What would the Pakistan T20 World Cup squad look like?
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| Pic Courtesy ICC |
OPENERS
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Sharjeel Khan are the starters (reserve)
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been fantastic opening batsmen for Pakistan in this format, and they are unlikely to seek another pure opening batter in the main team. While Rizwan has the most T20I runs in 2021 with 752, Babar has the second-most with 523. Sharjeel, who recently hit an amazing 63-ball 141, has played six T20Is this year with little success but may be one of the reserves. Pakistan does have Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Hafeez, both of whom are now in middle-order roles, to come in if an emergency arises.
Middle-Order
Fakhar Zaman and Sohaib Maqsood
With numerous all-rounders doubling as middle-order batsmen, Pakistan will turn on Sohaib Maqsood, the PSL 2021 final hero who has been among the league's run scorers, and Fakhar Zaman as pure middle-order batters. Fakhar's ability to bat as an opener bolsters his case, as does his recent shift to the middle order, which has yet to yield rewards. Maqsood might be in contention for a spot in the XI, but it will also depend on what Pakistan wants from its senior all-rounders, who are also competing for spots in the middle order.
Wicketkeepers
Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan (reserve)
Rizwan is unquestionably the squad's top wicketkeeper. Nonetheless, considering his recent promotion to the T20I setup, Azam Khan is expected to go as a reserve. Although Azam hasn't played much in Pakistani colours, his overall T20 statistics – 825 runs at a strike rate of more than 152 – are likely to help his case for a spot in the team.
ALL ROUNDERS
Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Nawaz are all all-rounders.
According to recent reports, Babar Azam wants veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik to be included in the team for the T20 World Cup, but the top selector denied his plea. Malik ended the PSL 2021 season as the fourth-highest run-scorer, with 354 runs at a mid-30s average and a strike rate close to 150. Malik last played for Pakistan in September 2020, but given Babar's interest in him and Pakistan's middle-order deficiencies, he might be selected for the ICC event.
Hafeez, who had a fantastic 2020, has an average of 11 after 14 T20I matches in 2021. He had a decent PSL season, but he might yet be benched in the T20 World Cup. Given his track record in the nation, the top selector indicated that Imad Wasim, who was just reintroduced to the T20I side, might be on the trip to UAE. The two all-rounders set to be in the team are Mohammad Nawaz, who will compete with Wasim for a spot in the side, and Shadab Khan, who is anticipated to start. Faheem Ashraf may be replaced in the squad by Hasan Ali, whose batting talents are gaining notice.
FAST BOWLERS
Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Arshad Iqbal (reserve).
Mohammad Wasim Jnr (reserve) Pakistan has a number of fast bowling options in the T20I system, with a few more developing through the PSL. The three main seamers are expected to be Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, and Hasan Ali, with Haris Rauf, whose T20 statistics have been declining, likely to keep his position. Mohammad Wasim Jnr, who has been outstanding in the PSL and has just been called up to the T20I squad, may be a travelling reserve, along with Arshad Iqbal, the Karachi Kings seamer, who is also expected to go.
SPINNERS
Usman Qadir is a spinner.
Although Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Mohammad Nawaz, along with a few part-time alternatives, form a solid spin attack, Usman Qadir, who is Pakistan's joint-second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is this year, is expected to make the squad.
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