Pakistan team heads to Dallas for T20 World Cup in two groups

The Pakistan cricket team is set to leave London today in two groups, heading to Dallas, United States, in preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024. 

The first group includes 19 members, consisting of both players and management, while the second group comprises nine members.

During their European tour, Pakistan engaged in T20I series against both Ireland and England. The series with Ireland saw a dramatic start as Ireland secured a surprising five-wicket victory in the first match. Despite Pakistan’s strong opening, where Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi claimed early wickets, Ireland's Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector led a successful chase of Pakistan's 183-run target.

Pakistan rebounded strongly in the second T20I, achieving a commanding win by chasing a 194-run target in just 17 overs. The final match of the series saw Pakistan clinch victory with a score of 181 for 4, thanks to standout performances from Babar Azam (75) and Mohammad Rizwan (56). Ireland managed 178 for 7 in response, with Mark Adair taking 3-28.

The subsequent series with England was marred by weather disruptions, resulting in two cancelled matches. In the second encounter on May 25, England triumphed over Pakistan by 23 runs. The final match saw England once again dominate, winning by 7 wickets.

The Pakistani squad is now focused on their upcoming World Cup campaign, with their opening match against the USA scheduled for Thursday, June 6, in Dallas, followed by matches against India on June 9 and Canada on June 12 in New York. Their final league match against Ireland is slated for June 16 in Florida.

Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2024:

Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.

Pakistan’s schedule of matches:

• 6 June – vs USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas
• 9 June – vs India, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
• 11 June – vs Canada, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
• 16 June – vs Ireland, Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida

Pakistan has been seeded A2 in the first round and if they qualify for the second round, then their Super Eight matches will be as follows:

• 19 June – vs D1, Antigua
• 21 June – vs C2, Barbados
• 23 June – vs B1, Barbados