World Cup 2023: Pakistan team preview, squad, key players, form and prediction
Pakistan, ICC World Cup 2023 Preview: The team heads into the tournament with a pack of unsettled cards, riding thin on the prowess of a few lead characters.
Published : Oct 01, 2023 21:54 IST , CHENNAI - 2 MINS READ
Babar Azam will have to bring his inimitable best to take his side deep into the tournament. | Photo Credit: AP
It was all a cruise for Pakistan in the preparatory marathon for the World Cup until it dropped momentum in the most inopportune lap. A harrowing Asia Cup campaign has dampened the fire in the engine room, exposed certain chinks and also broken down a few bodies. Pakistan’s overreliance on the top-order means captain Babar Azam will have to bring his inimitable best to take his side deep into the tournament.
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While a wavering Fakhar Zaman could make way for Abdullah Shafique up top with Imam-ul-Haq, Babar remains the most vital piece, shepherding a mercurial middle-order alongside Mohammad Rizwan.
In Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, Pakistan had the most enviable pace attack in readiness for the tournament. However, with an untimely shoulder injury sidelining Naseem indefinitely, Pakistan enters yet another World Cup with uncertainties reeking through the ranks. Its spin closet wears a woeful look after its lead spinner Shadab Khan was blunted on tacky Sri Lankan pitches.
While Iftikhar Ahmed can chip in with his crafty off-spin besides his batting muscle in the lower-order, Pakistan heads into the tournament with a pack of unsettled cards, riding thin on the prowess of a few lead characters.
KEY PLAYERS
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi will lead the most enviable pace attack in the tournament. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
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 can chip in with his crafty off-spin besides his batting muscle in the lower-order. | Photo Credit: AFP
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 ranking in ODIs this year, but Babar’s men look far from a settled unit. As unpredictable as it can be, Pakistan will start the World Cup playing catch-up for a semifinal spot and probably finish just below the top four.
Pakistan in ODIs in 2023
| Mat. | Won | Lost | Tied | No Result | Win% |
| 16 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 62.5 |