Pakistan won the 50-over World Cup in 2011 (X.com)
Pakistan - 'the perennial dark horses of world cricket' are coming into World Cup 2023 on the back of a disappointing campaign in Asia Cup. There are plenty of dark shadows hovering around the team, with unity of the team being questioned along with the quality of players. So, Pakistan under Babar Azam will surely be feeling some heat. However, if you have followed Pakistan cricket, over the years, this is the situation they thrive on, and end up producing their best cricket when one least expect them to.
Pakistan have won the 50-over World Cup only once, back in 1992 and would be itching to prove a point and lift the title at the home of their arch-rivals. So, let's analyze Pakistan's World Cup 2023 squad and see what are their strengths, weakness and overall chances are, for the marquee event in India.
Pakistan Squad For World Cup 2023:
Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Strengths Of Pakistan For World Cup 2023
Quality Pace Attack
Pakistan have been handed a big blow before World Cup with Naseem Shah ruled out. However, they still have quality in their pace battery with likes of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf leading the attack. For the third pacer spot, they have Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jr. as options who are both capable of rattling best of the batting line-ups on their day.
World Cup In Subcontinent
Pakistan have not played bilateral series in India for over a decade now, but the conditions in India are still quite similar to what they get in Pakistan. They have an advantage over non-subcontinent teams as their batters are better equipped to handle slow and turning tracks. Their pacers and spinners can also exploit subcontinent conditions better and conditions can be a big factor, especially in the later half of the tournament.
Weaknesses Of Pakistan For World Cup 2023
Over-dependence on Babar Azam
Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam is one of the best batters in world cricket currently and he will be crucial with his consistency and skills. However, Pakistan tends to falter quite often when Babar gets out early, and this over-dependence of Pakistan on their captain, might haunt them in crucial junctures in World Cup.
Lack of power in batting line-up
The World Cup will be played in India and most of the tracks are expected to be flat decks and teams are expected to score big runs. However, Pakistan lack in that aspect compared to teams like India, England, Australia and South Africa. Apart from Iftikhar Ahmed, no other batter is a genuine power-hitter and the other one who comes close, Fakhar Zaman, is terribly out of form. Pakistan might get in trouble if the oppositions puts a huge total on the board.
Opportunities for Pakistan for World Cup 2023
Winning World Cup title in India
Pakistan's World Cup win in Australia in 1992 was a watershed moment in the country's cricketing history. They have won a T20 World Cup since then, but have not been able to repeat the heroics in the 50-over format. However, now they have a great chance to make a big statement by becoming World Champions at the home of their arch-rivals, India.
The political rivalry between the two-nations will make the World Cup win even sweeter for the 'Men in Green' and expect them to be pretty pumped up and motivated in the World Cup.
Shut their distractors down
Pakistan have been heavily criticised recently for their performance in Asia Cup. In general too, Pakistan players are never quite away from media bashing and are under constant scrutiny from fans, media and former players. A World Cup win will surely shut down this noise and constant bashing for at least sometime.
Threats For Pakistan For World Cup 2023
Tends to crumble under pressure while chasing
Pakistan have always been a bad chasing side and have relied heavily on their top-class bowling. This has been a big problem for them and they have lost some big games, like the World Cup 2011 semi final against India and more recently, the Asia Cup game where India posted a big score of 356.
As mentioned earlier, they depend heavily on Babar Azam and lack power in their arsenal, which puts them under immense pressure while chasing big scores. This can be a big threat for Pakistan against big teams with quality bowling and batting line-ups.
Pressure of playing in India
No player in the current Pakistan team has played a game in India. Mohammad Nawaz was the only one who was part of the T20 World Cup squad in 2016, but did not play a single game then and this can go against Pakistan. The pressure of playing under the watchful eyes of Indian crowd given the political tensions can be detrimental.
Team Report Card - Pakistan
| Attribute | Balance Rating |
|---|---|
| Top-order | 7/10 |
| Middle-order | 6/10 |
| Lower order | 7/10 |
| Pace bowling | 8.5/10 |
| Spin bowling | 7/10 |
| Total Rating | 7.1/10 |
Prediction for Pakistan For World Cup 2023
Pakistan have some glaring weakness in their side but they do have some quality players who can turn the game around on their day. Also, you can never rule out Pakistan in big tournaments and if they get on a roll, they can be a pretty dangerous side. However, given the strength of other sides and the current form, Pakistan might just miss the bus for the semis and end up on the 5th position on the points table.
 "Aashay Chopade")
