As the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 approaches, Pakistan’s cricket team is gearing up for a challenging campaign, hoping to find their rhythm and mount a serious challenge for the coveted trophy. With multiple stints as the world’s No.1 ODI team in recent times, the Men in Green have the potential to make a mark on the global stage once again.
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
Best Finish at the Tournament:
Winners (1992)
1992 World Cup – A Remarkable Comeback:
Pakistan’s journey at the 1992 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand began slowly, with just three points (one win and one no-result) in their first five matches. However, their remarkable comeback saw them secure a spot in the semi-finals, where they faced New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland.
In the semi-final, Pakistan successfully chased down a target of 263 runs, with contributions from Ramiz Raja, captain Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Moin Khan.
#OnThisDay in the 1992 @cricketworldcup, Inzamam-ul-Haq’s breezy 60 off 37 balls helped Pakistan knock out New Zealand in the semi-final 📽️ pic.twitter.com/7UNIAdiz4q
— ICC (@ICC) March 21, 2021
In the final, Pakistan snatched victory from England’s grasp, thanks to Imran Khan and Javed Miandad’s partnership and a late flurry from Wasim Akram. Wasim Akram’s heroics with the ball sealed Pakistan’s victory, and he was named Player of the Final.
Birthday boy @wasimakramlive took 916 international wickets for @TheRealPCB.
Three of his most important came in the 1992 @cricketworldcup final. pic.twitter.com/1mMeoqEDmr
— ICC (@ICC) June 3, 2021
Key Match: Pakistan vs. India (14 October), Ahmedabad
One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament will be Pakistan’s clash with India on 14 October in Ahmedabad. This high-stakes encounter holds great significance, with both teams eager to secure a victory. While the teams have traded blows in T20 World Cup meetings, India has had the upper hand in recent 50-over encounters, including the 2019 Cricket World Cup. The battle between Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi and India’s Rohit Sharma could set the tone for this crucial fixture.
Key Player: Babar Azam
Babar Azam, holding the No.1 ODI Batting Ranking since July 2021, is a pivotal player for Pakistan. His consistent run-scoring ability and leadership skills make him indispensable. With an average close to 60 and a strike rate of nearly 90, Babar Azam’s performances will be crucial for Pakistan’s success. Besides his batting prowess, his role as a captain and his contributions with the ball will be closely watched.
Challenges and Expectations:
Pakistan’s campaign is shrouded in uncertainty, much like their performance four years ago. Despite holding the No.1 ODI team ranking at times since the 2019 Cricket World Cup, the team enters the tournament with a mixed record. Defeats to India and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup and losses to New Zealand on home soil have raised questions about the team’s form.
Tinkering with the batting order and middle-order instability have added to Pakistan’s uncertainties. Injuries, like Naseem Shah’s, have further complicated the team’s preparation. While the squad boasts match-winners like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, concerns about the middle order and the lack of a world-class spinner remain.
Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz provide quality with the bat, compensating for their spinning roles. The omission of Faheem Ashraf indicates Pakistan’s reliance on spinning conditions, with Usama Mir as an alternative.
On the batting front, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, and Fakhar Zaman bring stability and power. However, the team must address concerns about reliability.
Pakistan has the potential to lift the trophy, but they face fierce competition and must navigate a challenging path to the semi-finals. The team’s return to India after seven years adds pressure, but Pakistan has a history of defying expectations and could surprise cricket fans worldwide.
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