- Pakistan’s World Cup chances
Pakistan have had a great workout before the mega event. Not many teams have the opportunity to play a full-fledged bilateral ODI series against the host nation just before the World Cup. The fact that they played side games, one international T-20, and a five match ODI series against the best one-day side in the world is more than they could have asked for. Even though Pakistan couldn’t manage a win against England, they are now fully aware of their shortcomings and expectations.
What many thought was their biggest strength has turned out to be an alarming weakness. Pakistan’s poor display with the ball has forced them to include Mohammad Amir, which was inevitable, and surprisingly Wahab Riaz in the final squad. But first, the batting.
Pakistan have to find a way, and they often do in important tournaments. They play their best cricket when they are under the pump
It should not have come as a shock that the recent ODI series saw scores of over 350. The pitches in England over the last five years have been absolute roads. At the end of the third game when England chased down Pakistan’s 359 with five overs to spare, the captain Eoin Morgan said that it was a par score. Now think about that for minute. A total of 359 is now par ODI cricket. That statement from Morgan reveals exactly where modern 50-over cricket is at. Unfortunately, Pakistan are not quite there. Even though Pakistan achieved over 330 runs in two games, they still have not broken the ‘block-bash’ habit. Their batsmen continue to play too many dot balls, and they lack the acceleration that’s needed at the latter stages of the innings. They will be hoping Asif Ali, who was also included in the final squad, will rectify the six-hitting issue that they have. Asif Ali’s brisk fifties in the ODI series certainly helped his case, and there is no doubt Pakistan could use a powerhitter like him at the death. It is just unfortunate that Pakistan did not consistently stick with him. They knew they had a powerhitting problem more than a year ago, so it would have been wise to play him regularly in ODI matches regardless of performance in order to prepare him for the World Cup.
The good news is that Pakistan’s top three are in good form. Both the openers, and Pakistan’s best, Babar Azam, scored centuries against England. It has been a while since a Pakistan team has been sure about their top order before a big tournament. It is essential that the top three consistently fire, as Pakistan’s middle-order continues to look vulnerable and slightly outdated.
As for Pakistan’s bowling, it was clear they were severely underprepared. The fact that they have called in the pace veteran Wahab Riaz from nowhere indicates that the panic button has been pressed. Granted, the bowlers received unfair criticism during the ODI series. The wickets were flat, the outfields were fast, and the boundaries were small. Let’s remember, England also conceded over 330 runs twice.
Even though Mohammad Amir was selected in the preliminary squad, it somehow seemed inevitable that he would be picked for the final line-up. Amir has struggled being the wicket taker we expect him to be, however his economy rate (4.58) for the modern game is brilliant. It is very difficult for bowlers these days to stem the flow of runs as conditions are completely in the batsmen’s favour. This makes Amir crucial to Pakistan’s cause. If he can control the flow of runs in the first powerplay along with Shaheen Afridi, who will most likely be his bowling partner, that will help Pakistan greatly.
Wahab Riaz’s sudden inclusion may reek of desperation, but it’s the right call. He should have been picked from the very beginning. There is no doubt that his bowling has improved significantly. When he was playing for Pakistan two years ago, he lacked control and discipline, something that he has worked on successfully since he has been away from international cricket. His bouncers are now accurate, and he is finding the blockhole more often than not. If Wahab brings this newfound progress to the World Cup, he can prove to be a handful. It is a shame he was not a part of the England series. The preparation for him would have been ideal.
Pakistan’s spin department is also a cause for concern. Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s ace leg-spinner, could not take part in the England series due to illness. Even though he has recovered in time for the World Cup, will the lack of game preparation find him wanting? Imad Wasim, who has been Pakistan’s key bowler in the middle overs, struggled against England’s batsmen. For a bowler whose main job is to contain, he was far too expensive. On true pitches, Imad will have to vary his pace some more. Constantly darting the ball into the batsmen makes him predictable. He is a smart operator no doubt, so he certainly has the ability to adapt.
Bowling is more of a concern for Pakistan, because it has primarily been their bowlers who have won them big tournaments. Whether it was 1992, 2009, or 2017, it was mainly Pakistan’s wicket-taking bowlers that saw them through. On flat batting tracks, it will be difficult for the bowlers to maintain control let alone take wickets, but Pakistan have to find a way, and they often do in important tournaments. They play their best cricket when they are under the pump. There is no reason why Pakistan cannot bounce back.