Pakistan is poised to enter the T20 World Cup as a formidable contender, driven by their recent successes in the tournament. Despite a loss to England in the 2022 final, Pakistan showcased their resilience by reaching the championship match, building on their impressive semi-final run in the 2021 edition led by Babar Azam.
While Pakistan has faced challenges in the ODI World Cups, their T20 campaigns have shown promise with significant advancements. Although they fell short of winning in 2021 and 2022, their progression to the semi-finals and then the final demonstrated their potential. As they anticipate the upcoming tournament, all eyes are on Pakistan, particularly with Babar Azam reinstated as captain. Their matches against the USA, India, Canada, and Ireland will be highly anticipated, sparking excitement among fans and analysts for their performance and strategic analysis in the tournament.
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Pakistan’s squad for 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies: Babar Azam (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan
SWOT Analysis: Pakistan’s Prospects in the ICC T20 World Cup
Strengths
- Unpredictability: Pakistan’s ability to surprise opponents is a significant strength. Any player can rise to the occasion and turn the tide of a match single-handedly.
- Fierce Pace Attack: Pakistan boasts one of the most formidable pace-bowling line-ups in the tournament. The likes of Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf can unsettle any batting line-up, with Afridi’s knack for early breakthroughs being particularly potent.
Weaknesses
- Subpar Strike Rates: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s below-par strike rates pose a significant weakness for Pakistan. Despite consistent criticism, they have struggled to accelerate their scoring, potentially costing the team crucial runs in pressure situations.
- Backstage Drama: Internal conflicts and off-field issues, such as Shaheen Afridi’s dismissal from captaincy and reported refusals to take up vice-captaincy, could undermine team cohesion and performance on the field.
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Opportunities
- Redemption for Returning Players: The T20 World Cup presents an opportunity for Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who came out of retirement for the event, to showcase their talents and potentially extend their international careers beyond the tournament.
Threats
- Inherent Unpredictability: While Pakistan’s unpredictability can be an asset, it also poses a threat, as demonstrated by past losses to minnows and unexpected defeats, such as against Ireland and Zimbabwe. To succeed, Pakistan must guard against complacency and ensure consistent performance on the big stage, minimizing the risk of upsets.
As Pakistan gears up for the ICC T20 World Cup, leveraging their strengths, addressing weaknesses, capitalizing on opportunities, and mitigating threats will be crucial in their quest for success on the global stage.
