Pakistan i.e Imam ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique will be very crucial for us in the ODI World Cup season starting from tomorrow.
Imam Ul Haq left-handed batsman, known for his great batting skills always stood up at the crucial times when all the batting line up is being dismissed. He stayed there and performed his duty well.
While Fakhar Zaman on the other side, is a big match winner player. When he is in a mood or when he is all set, he doesn’t see which bowler he is playing, he will destroy the opponents with his skillfull batting to win for his team. But in the past couple of matches, he has been struggling with his form. He has not been able to deliver it consistently, but he is a big hope for Pakistan. If Fakhar performs, Pakistan wins.
Then comes Abdullah Shafique, he is a classy player and has unique shots in terms of class. He has been performing for Pakistan whenever he has been given the opportunity.
The Middle Order:
The middle order of Pakistan, Muhammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman and Iftikhar Ahmed are all set for the World Cup 2023. The middle order has always stood up for Pakistan at stages where there’s no hope left.
Muhammad Rizwan, the run-machine will never stop making runs and winning matches for the team, and has been consistent from last couple of matches.
Saud Shakeel has played total six matches for Pakistan in ODI’s and has been an impactful player. He proved this in the last warm-up match against New Zealand.
Agha Salman had been playing from a long time for Pakistan and is selected on the basis of his impactful performance in middle/ lower order.
Iftikhar Ahmed, being the senior player never stops in show-casing his abilities in the lower order.
The Spin Department:
The spin department of Pakistan is a little bit concern as Shadab Khan has not been performing well since Asia Cup. Usama Mir and Muhammad Nawaz will be playing an essential role in the World Cup.
Shadab Khan has been playing an important role with the bat and the ball in earlier times. But due to some of his bad matches, he has been a matter of concern for Pakistan at this time. Hopefully, he will be performing well with the bat as well as with the ball in the World Cup.
Usama Mir has been playing with the ball really well and his form will be very significant for Pakistan. On the other hand, Muhammad Nawaz has played at crucial times and won matches with the bat and the ball. He needs to be consistent with the ball.
The Bowling Attack:
Pakistan’s bowling attack has always been world class since forever. It has been Pakistan’s strength throughout in almost every match. Shaheen Shah Afridi, leading our pace attack, has always been phenomenal with the new ball.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s skills posed no doubts from the start. He just kept on polishing himself and now he turned out to be the most destructive new ball bowler.
Hasan Ali, being the star performer in 2017 Champions Trophy, has always been focusing on his skills to be the best. He has been good with the new ball in recent times.
Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s speedster has been performing well from a long time. He has the best bowling skills in the middle overs to tackle the batsman.
Last but not the least, Wasim Junior has been good in the death overs, leading to unpredictable wins for Pakistan.
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