Can Babar Azam's Pakistan Dominate At The T20 World Cup? SWOT, Team Rating, Prediction
Babar Azam and Co (AP)
Another year and another ICC tournament is finally here, announcing its arrival! The bells are ringing as the T20 World Cup 2024 is at the cusp of beginning. Teams from all over the are all set to clash against each other in West Indies and the United States who are co-hosting the tournament from 1 to 29 June 2024.
Last edition's runners-up, Pakistan come bearing the hopes of millions of their fans at home and all over world, that last saw the Men In Green lift an ICC trophy in 2017. This cut-throat tournament is bound to put numerous speed breakers in their journey, but they would hope to carry forward without stopping and looking back.
Pakistan's 15-Member Squad For T20 World Cup 2024
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
Strengths of Pakistan For T20 World Cup 2024
1) Strong Bowling attack
The Green Army's biggest strength is their bowling attack, especially their new ball bowling. The presence of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Amir is an cautious sign for all the other and guides them to stay alert. Their sheer skill and raw pace could prove to be deadly for the opposition and leave them searching for answers.
While, Naseem Shah missed the ODI World Cup 2023 due to his surgery, he did indeed make a strong comeback in PSL and has never looked better. With the likes of ex-T20 skipper Afridi and the retirement returnee, Amir, the three could be the trio that might just dominate the entire tournament.
2) Babar Azam and Mohd. Rizwan's consistency
In recent days, numerous reports have emerged stating that Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam will be demoting himself to the No.3 spot whereas Rizwan might partner up with either Fakhar Zaman or Saim Ayub to create the left-hand-right-hand combination.
However, since there is no official confirmation about this, these could potentially be rumours because if anything the 'Babar-Rizwan' pair has consistently delivered for Pakistan in times of need. Moreover, the duo even holds the record for the top 5 best partnership stands for their side in T20Is.
If Pakistan opt to re-assess and change their approach to the game, it could take a little while for them to get around to it. But, with the quality of players, it is assured that the strong top-order would not disappoint.
Weaknesses of Pakistan For T20 World Cup 2024
1) The Weak-kneed Middle Order
The ingredients of a winning team largely include the balance of all flavours. Although this team looks tasteful, it's the lack of 'middle-order spice' that could potentially cost them a big game.
In simple terms, their shaky middle-order puts a lot of questions surrounding, 'Who would lead the middle overs annihilation?'. While Fakhar Zaman would bat at number four, Shadab Khan's lack of form puts forward a big task for them to score runs in the most crucial overs of the game.
2) The Troublesome 'Spin' Department and Death Bowling
On one hand, where the pacers look like they would dominate the tournament, Pakistan's lack of quality spinners could prove to be a significant setback. While, Imad Wasim's good form and performance is a positive sign for the team, their next quality spinner Shadab looks out of sync. And ever since last year's Asia Cup, his international form has dipped.
Not just the spin contingent but another question that looms at large is - Who could take the responsibility in the death overs? Apart from Abbas Afridi, all the other bowlers are thrashed brutally by the opposition in the death overs. Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have all been ineffective while bowling the death.
Opportunities For Pakistan In T20 World Cup 2024
1) The Return Of Mohammad Amir
Perhaps the biggest opportunity for Pakistan comes labelled as Mohammad Amir. Once regarded as the next Wasim Akram of Pakistan cricket, his inclusion in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup adds an extra element of surprise.
Having been out of the international scene for so long predicting and strategizing against him is going to a time-taking task, a risk that cannot be taken considering the speedy nature of T20 cricket.
If he gets the opportunity to be a part of the playing XI, there's no doubt that he could increase the difficulties for the opposition.
Threats For Pakistan In T20 World Cup 2024
1) A River That Flows Both Ways
As strong as Pakistan can be, there is no denying the fact that they are their own enemies. One minute they are up, soaring the sun and celebrating their victory against a dominant force in cricket; the next minute they are down after losing a game against Ireland, a cunning newbie.
Coming out at the top in high pressure games is one thing, but being overconfident and getting beaten up by a fairly newer team is exactly what has happened with Pakistan time and again. Going forward, they would aim to hold their nerves regardless of the severity of the game and not crumble.
Team Report Card - Pakistan
| Attribute | Balance Rating |
|---|---|
| Top-Order | 7/10 |
| Middle Order | 6/10 |
| Pace-Bowling | 9/10 |
| Spin-Bowling | 7/10 |
| Team Rating | 7.25/10 |
Prediction For Pakistan For T20 World Cup
Given their team's recent form and its volatile nature, it is presumed that Babar Azam and Co would crash out before the semi-finals.
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