Pressure mounts: Pakistan team considers changes in playing XI for Namibia match

COLOMBO: Pakistan’s World Cup journey is on a knife’s edge as the team gears up for a do-or-die clash against Namibia, with the team management seriously contemplating changes in the playing XI. After a crushing defeat to archrivals India, the pressure is mounting, and senior players are now being questioned for their performances.

Sources close to the team have revealed that there could be two to three changes in Pakistan’s lineup for the pivotal match against Namibia. The management is reportedly considering benching some senior stars in favor of fresh blood, as the team looks to salvage its chances of progressing to the Super Eight stage.

A CRITICAL MATCH FOR PAKISTAN’S WORLD CUP HOPES

Pakistan’s match against Namibia is more than just another fixture – it’s a must-win encounter. A loss could spell disaster for Pakistan’s chances of advancing in the tournament. The team’s fate could hinge on this game, as a loss would likely leave them with an uphill battle to qualify. However, if the match is washed out by rain, Pakistan would earn one point, which may be enough to keep their Super Eight hopes alive.

The defeat to India has left a bitter taste, with former cricketers and pundits voicing their concerns. Some of Pakistan’s most experienced players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan, have come under intense scrutiny.

AFRIDI’S BOLD CALL: TIME FOR A CHANGE?

In the aftermath of Pakistan’s loss to India, former captain Shahid Afridi didn’t hold back in his criticism. Afridi, known for his blunt assessments, suggested drastic changes, urging the management to drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan. He argued that the senior trio’s recent form wasn’t yielding results and that it might be time to give younger players a shot.

Speaking on a private TV channel, Afridi said, “We made too many mistakes against India. They deserved to win. I don’t understand the decisions made by Salman Ali Agha, especially hiding Usman Tariq for ten overs when he was our trump card.”

Afridi was particularly critical of Shaheen Afridi’s performance, stating, “Shaheen was ineffective with the ball. After conceding runs in the first over, why was he given the final over? Faheem Ashraf was there, and I believe we should have backed him.”

He concluded with a bold suggestion: “If it were up to me, I’d drop Shaheen, Babar, and Shadab from the team and bring in some fresh faces.”

SALMAN ALI AGHA: “WICKETS IN POWERPLAY COST US”

Despite Afridi’s strong comments, Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, took responsibility for the loss to India, highlighting the early loss of wickets as the turning point. In his post-match analysis, Agha stated, “The match slipped out of our hands because of the wickets we lost in the powerplay. Our batsmen didn’t adjust to the conditions, and once the early wickets fell, the pressure was too much to overcome.”

Agha also addressed the team’s strategic choices, noting, “We went with four spinners, but we didn’t execute our plans well. The pitch got better in the second innings, but we didn’t bowl accordingly, and our batting didn’t step up either.”

With Pakistan’s next match just around the corner, Agha knows the stakes: “We have to win against Namibia. It’s as simple as that if we want to qualify for the next stage.”

A WIN OR BUST

As the countdown to the Namibia match begins, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s team selection. Will the management heed the calls for change, or will the senior players be given one more chance to redeem themselves? The pressure is on, and the outcome of this game could define Pakistan’s World Cup fate.

With the tournament entering a crucial phase, Pakistan’s fate is hanging in the balance. The next few days could be make or break, and only a strong performance against Namibia will ensure that their World Cup dreams stay alive.