The wait is finally over. Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim has announced Pakistan’s squad for this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia. After a dismal show in the last 2 games against Sri Lanka in the recently concluded Asia Cup, all eyes were on the upcoming squad for the World Cup.
The biggest concern right now for Pakistan is a fragile middle order. Is the announced squad good enough to get rid of the issue? What does the overall team look like? And what is the best possible XI for Pakistan with this squad?
To find all these answers, read this blog till the end.
Squad Breakdown
The squad announced by the Chief selector for the World Cup and the tri-series in New Zealand comprises 15 players in the preliminary squad and 3 reserves. They include batters, wicketkeepers, spinners, and pacers.
Let’s take a look at the players in each department:
-
Batsmen
- Babar Azam
- M. Rizwan
- Haider Ali
- Shan Masood
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Khushdil Shah
- Asif Ali
-
All-Rounders
- Shadab Khan
- Muhammad Nawaz
- Usman Qadir
-
Fast Bowlers
- Shaheen Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Naseem Shah
- M. Hasnain
- M. Wasim Jr.
-
Reserves
- Shahnawaz Dahani
- Fakhar Zaman
- M. Haris
The Middle Order Dilemma
The most important selection in this squad is Shan Masood. Pakistan has called him to rescue their middle order from the chaos it has been going through.
But, is it possible for a single guy to eradicate all these problems? Probably not!
The retention of Khushdil and Iftikhar in the middle order indicates Pakistan’s lack of batting options. To be honest, none of Iftikhar, Khushdil, and Asif is a middle-order batsman.
All of them are finishers suited for batting at #6 or #7. Then, who is going to save this middle-order?
Well, the players in the selected squad can fix this issue. Pakistan only needs to play them in the right positions.
But who are those guys, and what should Pakistan’s starting XI look like? Let’s find out.
Best Starting XI
Pakistan can consider going with 4 pacers, considering the rich fast bowling talent. But, that’s not a great option considering their vulnerable middle-order.
So, they are better off going with 4 pacers, 2 spinners, and 5 batsmen. The playing XI should be:
- Babar Azam ©
- M. Rizwan (wk)
- Haider Ali
- Shan Masood
- Shadab Khan (VC)
- M. Nawaz
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Asif Ali
- Shaheen Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Naseem Shah
Talking Points
Bringing in Haider and Shan at #3 and #4 will give the spine to the middle order. These guys are capable of performing in different situations.
Moreover, sending Shadab and Nawaz ahead of Asif and Iftikhar is a move that should have been adopted earlier. Shadab scored 268 runs at an average of 33.5 and striking at a blazing 162.
He was batting at #4, and the strike rate is too good to ignore his batting ability in middle overs. Moreover, Nawaz’s First Class average of more than 36 shows that he is a proper batter. And we are all familiar with his power-hitting ability now.
Wrap Up
Pakistan’s squad for World Cup has only one change as Fakhar made way for in-form Shan Masood. Pace bowling looks like their greatest strength, and middle order is still an area of concern.
Their best possible XI should feature Haider, Shan, Shadab, and Nawaz in the middle order. How far do you think they will go in this year’s World Cup?
Tell us in the comment box!