By the time you read this, Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup would have already been announced (Thursday), in addition to the lineup for the upcoming series against England. The fitness tests were the final chance for the players to change the team management’s mind. In the coming weeks, we’ll dissect the final squad and Pakistan’s chances at the World Cup, as the countdown begins.
Before the World Cup starts at the end of next month, Pakistan will play a T20I and five ODIs against England. The series gives Pakistan a head-start over the other teams as the side will get around 40 days of cricket – including tour matches – before the start of the World Cup. It is this time to get acclimatized, in addition to Pakistan’s Champions Trophy win in England back in 2017, which has prompted many to consider the side as one of the favourites for the World Cup.
Sarfraz Ahmed
There are many reasons for one to disagree with that billing - one that Pakistan traditionally haven’t enjoyed anyway! For, since that historic Champions Trophy win two years ago, the team has done little of note in ODI cricket. In the past 24 months, Pakistan have lost ODI series against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa – the former two whitewashes – and failed to make the final of the Asia Cup. It’s largely Pakistan’s run of T20I series wins, coupled with memories of the Champions Trophy win, which has maintained the delusion of the side being formidable in the 50 over format, with things going obviously pear-shaped in Tests.
Furthermore, the World Cup format doesn’t exactly suit Pakistan – even though, ironically, it was under the same format that the team won the 1992 trophy. With all ten sides playing each other, and then the top four making the semifinals, it’s too long a stretch for Pakistan cricket team, which doesn’t exactly thrive on the prospect of exhibiting consistency. Pakistan are at their most dangerous in bursts, as was exhibited in a three-match turnaround in the Champions Trophy, and indeed at the tail-end of the 1992 World Cup itself.
Babar Azam
The current World Cup format would ensure that only the top four, most consistent sides, would make the semifinals. And then it’s a knockout shootout between those four sides for the trophy.
Even so, there’s no reason to believe that Pakistan cannot do it. This is especially true given that there is not overwhelming favourite for the trophy, and top four is definitely up for grabs. England would be favourites, followed by India, but the latter suffered a home defeat against Australia, who seem to be peaking in time for the World Cup – as they always do.
Hasan Ali
Fakhar Zaman
The World Cup format ensures that only the consistent sides would make the semifinals
After England and India, there’s a pool of four teams all of whom would be backing themselves to make the top four: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan. Even though they’ve been on a high recently, Sri Lanka would be classified in the more mercurial section of the lineup, alongside West Indies, Bangladesh and Afghanistan – teams that can beat anyone on a given day, but those that won’t be expected to be in the top four after playing nine league matches.
Pakistan would’ve been in the same tier perhaps, but the Champions Trophy win and a consistent core of players might help them get the required consistency to make the last four. And if consistency is the name of the game, the England series is going to be crucial, which will give Pakistan the opportunity to identify its first choice 11 and finalize the team roles.
