Pakistanis get ready with your team's jersey for T20 World Cup 2022

Pakistan will take on arch-rivals India, South Africa, Bangladesh and most likely West Indies & Namibia from the qualifiers in T20 World Cup

By Omayr Shaikh
October 15, 2022
Pakistan fans (L), Pakistan team celebrating - Twitter/PCB

It's time to get your team's jersey as high-anticipated T20 World Cup 2022 is just round the corner. There must be a lot of expense, thrill and unpredictability for Pakistan fans who often put themselves on a risk of high blood pressure while watching their team play. 

Last year, three Pakistani players were nominated for the best T20 performers award; Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. 

Shaheen Afridi (L), Mohammad Rizwan (C), Babar Azam (R) holding ICC awards - Twitter

Continuing with the crowd-pulling players in the side, this already star-studded Babar Azam XI guarantees world-class show.

For the first time since winning the T20 World Cup in 2009, this squad has the right flavors covered to excite the spectators.

The key performers are below thirty and likely to thrive down under. With consistent performances over the last year and challenging pre-tournament practices in the form of home T20I series against England and New Zealand Tri-Series, momentum is on their side. However, this excitement is tempered by the middle-order batting collapse prone Pakistan side. 

Pakistan's Iftikhar Ahmed gets clean bowled - Asia Cup 2022

Looking at each discipline separately, here are some recommendations that could help Pakistan achieve success in the marquee event.

Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Adelaide will host the Shaheens at the group stage. The green shirts will take on arch-rivals India, South Africa, Bangladesh and most likely West Indies & Namibia from the qualifiers. Pakistan will square off against a lethal pace attack, ably supported by spinners and fielders.

On the batting front, garnering winning scores or chasing them down will depend on the openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. They have the highest aggregate partnership runs for any wicket in the history of T20I cricket followed by the highest partnership average for batting pairs that have scored 1000 runs or more together. Also, most 100+ runs partnerships by a batting pair in T20Is belong to this Pakistan's opening pair. 

Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam together against England - PCB

When it comes to individual accolades, Rizwan has the highest individual batting average for T20Is and he is currently number one batter in shorter format. Rizwan's massive run at the office further authenticates the fact that he alongside Babar must stick to what has worked for them during the past couple of years.

Powerplay will set the tone for the innings. A decent start of 45 to 55 runs in the first six overs will enable the team to build the innings through overs seven to 15. This is the phase that makes or breaks the innings. The batsman will have to maintain the momentum that is gained in the powerplay without loosing wickets. This will carry the temperament into the final five overs of the innings.

In order to derive maximum benefit from the final five overs, it is important for Pakistan utilise the best possible options for the third to sixth batting numbers.

Khushdil Shah walking off against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2022 - ACC

Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman at three, four, five and six numbers can do wonders as they not only have the capability to maintain the run rate but also can take it in to over drive at will. Depending on Asif’s form, a chance can be taken with Nawaz at number three as well. It is unlikely that this set will play audacious ramp shots going for six over the keeper, but can put up a competitive total or chase down a target.

When taking a look at the Pakistan bowling attack, there is no doubt that majority of the responsibility will be on the shoulders of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.

Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf holding the trophy - PCB

Haris Rauf, with his destructive strike rate and deceptive pace, is moving up the ICC T20I bowlers' rankings. Shaheen is set to return, hopefully in full form and rhythm, to the vanguard of Pakistan's bowling attack. With the likes of Haris, Naseem Shah, Shadab, Nawaz, Wasim, Hasnain and Usman Qadir, the Pakistani bowling attack is ready not only to compete, but to overpower the best batting line-ups.

To conclude, the Pakistan fans are excited to see the Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign. Despite some negativity after the last home series, it’s time to back the men in green and support them in bringing back the cup.

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