Pakistan T20 Team Player List 2022 World Cup
With just over two weeks to go before the T20 World Cup 2022, the management of the Pakistan national team still faces a dilemma over the best line-up ahead of the mega-event.
The Greenshirts have an established opening partnership and a spirited bowling offense, but the middle order is a long-standing problem. The recently concluded 2022 Asian Cup saw problems in the midfield, and the men in green couldn’t solve the problem in the seven-game T20I series against England either.
Let’s take a look at what could be the best formation for Pakistan to win its second T20 World Cup title.
Babar Azam (C)
Babar Azam was one of the star performers in T20I cricket at the top of the order. Although some doubts have been raised about his low shot rate as a starter, there is no doubt about his quality as a forward and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him among the top scorers by the end of the tournament.
Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
T20I world number one Mohammad Rizwan has been in great form for the past two years. His consistency at the top of the leaderboard and understanding of his co-starter Babar Azam was a treat for the Pakistani fans. Once again there have been questions about his low rate of fire, but with the flat races on offer in Australia, Rizwan has an opportunity to up their game further.
Fajar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman is the surprise contender on this list as he wasn’t originally part of the 15-man squad for the T20 World Championship. However, Fakhar is drafted into the team as a reserve player and due to Khushdil Shah’s terrible form, Fakhar is expected to be called up to the team. Though Fakhar himself has not been consistent, he still offers much strength to Pakistan’s fragile middle class.
The 32-year-old is said to have fully recovered from his injury and is proving to be an important cog in the men’s batting unit.
Iftikhar Ahmed
Experienced all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed showed his knowledge of the racket last year. His consistency at the highest level was a worrying sign, but on this day Iftikhar may prove to be a handful with bat and ball. Iftikhar’s ability to roll up his sleeves and strike when needed makes him an important part of the build. His hitting position can be changed depending on the game situation.
Shadab Khan (VC)
Multifaceted Pakistani superstar Shadab Khan has proven to be one of the most enduring artists of late. His precise leg turn changed the game for the men in green, but the national team’s leadership failed to capitalize on his power.
Shadab’s exceptional ability to start quickly and play in rotation makes him a real asset to the racquet. Shadab is intended to be used as a real batsman and his position in the batting unit can be changed depending on the game situation.
Shadab can hit anywhere from the fourth to the seventh.
Mohammed Nawaz
Shadab’s criminal accomplice, Mohammad Nawaz, can also play exactly the same role as Shadab, giving the striking unit a lot of flexibility. Nawaz’s ability to stretch the power deep and turn bowling makes him an important part of the batting lineup.
Another advantage of Nawaz is that he is left-footed, which could be used by management to disrupt the opponent’s bowling pace. The 28-year-old can also play from fourth to seventh place.
Asif Ali
Asif Ali’s consistency with the bat has been questioned in the cricket fraternity but there is no doubting his ability to hit six and win games. Asif’s role in the team is simple, which is to hit the highs and help the team achieve better-than-expected results.
His batting stance can vary depending on the game situation, as he should only be sent to bat at the bottom of the innings. The 31-year-old is a key player for Pakistan’s T20I team.
Mohammad Wasim Jr.
We chose Mohammad Wasim Jr. on the list because he provides the right balance on the wing. His bowling pace and low-order hitting power make him a versatile player who could prove useful in Australian conditions.
The inclusion of Wasim Jr also offers an opportunity to play as a point four and given the shots ricocheting off the box it could be a crucial pick.
Shaheen Afridi
Pakistani cricket fans are desperate for their star point guard Shaheen Afridi to recover from his knee injury and return to the national team. Shaheen’s absence was felt badly by Pakistan at the 2022 Asian Cup and his return at the T20 World Cup 2022 could see the national team qualify for the mega-event’s Final Four.
Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf ran the bowling department in Shaheen Afridi’s absence. Rauf is considered one of the best T20 pacers and probably the best death thrower in the world. His Big Bash League (BBL) experience will help him in Australian conditions too and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him among the tournament’s top wicket takers.
Also Read: What Should Pakistan Squad For T20 World Cup 2022 Look Like?
Naseem Shah
Another speed demon, Naseem Shah, complements the bowling attack perfectly. Having recently made his T20I debut at the Asian Cup, Naseem has quickly established himself as an integral part of the national team. His deadly opening partnership with Shaheen forms perhaps the best bowling offense in the world.
Here is the composition:
| 1. | Babar Azam (C) |
| 2. | Mohammad Rizwan (wk) |
| 3. | Fakhar Zaman |
| 4. | Iftikhar Ahmed |
| 5. | Shadab Khan (VC) |
| 6. | Mohammad Nawaz |
| 7. | Asif Ali |
| 8. | Mohammad Wasim Jr. |
| 9. | Shaheen Afridi |
| 10. | Haris Rauf |
| 11. | Naseem Shah |
| Sub | Haider Ali |
| Sub | Shan Masood |
| Sub | Mohammad Hasnain |
| Sub | Usman Qadir |
