Predicting Pakistan’s performance in an ICC tournament is notoriously challenging. Even seasoned analysts, the ICC, or top astrologers might find it difficult to foresee Pakistan’s journey. Their unpredictability was highlighted in the 2017 Champions Trophy, where they defied all odds to claim the title. Since then, Pakistan has continued to surprise, winning unexpected matches and losing ones they were expected to win easily.
With the T20 World Cup being played on some of the most unpredictable pitches, the element of chaos is higher than ever. However, it is in such chaos that Babar Azam and his team often shine the brightest.
Here are three compelling reasons why Pakistan might have a better chance of lifting their second T20 World Cup title than many believe:
#3 Pitches Mitigate Their Batting Weaknesses
Pakistan’s known weakness is the relatively slow strike rates of their best batters, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, during the powerplay. This was an issue when they weren’t opening together, but recent failures by other openers have ended those experiments. On flat tracks, a score of 40/0 after the powerplay can be a disadvantage. However, on the unpredictable pitches seen so far in the US and West Indies, this weakness becomes less significant.
Here, par scores are often lower, around 150, making Pakistan’s strategic approach more effective. As Australia captain Mitchell Marsh noted after their win over Oman, “It’s going back to the old T20 where you need someone batting through.” Pakistan can leverage this approach, allowing their big hitters to play around the stability provided by Babar and Rizwan.
#2 Abundance of CPL Experience
One of the most underrated strengths of the Pakistani squad is their extensive experience in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). According to ESPNcricinfo, Pakistan ranks second in terms of squad members with CPL experience, just behind South Africa. Over the years, 29 Pakistani players have featured in the CPL, more than in any other league.
Key players like Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, and Azam Khan have been standout performers in the CPL and are well-versed with the conditions. Imad even has T20 experience in the US. This familiarity gives Pakistan a strategic edge, especially as they are expected to advance from a relatively easy group into the Super Eights, where their CPL experience could be crucial.
#1 One of the Best-Balanced Bowling Attacks
Pakistan boasts one of the most well-balanced and potent bowling attacks in the tournament. The pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, and Naseem Shah is perfectly suited for the crumbling wickets in the US. Their ability to combine swing with hit-the-deck movement is almost unmatched. With all three bowlers in good fitness, they are a formidable force.
In the West Indies, spinners like Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan add further depth and threat to the bowling lineup. Pakistan’s strength lies in their bowling, which is likely to be enhanced by the nature of the pitches in the World Cup.
None of this guarantees a trophy, nor does it ensure that Pakistan will definitely make it out of the group stage. However, they have all the necessary tools to succeed. All they need to do is channel the good, chaotic Pakistan and avoid the pitfalls of the confused one.
With these factors in play, Pakistan could well be a team to watch out for in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
