T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan team’s balance appears off

With Pakistan’s first T20 World Cup match scheduled for June 6, the team’s balance appears visibly off. The difficulty in forming the Playing XI stems from several concerns, including the non-selection of Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Wasim, and Mohammad Haris. The unsettled opening pair and Shadab’s poor form exacerbate the situation.

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman are the four pillars of Pakistan’s squad. The team management has yet to decide on the opening pair for Pakistan’s playing XI. However, it is apparent that Mohammad Rizwan will open for sure. With Rizwan in the lineup, there is no space for Azam Khan in the playing XI.

If Saim plays, either Rizwan or Babar will open with him. Fakhar and Usman Khan will be selected for the fourth and fifth positions. Iftikhar is a lock for the sixth position, and Imad Wasim, excelling in both batting and bowling, is a reliable choice for the seventh spot.

If Shadab is selected in the playing XI as an all-rounder at number eight, it means Abrar has to be excluded, who seems more suitable at the moment. Shadab’s fielding is outstanding, but his recent performances in both batting and bowling have been disappointing. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are guaranteed picks for the ninth and tenth spots. The eleventh spot is a tough choice between Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir.

For bowling options on a fast, green, or swing wicket, Pakistan’s playing XI could definitely feature four fast bowlers: Naseem, Shaheen, Haris, and Amir. In this scenario, dropping either Shadab or Usman makes sense since Saim Ayub, Iftikhar, and Imad Wasim all contribute to the ball as well.

On a slow wicket, the team’s strategy could be to enhance the spin attack by fielding four spinners alongside the three fast bowlers Naseem, Shaheen, and Haris. This entails considering the inclusion of either Abrar or Shadab in the lineup.

Read more: PCB unveils squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

In the marquee clash against India, having Mohammad Amir alongside Shaheen and Naseem could prove more impactful. Considering India’s right-handed batsmen might face difficulties against left-arm bowlers, it seems prudent to opt for Mohammad Amir over Haris Rauf.