Pakistan's journey begins in Dallas, where they will take on co-host USA on June 6
04 June, 2024
PHOTO: AFP
Former Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat has shared his candid thoughts on Pakistan's chances of reaching the semifinals in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 being co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.
In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Arafat did not shy away from expressing concerns about the team's current form and preparation.
The Men in Green recently lost the four-match shorter format series against England 2-0. While the first and third matches were completely washed out due to rain, Pakistan was defeated by the home side in both the second and fourth encounters.
"With this performance, combination, and preparation, I don't see them in the top four. However, we have players like Fakhar and Iftikhar, who are capable of winning matches single-handedly. So, the hope is that we get a good start, these players perform well in the middle order, and finish strong. Later, there's Azam Khan or Shadab, and if Shadab or the rest like Imad Wasim are in good form, and these players play well with a good combination, then it is possible. But looking at the recent form and preparation of Pakistan, it seems a bit difficult to me," Arafat said.
With Mohammad Amir returning to the national team after reversing his retirement decision, the former cricketer acknowledged the veteran bowler's diminished pace but highlighted his experience and skill as vital assets.
"Amir's situation is that, first of all, he is not the same pace bowler as before, but his experience counts for a lot. He has performed well in the Caribbean, and his cutters will be very useful there. He has great skill, and his experience will provide good strength to our bowling attack. The good news is that, despite our players coming back from injuries, like Haris who has just returned, although his confidence isn't fully back, Shaheen Afridi's form and pace seem to be returning. If they peak at the right time, Pakistan's team could finish in the top four," he said.
While discussing the batting order, the 42-year-old highlighted the importance of the number three position for Pakistan's batting lineup in the mega-event tournament.
"Look, from the outside, I think that for them, the number three position will be crucial. If you see, when Pakistan went to New Zealand, Babar Azam performed excellently there. The combination of Pakistan's batting also suggests that with Rizwan, if Usman isn't scoring, you can give Usman a chance. And then you have Fakhar and Iftikhar coming in later, which forms a good combination. It has also been heard that since Gary Kirsten has joined, he mentioned that they could also try Babar Azam at number three, which would be a good decision," he concluded.
Pakistan's journey begins in Dallas, where they will take on co-host USA on June 6, 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:
