Rating Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup: Babar Azam’s pace-heavy side looks 6/10, could struggle

Every tournament that the Pakistani Cricket Team participates in, they are the dark horses. And for a reason. They are simply the most unpredictable team, without a fail. They could lose to minnows on a given day, or could emerge as one of the best-performing teams. Who can forget the T20 World Cup 2022, where they were even struggling to make it to the semis, but found a way to play the final vs England.

Now, it is time for T20 World Cup 2024. and the PCB has announced a 15-member squad for the event. Captaincy has been once again given to Babar Azam, and the fans’ hopes are high. Let’s take a look at the stats of all the players, and how many points would they get on current form.

Pakistan Player Ratings

Babar Azam (C) – 8/10

1. – Scored 3 fifties in last five matches.
2. – Gotten the captaincy back, so confidence is back too.
3. – Low strike-rate is a perennial issue, and the team suffers.
4. – Was PSL 2024’s highest run-getter.

Fakhar Zaman – 6/10

1. – Has 3 fifties and 2 forty plus scores in last 10 innings.
2. – With Babar coming in at No. 3, he could be their second opener.
3. – Has direct fight with Saim Ayub to be Rizwan’s opening partner.
4. – Had an ordinary PSL, where he scored 157 runs in eight matches.

Mohammad Rizwan – 8/10

1. – Was excellent in the series vs Ireland, scored two fifties.
2. – Is Pakistan’s best T20I batsman, perhaps better than Babar.
3. – Has one of the highest T20I averages in the world.
4. – Scored 407 runs in PSL this year, was third on the list.

Saim Ayub – 3/10

1. – 345 runs in PSL this year brought him in limelight.
2. – Hasn’t achieved anything significant in international career.
3. – Backed by skipper Babar Azam.
4. – Average & strike-rate matter of concern.

Azam Khan – 3/10

1. – Selection raises eyebrows, was mediocre in PSL with 226 runs.
2. – Has to get rid of the ‘Parchi’ tag, that loosely translates to nepotism.
3. – Fitness looks like an issue.
4. – On the brighter side, has one of the best strike-rates in PAK team.

Usman Khan – 4/10

1. – Banned by ECB, Usman is Pakistan’s newest sensation.
2. – Was exceptional in PSL, where he scored 430 runs at an average of 107.
3. – Still needs to find footing in international cricket.

Iftikhar Ahmed – 4/10

• – Has been struggling to get big runs lately.
• – Scored 259 runs in PSL at an average of 64.
• – Is one of the pillars of the middle-order.
• – Is a handy bowler, but doesn’t bowl as often.

Imad Wasim – 6/10

• – Made a comeback to the Pakistan after solid PSL.
• – Scored 126 runs and picked up 12 wickets in the league.
• – His vast experience could come in handy for team.

Shadab Khan – 6/10

• – Genuine all-rounder, redeemed himself in PSL.
• – Scored 305 runs and picked up 14 wickets in the league.
• – Last 5 matches, in international cricket, form has dipped considerably.

Abbas Afridi – 6/10

• – Picked up 13 wickets in 9 matches in PSL.
• – Could be back up option for PAK’s big pace battery.
• – Has been excellent in little opportunities for national team.

Abrar Ahmed – 5/10

• – Has just played three T20I for Pakistan.
• – Looks like a world-class mystery spinner, and could be used as a weapon.
• – Need to prove his worth in limited-overs formats.

Haris Rauf – 6/10

1. – Back in the team after rift with PCB.
2. – Can be mighty expensive, but a genuine wicket-taker.
3. – Had a poor PSL, picked on two wickets in four matches.
4. – Can be devastating on his day, is their prime bowler.

Mohammad Amir – 5/10

1. – Back from international retirement, so must be raring to go.
2. – Had 10 wickets in PSL for Quetta Gladiators.
3. – Been rusty upon his return to T20Is. Needs to come good against India.

Naseem Shah – 5/10

• – Had an excellent PSL where he bagged 15 wickets.
• – Has four wickets in last four matches, so international form hasn’t been great.
• – Needs to fight for a spot with Mohammad Amir.

Shaheen Afridi – 7/10

1. – Picked 14 wickets in PSL, but his team finished last.
2. – Removed from T20 captaincy recently.
3. – Reports of rift with Babar Azam.
4. – Undoubtedly Pakistan’s most-reliable bowler, needs to come good.

Pakistan Cricket Team Rating

There have been management issues in the team, then there’s reports of rift between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. Plus they have a new coach in Gary Kirsten who’s not yet joined the team. So there’s a lot that’s not in favor of the Pakistanis at the moment. But history tells us, one cannot write them off completely, and they have a way to bounce back from difficult situations.

Pakistan Squad

Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.