Pakistan skipper Babar Azam hoped that the third time will be the charm for his team at the Twenty20 World Cup after finishing as losing semi-finalists in 2021 and runners-up in 2022.
– Turbulent Preparation –
Pakistan's lead-up to the tournament in the West Indies and the USA has been anything but smooth. Babar Azam replaced Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain just three months before the World Cup's start. Despite a challenging 2-2 home series draw against a weakened New Zealand in April, and a shaky series against Ireland, which they won 2-1 after losing the opener, Pakistan's form remains inconsistent.
– Group A Battles and Key Matches –
Pakistan ae placed in Group A alongside rival India, co-hosts the USA, Canada, and Ireland. The top two teams will advance to the Super Eight in the West Indies, with the final in Barbados on June 29. A critical match against India in New York on June 9 could determine Pakistan's fate, potentially making their final group game against Ireland a knockout affair.
– Confident Captain and Team Overhaul –
Babar Azam remains confident: "Semi-final and then final, so it's our turn to win the trophy this time," he stated before departing for Ireland.
Since their disappointing exit from the 50-over World Cup last November, Pakistan cricket has undergone significant changes.
The coaching staff has been changed twice, and the captaincy has swapped hands from Azam to Shaheen and back. Mohsin Naqvi, the country's interior minister, had taken over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), revamped the selection committee, organised a training camp at an army base, and appointed former South African opener Gary Kirsten as the white-ball coach.
– Strengthened Squad –
To boost their World Cup chances, Pakistan has recalled fast bowler Mohammad Amir and spinner Imad Wasim from retirement.
They join a formidable bowling attack led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and rising star Naseem Shah. Mystery spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan complement the slow bowling department.
"My mood is good and my fitness is good, and I am looking forward to winning the World Cup," Shaheen stated in a recent PCB podcast, despite reports of discord over the captaincy.
– Financial Incentives and Key Players –
Naqvi has further motivated the team by announcing a $100,000 bonus for each player if they win the World Cup. However, Pakistan's batting consistency remains a concern.
While other teams frequently post totals over 200, Pakistan has gone 43 T20Is without achieving this figure.
The team relies heavily on the record-breaking opening partnership of Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
To address the batting issues, dashing left-hander Saim Ayub is set to split the Azam-Rizwan opening pair, which has been criticised for being too slow.
The middle order, featuring star batter Fakhar Zaman, newcomer Usman Khan, Azam Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed, needs to find consistency.
– Path to Victory –
If Pakistan aim to "return with the trophy," their batters must rise to the occasion and support their strong bowling attack. The World Cup will kicks from on June 1, and the Green Shirts are ready to prove themselves as both the most unpredictable and potentially the best team in the tournament.
