Pakistan cricket team’s skipper Babar Azam would be eager to prove all the critics wrong. Babar Azam received a lot of flak for his terrible outing in Asia Cup 2023. Babar Azam’s tactics were quite questionable as he was defensive in his approach. Perhaps, Babar should create some panic in the opposition camp rather than waiting for things to happen.
Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.
Strengths
Pakistan’s armory is their fast bowling. Even in the absence of Naseem Shah, the pace attack looks threatening. The trio of Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi & Haris Rauf can rattle the opposition on the given day. We should not forget that Hasan Ali was the player of the tournament in 2017 Champions Trophy as his experience would be invaluable. Pakistani fans would be hoping that Shadab Khan is back amongst the wickets as he will have to lead the attack.
Weakness
The Men in Green have a fragile middle order which is not a good sign. Once again the onus will be on the skipper Babar Azam to get a big score and guide the team in the middle overs phase. The management should promote Shadab Khan up the order as he is someone who can negate the threat of the spinners in the middle overs phase.
X factor
The left arm pacer Shaheen Afridi is looking ominous as his 10 overs in the match would be quite decisive. Skipper Babar Azam should use Shaheen Afridi in short spells as the pacer not only has got express pace but can fox the batters with his variations. Shaheen can also play a breezy knock at the back end of the innings and can be the lightning spark for the Men in Green.
Verdict
Pakistan cricket team is considered to be the red hot favorite to win the ODI WC 2023. The Babar Azam led side most likely will make it to the Semi Finals as they have a surprise element in the side. All eyes would be on Mohammad Rizwan, the batter has got all credentials and will have to do the bulk of scoring if Pakistan wants to put a big score on board.
Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Great Chance For Rohit Sharma & Co