The World Cup 2023 is just few weeks away. Teams have finalised their World Cup squad and are giving final touches to their preparations. While India have been picked favourites to win World Cup on home soil, Pakistan team will go into tournament as the dark horses.
The Men in Green had a disappointing outing in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023. The Babar Azam-led side failed to reach the final after suffering defeats against India and Sri Lanka in Super 4 clash. However, Pakistan team is known for being unpredictable and are capable to beat any team on their day.
Pakistan’s performance in 2019 World Cup
Pakistan’s previous World Cup campaign in 2019 saw them getting eliminated in final 8 round. The Men in Green, led by Safaraz Ahmed, registered four wins in tournament but failed to land semi-final spot. Pakistan finished level on points with New Zealand but but missed out a semi-final spot due to net run rate.
Pakistan schedule for World Cup
Pakistan will play begin their World Cup campaign against Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad. The Men in Green will then face Sri Lanka (October 10) at the same venue before travelling to Ahmedabad for the blockbuster IND vs PAK on October 14.
The Babar Azam-led side will then move to South and play their next game in Benglauru against Australia on October 20. Chennai will then host the next two matches for the Pakistan team on October 23 and October 27 against Afghanistan and South Africa, respectively. The side will not get much rest as their next game is scheduled on October 31 against Bangladesh in Kolkata. The Babar Azam-led side will next travel to Bengaluru for New Zealand clash (November 4) before travelling back to Kolkata for the final group stage match against England on November 11.
| Date | Day | Team 1 | Team 2 | City | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 6 | Friday | Pakistan | Netherlands | Hyderabad | Pak won by 81 runs |
| Oct 10 | Tuesday | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | Hyderabad | Pak won by 6 wickets |
| Oct 14 | Saturday | India | Pakistan | Ahmedabad | India won by 7 wickets |
| Oct 20 | Friday | Australia | Pakistan | Bengaluru | Aus won by 62 runs |
| Oct 23 | Monday | Pakistan | Afghanistan | Chennai | Pak lost by 8 wickets |
| Oct 27 | Friday | Pakistan | South Africa | Chennai | Pak lost by 1-wicket |
| Oct 31 | Tuesday | Pakistan | Bangladesh | Kolkata | Pak won by 7-wickets |
| Nov 4 | Saturday | New Zealand | Pakistan | Bengaluru | Pakistan won by 21 runs via DLS |
| Nov 11 | Saturday | England | Pakistan | Kolkata | 2:00 PM |
SWOT Analysis:
Strength:
The biggest strength of Pakistan’s playing XI in World Cup will be their top order and their pace battery. Although, Pakistan will miss the services of exciting talent Naseem Shah in World Cup, they still have the duo of Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi.
Shaheen’s skills with the new ball, where he gets it to swing, combined with Rauf’s pace and bounce makes them a dangerous pace duo. They will get good support from veteran pacer Hasan Ali, who has replaced Naseem Shah in the squad.
On the batting front, Pakistan’s top 3 will be their biggest strength. While Fakhar Zaman had a poor outing in Asia Cup 2023, he will still be the trusted man for the job, considering his experience. Meanwhile, skipper Babar Azam will the main man with the bat. The 28-year-old is considered among the greats and his contribution will be crucial for team’s success.
Weakness:
Pakistan’s biggest concern would be their middle-order and their spin department. The middle-order has been in-consistent with and tend to collapse in crunch situations. Mohammad Rizwan has not been consistent in ODIs along with Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha who have not done enough in the recent series.
Pakistan’s biggest concern, however, would be the form of their vice-captain Shadab Khan. The all-rounder struggled in the Asia Cup and was the most expensive bowler for the Men in Green in the tournament. With spin set to play a crucial role on Indian pitches, Shadab’s form has gave the team management a big headache.
Opportunities:
Pakistan have been one of the most consistent side in last 12 months. With conditions in their favour, the Babar Azam-led side will have the golden opportunity to seal an ODI World Cup after 27 years. Pacer Hasan Ali, who returned to Pakistan squad after an injury to Naseem Shah, will also be keen to prove his form and cement his place in the squad.
Threats:
The inconsistent batting will be their biggest threat in the World Cup. If top order fails, the Men in Green don’t have much experience down the order who can hold the innings.
Key Players:
Skipper Babar Azam and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will be Pakistan’s chief destructors with bat and ball, respectively. Babar has a terrifuc records in sub-continent conditions and can destroy any bowling line-up with his flawless batting. Meanwhile, Shaheen has the skill and tendency to rip apart the opposition batting early in his spell. The management and fans would be hoping to see a similar sight in World Cup games as well.
Pakistan Squad for World Cup 2023: 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
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