Bhogle, Morkel highlight areas for Pakistan to address ahead of upcoming matches

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Harsha Bhogle has pointed out areas of concern for Pakistan ahead of their upcoming World Cup matches, following the Men in Green’s defeat to Australia on Friday in the ICC World Cup 2023 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

“Australia are back in this World Cup but lots of questions confront Pakistan. Warner, Marsh, Zampa, Hazlewood the big gainers. The form of Starc a major concern. For Pakistan, the form of Babar, the lack of wickets for the new ball and the continuing problems with spin,” Bhogle wrote in a post on X.

 

Australia are back in this World Cup but lots of questions confront Pakistan. Warner, Marsh, Zampa, Hazlewood the big gainers. The form of Starc a major concern. For Pakistan, the form of Babar, the lack of wickets for the new ball and the continuing problems with spin.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 20, 2023

Babar-led side fell short by 62 runs in their attempt to chase a 368-run target set by Australia, with Pakistan captain, Babar Azam’s individual performance under scrutiny after being dismissed for just 18 runs in 14 balls.

Babar has been facing a run drought in mega event, scoring only 5 runs against the Netherlands and 10 runs against Sri Lanka in the first two matches. However, he showed improvement in the third match against India, scoring a fifty.

The post-match analysis also included comments from Pakistan's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, who also highlighted the team's struggle to string together partnerships and the inconsistency with the ball.

"The last couple of games, that is one of our talking points, to string partnerships together. I think in India that is the key, create pressure from both ends, keep the stumps in play, and at the moment, we're not doing that.

"We are not consistent with the ball. If you are going to lift that trophy on the 19th then we need to create consistency from both the ends," said Morkel after the match.

The former South African pacer said the team missed the presence of injured pacer Naseem Shah and his new ball alliance with Afridi in this tournament.

Morkel acknowledged the absence of injured pacer Naseem Shah, stating that his partnership with Shaheen Afridi was crucial, and Naseem's absence was a significant loss. He mentioned that the current bowlers, Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf, were adjusting to a new role of bowling with the new ball in powerplays, a challenge they were not previously accustomed to.

"It's slightly new role for Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf bowling with the new ball in powerplays. These guys used to bowl sort of outside the powerplay. But I think, with the opportunity we've given them they are standing up to the occasion.

"It is quite tough with a new ball in India. The margins are small. So, they are learning and trying their heart out," he said.