Pakistan’s cricket captain, Babar Azam, is banking on third time’s the charm as his team prepares for the Twenty20 World Cup, following their semi-final exit in 2021 and a runner-up finish in the subsequent year. However, their journey to the tournament, set in West Indies and the USA, has been anything but smooth.
In a whirlwind of changes, Azam took over the captaincy from Shaheen Shah Afridi just three months before the tournament’s commencement. Despite a shaky start, including a drawn T20 series with New Zealand and a defeat in the opening match against Ireland, Pakistan managed to clinch the series victory.
The unpredictability of the Pakistani team, oscillating between brilliance and disappointment, has made them the wildcard in the 20-team event, commencing on June 1. Placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, co-hosts United States, Canada, and Ireland, Pakistan faces a challenging road to the Super Eight round.
A pivotal clash against India awaits on June 9 in New York, where Pakistan’s dismal record against their rivals adds pressure. Should they stumble, their final group game against Ireland could turn into a do-or-die encounter in Florida.
Despite the tumultuous preparations, Azam remains optimistic about his team’s chances, aiming to break their title drought. The recent overhaul in Pakistan cricket, including changes in coaching staff, leadership, and selection committee, reflects a determined effort to bolster their World Cup campaign.
Key additions such as Gary Kirsten as the white-ball coach and the return of experienced players like Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim signal Pakistan’s intent to strengthen their bowling arsenal. Furthermore, a substantial monetary incentive announced by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi aims to motivate the players towards World Cup glory.
However, Pakistan’s batting inconsistencies pose a significant challenge. While Azam and Mohammad Rizwan anchor the top order, the middle-order comprising Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Azam Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed has struggled for consistency, hindering Pakistan’s ability to set imposing totals.
As Pakistan aims to “return with the trophy,” their batsmen will need to complement their formidable bowling attack, bridging the gap between potential and performance to realize their World Cup aspirations.
