After finishing as a semi-finalist in 2021 and a champion in 2022, Pakistan batsman Babar Azam hopes that the third time in the 20th World Cup will be the charm for his team.
- Turbulent preparation
Pakistan has been nominated ahead of the tournament in the West Indies and the United States. Babar Azam appointed Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain three months before the start of the World Cup. Despite a 2-2 draw with a weak New Zealand in April and a 2-1 draw with Ireland after an early defeat, Pakistan’s form has been inconsistent.
- Group A battles and key matches
Pakistan ranks with arch-rival India, along with the United States, Canada and Ireland. The top two teams will advance to the Super Eight in the West Indies, with the final taking place in Barbados on June 29.
- Loyal captain and change team
Babar Azam remains confident: “Semi-final then final, so this time it’s our turn to win the trophy,” he said before leaving for Ireland.
There have been significant changes in Pakistan cricket since their disappointing performance in the 50-over World Cup last November.
The coaching staff changed twice, and the captain changed from Azam to Shaheen and back again. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), reshuffled the selection committee, organized a training ground at an army base and appointed former South African opener Gary Kirsten as the white-ball coach.
- Reinforced group
Pakistan have recalled fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim from retirement to boost their World Cup chances.
Secret spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan complete the slow bowling department.
“I’m in a good mood, I’m in a good condition, I’m hoping to win the World Cup,” Shaheen told the PCB podcast despite the captaincy dispute.
- Financial incentives and key players
Naqvi further encouraged the team by announcing a $100,000 prize for each player if they win the World Cup. However, batting consistency in Pakistan remains a concern.
While other teams frequently post more than 200, Pakistan have gone 43 T20Is without reaching this mark.
The team relied heavily on the partnership of Azam and Mohammad Rizwa.
Azam-Rizwan, who were criticized for being too slow for left-armer Saim Ayub to solve the problems of the batting, are set to share the opening pair.
Star batting Fakhar Zaman, newcomers Usman Khan, Azam Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed need to find consistency in the middle-order.
-Learning path-
If Pakistan is aiming for a ‘trophy comeback’, their batsmen must get into action and support a strong bowling attack. The World Cup starts on June 1 and the Green Shirts are ready to prove themselves as the most unexpected and potentially the best team in the tournament.
