The Pakistan Cricket Team happens to be one of the most unpredictable teams in the cricketing circuit. Their performances just cannot be predicted. However, if they play to their potential, they are strong contenders to lift the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 Trophy. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced its squad for the T20 World Cup a few weeks ago. Here is an in-depth analysis of the squad:
Pakistan Team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022:
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (VC), Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Usman Qadir.
Expected Playing XI:
Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shan Masood, Asif Ali/Haider Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Strengths of the Pakistan Team at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022:
The strength of the team is their top order. Just like there was a time when India had Rohit, Shikhar, and Kohli, Pakistan now has the big 3 Babar, Rizwan, and Zaman. These are the 3 players who hold the batting lineup together.
The other strength is the presence of multi-faceted players. Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan are two of the best spin-bowling all-rounders across the globe. If Pakistan wants, it can use Shadab as a pinch-hitter too.
Weakness of the Pakistan Team at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022:
The evident weakness lies in the fast bowling and the middle-order. The middle-order is very talented and has a lot of potential but they lack experience. Keeping that in mind the PCB has drafted Shan Masood, a senior batter into the team. Last time around, the Pakistanis had names like Shoaib Malik, and Mohammad Hafeez but those experienced batters are now out.
Fast bowling includes Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shahnawaz Dahani. The team must be hoping for Shaheen to be back in time. In absence of Shaheen, this attack lacks a name that can scare the opposition by mere presence.
Opportunities:
The opportunities are many. It is a great opportunity for Shan Masood to make a thumping comeback. Naseem Shah has the opportunity to impress with the ball in the absence of Shaheen. Mohammad Nawaz will be shouldering maximum responsibility for spin bowling. He has the opportunity to leave a mark on the global stage at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
Threats:
Pakistan has the habit of spoiling its party. This can be seen in the “shot selection” of the players. If Pakistan sticks to the basics and does not try something extravagant, they can even slay top contenders like India and England. Another threat is the lack of game time for Shaheen. So, Shaheen has been out for a long time, and this might be one point of concern for the Pakistan Cricket Team.
Prediction for the Pakistan Cricket Team at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022:
The Pakistan Team will qualify from Pool B along with India for the Semi-Finals.
To know more go to T20 World Cup 2022: List of Captains of All Teams at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. Best Captains.
Read more such articles at India VS Australia 1st T20I: What Went Wrong for Team India in the 1st T20I?
Read more such articles at the official website of the T20 World Cup 2022.