It was all a cruise for Pakistan within the preparatory marathon for the World Cup till it dropped momentum in essentially the most inopportune lap. A harrowing Asia Cup marketing campaign has dampened the fireplace within the engine room, uncovered sure chinks and likewise damaged down a couple of our bodies. Pakistan’s overreliance on the top-order means captain Babar Azam should convey his inimitable greatest to take his aspect deep into the match.
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While a wavering Fakhar Zaman might make approach for Abdullah Shafique up high with Imam-ul-Haq, Babar stays essentially the most important piece, shepherding a mercurial middle-order alongside Mohammad Rizwan.
In Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, Pakistan had essentially the most enviable tempo assault in readiness for the match. However, with an premature shoulder harm sidelining Naseem indefinitely, Pakistan enters yet one more World Cup with uncertainties reeking by way of the ranks. Its spin closet wears a woeful take care of its lead spinner Shadab Khan was blunted on cheesy Sri Lankan pitches.
While Iftikhar Ahmed can chip in together with his artful off-spin in addition to his batting muscle within the lower-order, Pakistan heads into the match with a pack of unsettled playing cards, using skinny on the prowess of some lead characters.
KEY PLAYERS
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen in ODIs in 2023
Mat | Wickets | Econ. | Bowl Avg. | Best | Bowl SR |
12 | 24 | 5.30 | 22.04 | 4/35 | 24.9 |
Iftikhar Ahmed
Iftikhar in ODIs in 2023
Mat | Runs | Strike Rate | Wkts | Bowl Avg. | Econ. |
9 | 348 | 114.09 | 4 | 41.75 | 6.77 |
PREDICTION
Pakistan has been jostling with India and Australia for the No. 1 rating in ODIs this yr, however Babar’s males look removed from a settled unit. As unpredictable as it may be, Pakistan will begin the World Cup taking part in catch-up for a semifinal spot and possibly end just under the highest 4.
Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | No Result | Win% |
16 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 62.5 |
PAKISTAN SQUAD
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.
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Source web site: sportstar.thehindu.com