T20 World Cup 2022, What to expect from the Semi-Finalists: Pakistan

Pakistan (Source: AP Newsroom)

In a sudden and drastic turn of events on the last day of the group stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Pakistan has qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament. A shock defeat of South Africa in the hands of Netherlands have made Pakistan run to the next stage possible. 

Well, it has been quite a run for the Babar Azam's men as they lost their first match against arch-rivals, India. To add salt to the injury in their second outing of the tournament, Zimbabwe surprised them with a defeat. 

But since then, Pakistan things have worked out in their favour miraculously and on the 9th of November, Babar Azam will be leading his men against New Zealand in the first semi-final at Sydney Cricket Ground. 

So, what can we expect from one of the most unpredictable team's in the history of the game? 

Analysis of batting performance

Let us take a look at the phase wise analysis of Pakistan's batting in the Super 12 stage.

Pakistan's phase wise batting in the T20 World Cup 2022 so far

Inference

The figure clearly gives us an idea that the starts have not been ideal for Pakistan. Though they have done well in the middle stages, they will like to do even better in that phase in the knock outs. 

X-Factor

Pakistan batting has been at its bets in the death overs. They have looked to increase the scoring rate in the death overs without putting much price on their wickets. This positive attitude have given them returns till now. 

Most Impactful Batters

Impact Score of Pakistani batter in T20 World Cup 2022

Inference

Mohammad Haris' inclusion has been a big boost for Pakistan. In two matches has had the biggest impact. But the real concern for the team is the lack of form of their two prime batters in Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. 

Analysis of bowling performance

Let's have a look at the phase wise bowling performance of the Pakistan team.

Phase wise bowling analysis of Pakistan team in T20 World Cup 2022

Inference

Pakistan bowling has been good in all the phases. They have done a more than average job till now in this tournament. 

X-Factor

While the bowling has been good overall for the team, their biggest positive has been the death over bowling. They picked up wickets and have been miserly in the later stages of the innings. 

Most Impactful Bowlers

Who are the men that matter for Pakistan in the bowling department?

Impact Score of Pakistan bowler in T20 World Cup 2022

Inference

The performance of Nasim Shah and Mohammad Nawaz will be concerning for Pakistan. On the other hand, Shadab Khan has been the most impactful bowler for them. 

How to plan against Pakistan

• The opening slot has been the weakness for Pakistan's batting in the tournament. Rizwan and Babar are the most trusted batters in the line-up, so plans must be made to not let them return to form. 
• The upper middle order has stood on some occasions for the team, hence it is necessary to put pressure if the openers are dismissed early. 
• Pakistan seems to be lacking proper back up bowler in the middle overs. If Shadab Khan is taken on and not allowed to settle, they might struggle. 

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022, What to expect from the Semi-Finalists: England