Pakistan’s World Cup odyssey — a journey of uncertainty and promise

ISLAMABAD: As the ICC World Cup draws nearer, the question that looms large over Pakistan’s campaign is whether it will be a throwback to the team’s legendary or infamous past or a new, steadier chapter in their cricket history.

Traditionally, assessing a team’s chances at a global event involves delving into factors like squad depth, recent form, experience, and various other elements that influence match outcomes. However, Pakistan often defies such conventional analysis.

The burning question, before diving into these specifics, is which Pakistan will show up at the World Cup? Will it mirror the roller-coaster rides of the past, with moments of despair followed by elation, reminiscent of the victorious 1992, 2009, and 2017 campaigns? Or will it take a smoother, less erratic path like in 1999, 2007, and 2011, where they adhered to plans and patterns, showcasing skill and talent but sometimes faltering in crucial moments?

According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, at first glance, the current squad and its leader, Babar Azam, appear more inclined towards the latter type of campaign. Azam, both in personality and performance, exudes equanimity. His track record includes leading sides to the number one ranking in ODIs and making it to the semi-finals and finals of the last two T20 World Cups. With a settled core, consistency and evenness of performance have become the team’s hallmark.

Yet, there are echoes of the unpredictable Pakistan that lurk beneath the surface. In recent tournaments, they have displayed flashes of brilliance mixed with moments of frustration, much like their unpredictable past. The team’s status seems more uncertain than ever, with the World Cup just around the corner.

A month ago, Pakistan appeared to be a formidable threat in the tournament, boasting a strong pace attack, a successful top-order batting lineup, and a well-rounded team. However, a setback against India in the Asia Cup, compounded by scheduling issues, has cast doubt on their form and cohesion.

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The team’s performance in recent years has been closely tied to the fortunes of key players like Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan. Fakhar’s dip in form is concerning, but his past explosiveness with the bat makes him a potential game-changer. Shadab, on the other hand, has been a barometer for Pakistan’s success. His performance with the ball and in the field has a direct impact on the team’s fortunes.

However, Pakistan’s over-reliance on Shadab as the lead spinner without a wicket-taking specialist spinner presents a conundrum. The team has rarely played a specialist spinner alongside him, which could have been addressed with the inclusion of Abrar Ahmed.

Despite these challenges, Shadab’s improved batting and fielding skills make him a valuable asset to the team. His batting strike rate has notably increased, adding depth to Pakistan’s lineup.

Naseem Shah’s absence due to injury is a significant blow, leaving the pace bowling responsibilities on the shoulders of Mohammad Wasim and Hasan Ali. While both have shown promise, their consistency remains a concern.

Optimists may draw parallels between the current situation and past World Cup campaigns. However, the team’s ability to navigate the ups and downs of the tournament remains uncertain. The hope is that Pakistan will surprise with their performance, but the road ahead is paved with unpredictability.

As the World Cup approaches, it’s worth keeping an eye on Pakistan’s ability to find the right balance between their past glory and their present potential. Whether they mirror the legendary campaigns of the past or carve a new path remains to be seen. Regardless of the outcome, the cricketing world will be watching with bated breath.