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After an awful run in the recently passed Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan are entering the upcoming World Cup. The Men in Green under the leadership of Babar Azam will look to make the most out of the mega event since it is set to be played in the sub-continent. It’s been a while since they have played on Indian soil but then they are acclimatized to the condition as it is quite identical to Pakistan. Earlier, a few reports came that questioned the unity of the team, and skipper Babar certainly feeling some heat. However, they have a solid World Cup squad and they have a reputation for producing some good cricket when one least expects them to.
Back in 1992, they sealed the World Cup title for the first time and now they will be looking to lift the title on the soil of their arch-rivals. Just ahead of the mega event, let’s dissect their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
S-Strength:
Well, Pakistan has a reputation for producing top-notch fast bowlers. From Wasim-Waqar to Shaheen-Haris, they have successfully carried this reputation. Talking about the current lot, the Men in Green suffered a blow when their star pacer Naseem Shah was ruled out. Despite losing him, they still have a quality bowling line-up in the form of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. To fill in Naseem’s shoes, they have roped in Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jr. as options. Both the bowlers are capable enough to destroy any batting line-ups on their day.
W-Weakness:
The only cause of concern for Pakistan is their over-reliance on skipper Babar Azam and to some extent Mohammed Rizwan too. Babar is undoubtedly one of the best batters in the world but then he cannot win you every match on a regular stretch. Other batters need to take the onus and deliver for their team. Players like Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Salman Agha need to reduce that pressure from Babar and are required to ply their trades on the field.
O-Opportunities:
The Men in Green have a golden chance to seal the World Cup title since it is being hosted by India. It will be a huge milestone for them to clinch the title on the soil of their arch-rivals. As of now, they have won a World Cup back in 1992 then a T20 World Cup but then they have not been able to repeat the heroics in the 50-over format.
T-Threats:
Pakistan have always been known as a poor chasing team and have counted mostly on their bowlers. Their below-average chasing quality has always been a huge problem and as a result, they have lost some crucial matches, the World Cup 2011 semi-final against India and recently, the Asia Cup game where the Indian team asked them to chase a big score of 356.
Pakistan Squad For World Cup 2023: Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
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