As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming Cricket World Cup, the team faces a significant setback with the loss of their young pace prodigy due to injury. Despite this, the team remains hopeful for their second World Cup victory.
Unfortunate Injury Sidelines Promising Talent
The promising fast bowler suffered an injury during the Super Four match against India in the Asia Cup. This unfortunate event means he will be absent from the cricket field for the foreseeable future. His absence is a significant loss for the team, considering his impressive ability to manipulate the cricket ball and his exceptional One Day International (ODI) record of 32 wickets at an average of 16.96, including two five-wicket hauls.
Experienced Players Step Up
In light of this, Hasan Ali has been called upon to fill the void. The team’s roster boasts a wealth of experience that could potentially bolster their chances of clinching the title. The batting lineup includes stalwarts such as Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq, Mohammed Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Salman Agha, along with promising talents like Mohammed Haris and Saud Shakeel.
Emerging Stars Shine
Haris, who led the Pakistan ‘Shaheens’ to victory in the Emerging Asia Cup 2023, and Shakeel, who has demonstrated his prowess in Test cricket, are expected to make significant contributions. The team also has a strong spin-bowling all-rounder contingent, including Shadab Khan, Mohammed Nawaz, Salman Agha, and Iftikhar Ahmed. Usama Mir provides an additional leg-spin option if required.
Formidable Pace Attack
The team’s pace attack, renowned for its potency, will be spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, with support from Haris Rauf, Mohammed Waseem, and Hasan Ali.
Pakistan’s World Cup Squad
The full squad for the upcoming World Cup includes: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim.
Pre-World Cup Preparations
Pakistan, despite not reaching the final in the recent Asia Cup, will play two warm-up matches against New Zealand and Australia as part of their World Cup preparations. Their World Cup campaign kicks off against the Netherlands on 6 October in Hyderabad.