ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan ODI Squad Analysis

October 13, 2023, 11:15 AM
by Nafiz Tahmid

UNB News
Publish- October 13, 2023, 11:15 AM
Nafiz Tahmid
Update- October 13, 2023, 11:46 AM

ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan ODI Squad Analysis

Pakistan Men's ODI Squad Analysis for the 2023 ICC World Cup (UNB Digital Image)

Pakistan has entered the ICC World Cup 2023 as a strong contender. In 1992, they clinched their first World Cup title, and now they aim to secure the title on the home turf of their arch-rivals. Having secured two victories already, Pakistan started the tournament with a strong squad. Let’s analyze Pakistan's Men's ODI squad for the 2023 ICC World Cup and see where they have strength.

Pakistan Squad for ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Saul Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan.

Analysis of Pakistan ODI Squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Upon reviewing the squad, it appears to be fairly decent, but not without its weaknesses. A notable concern, aside from Naseem's injury, revolves around the inclusion of Hasan Ali, who has been absent from Pakistan's white-ball setup for a considerable period. This decision, however, might be justified by the desire to incorporate experience into the team.

The injury of Naseem Shah has stirred considerable discussion, given his status as one of the top pacers in world cricket, not just within Pakistan. Despite this setback, Pakistan maintains a promising chance to secure victory in the World Cup. The team consists of a tough top three, and their pace bowling arsenal, featuring talents like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, remains robust. Additionally, the presence of a skilled spinner, Shadab, who can also be useful with the bat, adds further depth to their lineup.

A crucial aspect to consider is that none of the Pakistani cricketers in the current squad have experienced competitive cricket in India. This poses a significant challenge as the Indian pitch condition is different from Dubai or Sri Lanka.

However, Pakistan’s top order is the biggest strength of the team. The top order comprises three high-caliber ODI players Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam ul-Haq. Babar Azam, often greeted as the poster boy of Pakistan, stands out as the fastest to reach 5000 ODI runs and currently holds the prestigious title of the number 1 ranked ODI batter in the world. Renowned for his ability to accumulate runs, Babar Azam is a prolific run-scorer in this format. However, Babar could not help significantly in the first two matches. He has the capability to stand out in crucial matches.

Additionally, Fakhar Zaman, the opener, is a serial match-winner who played a key role in Pakistan's triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 with his memorable century against India. He holds the distinction of being the only Pakistani player to achieve three scores of 180 or more in ODIs. His remarkable innings of 194 in South Africa is regarded as one of the greatest ODI knocks of all time. Joining him as the opening partner is the consistently reliable Imam ul-Haq, who has demonstrated a keen ability to score runs in ODI cricket. With five half-centuries in his last ten innings and an ODI batting average around 50, Imam ul-Haq also secured a position in the top 10 ODI batting rankings.

While Fakhar Zaman is Pakistan’s one of the top strengths, his form before the World Cup poses a significant concern for Pakistan, as the left-handed batsman has struggled to make an impact in the last 7-8 games before the tournament. His performance will be crucial for Pakistan's campaign in the upcoming matches.

Moving to the middle order, it features Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan as the all-rounder. While Mohammad Rizwan's overall ODI record may not be stellar, he has demonstrated good form this year and aims to sustain this momentum. Agha Salman, however, faced a downturn in the Asia Cup, placing added pressure on him to deliver. Iftikhar Ahmed, possessing ample experience, is expected to play at no. 6 and 7 positions for Pakistan, but consistency will be key. Shadab Khan, the all-rounder, adds depth to the lineup and is set to play a crucial role in both batting and bowling capacities.

Further, fielding remains a significant concern for Pakistan, and their poor fielding has been a contributing factor to several defeats in the past. It is imperative for them to identify their second or third-best fielder after Shadab Khan and address this aspect to enhance their overall performance.

Key Players to Watch in the Pakistan Men’s ODI Squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam

The captain of Pakistan, who also stands out as their most prolific run-scorer in recent years, is a key player. Current number 1 player in ICC Men's ODI rankings. Babar has consistently secured a position among the top five batters in the format for the past six years. Despite a relatively modest performance in the recently-concluded Asia Cup by his own high standards, scoring 207 runs in four innings and falling short of leading his team into the final, Pakistan's prospects of qualifying for the World Cup semifinals will be tied to Babar's batting form and on-field decision-making.

Shaheen Afridi

Similar to Babar Azam’s performance in batting, Shaheen Afridi's spells with the ball will play a pivotal role in their ability to dismiss batters on the high-scoring pitches in India. Having debuted internationally at the age of 18 in 2018, Afridi has quickly emerged as Pakistan's main bowling spearhead, frequently securing a position in the top 10 ICC bowlers' rankings.

Mohammad Rizwan

A true fighter in every sense, Mohammad Rizwan has seized every opportunity that has crossed his path as a batter and wicketkeeper. Starting as an opener in T20Is, he has transitioned seamlessly into the number four position in ODIs. With fifty and a hundred in the two recent matches in World Cup 2023, he stands as the most in-form batter for Pakistan at the moment. His brilliance was evident in the 131 runs against Sri Lanka, where he not only reached the milestone but also stayed through to the end of the game.

Haris Rauf

In the absence of Naseem, he will need to pose an even more significant role than he already does for Pakistan, particularly in the middle and death overs. And he has been doing his role well, as he grabbed 5 wickets in the first two matches of the World Cup 2023.

Final Words

Pakistan aims to grab the 2023 ICC Men's ODI World Cup. Despite recent challenges, including Naseem Shah's injury and potential hindrance of inconsistency, the team remains steadfast with a stable and experienced lineup. The bowling attack demonstrates competitiveness, and the batting lineup possesses depth in spin. Identifying the right formula for success becomes crucial at this stage. If they can effectively implement a strategic game plan, Pakistan men's ODI squad has the potential to clinch the trophy, marking their victory after 31 years since their last victory in 1992.