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Pakistan squad revisits Champions Trophy 2017 victory ahead of T20 World Cup

Pakistan holds a session to revisit the winning feeling and discuss tactics ahead of the crucial match against India

Pakistan squad revisits Champions Trophy 2017 victory ahead of T20 World Cup PHOTO: AFP

Following the defeat against South Africa in the warm-up match, Pakistan team management got together to discuss crucial matters leading up to the crunch match against India.

To boost the morale of the players, they were shown a re-run of their winning campaign of the Champions Trophy where Pakistan beat India in the final of the tournament.

Interim Head Coach Saqlain Mushtaq was also part of this preparation and he gave pointers to the team on how to cope with the pressure and more.

"You have beaten India before, and you can beat them again. We can win the World Cup, just like how we won the Champions Trophy," said Saqlain during his short speech.

The preparations also included an in-depth session regarding Pakistan's approach against India and playing XI was made the focus of it.

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Senior players are expected to get a nod ahead of others which means that Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are likely to start. 

Emphasis on bowling

Since T20 is the shortest format on the international stage, decisions are needed to be made promptly which is why the Pakistan team focused on areas where they can improve on.

The team management analysed the performance in the death overs and discussed ways to improve the impact. Muhammad Wasim Jnr. is very unlikely to be given a nod due to inexperience which means Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Haris Rauf will be the pace attack against India.

However, concerns regarding Haris Rauf's inability to stop runs remain a point of contention as he went for five boundaries in a single one over against West Indies in the warm-up match.

Assessing the batting line-up

The top-order has been finalised and there are no surprises as Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan are confirmed to open whereas Fakhar Zaman impressed everyone with his performances, in the warm-up games, leaving no room for Haider Ali.

There are concerns over Mohammad Hafeez's batting whereas the weight of expectations lay firm on Shoaib Malik's shoulders.

Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan are identified as two all-rounders who will feature against India whereas Asif Ali is also expected to be included in the team.

Pakistan cricket team will go through another practice session on Friday (today) where the bowling coach Vernon Philander will give special instructions to bowlers regarding death bowling. On the other hand, Matthew Hayden will be addressing the Pakistani batters.