Pakistan cricket team can’t afford to be complacent in the Asia Cup 2023 despite having a dangerous bowling lineup. Babar Azam would be aware of the fact that the middle-order batters need to perform according to their credentials. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is quite vulnerable during the initial overs phase which can be a concern for Pakistan. Pakistan is placed in Group A consisting of Nepal & India and are all set to play their opening match against Nepal at Multan.
Squad: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel
Travelling Reserve: Tayyab Tahir
Strengths
Pakistan have got a devastating bowling attack in the form of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah & Haris Rauf. The trio can easily decimate the opposition on a given day. Skipper Babar Azam will have to use Haris Rauf smartly and perhaps give him 3-5 spells as the right-arm pacer can create a havoc with his express pace & impeccable lines & lengths.
Weaknesses
Pakistan’s middle order is quite inexperienced as the likes of Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam will have to do the bulk of scoring. There are chances that the all-rounder Shadab Khan could be promoted up the order as the batter can be the surprise package for the opposition. Pakistan would be banking on Rizwan to play aggressive brand of cricket against the spinners in the middle overs phase as a knock of 70 odd runs can change the complexion of the match.
X factor
Pakistan’s dynamic skipper Babar Azam will have to outplay the opposition with his wide range of shorts and is someone who can play the waiting the game as well. Along with Babar Azam, the left arm pacer Shaheen Afridi is an X factor for the Men in Green. Shaheen has shown his batting prowess and could be promoted up the order at No.5 or No.6 position and play the role of pinch hitter. The duo of Babar & Shaheen will be quite pivotal for Pakistan if the side wants to win the championship.
Chances
Pakistan first of all would be eyeing to defeat Nepal on 30th August; as Nepal can sprung in a surprise and we all have witnessed how unpredictable Pakistan cricket team has been. It would be quite surprising if Pakistan fail to make it to Super 4 and eventually the final as the side has got most of the bases covered.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma & Co A Powerful Unit