WHEN it comes to World Cup pedigree, Pakistan have it in bucketloads.
Fired famously to the trophy in 1992, they have reached the final four on no fewer than five occasions in the tournament’s history.
That is not to mention their stunning Champions Trophy
triumph back in 2017, beating arch-rivals India at the Oval to upset all the
odds.
Their credentials on the biggest stage of 50-over cricket
should be left in little doubt – especially on English soil – but doubts reign
over the side’s consistency.
Since the glory of 2017, they were dumped out of last year’s
Asia Cup with a 5-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand and were only saved
from the same fate this month in England by inclement weather forcing the
abandonment of their first ODI at the Oval.
Question marks still linger over captain Sarfraz Ahmed who
had his problems both on and off the pitch in 2018.
But coach Mickey Arthur has confirmed the wicketkeeper will lead the side at the World Cup, hopefully bringing some calm and consistency to this volatile side.
Captain: Sarfraz Ahmed
Key man: Fakhar Zaman
Mohammad Amir’s one-day form fell off a clip and there was talk that he could miss out all together before Arthur named him in his 15-man squad alongside other surprise call-ups Asif Ali and Wahab Riaz.
But with the spin of Shadab Khan and the strike rate of
Hasan Ali, the big match experience of Mohammed Hafeez and the sting in the
tail offered by the multi-talented Imad Wasim, Pakistan should be a match for
anyone.
Arthur believes their strength, in fact, lies in harmony. “We’ve been united in the playing group we’ve identified,” he said.
“Our planning is as good as it could be. In fact, having
spoken to SA coaches, we’re probably ahead of a lot of other teams.”
That may well prove to be the case, but which Pakistan team it is that turns up remains to be seen.
JOE LEAVEY / Photos: Getty Images
