Pakistan’s team management and Babar Azam face a pleasant dilemma as, for the first time in living memory, Pakistan not only possesses a first eleven without any significant weaknesses but also a squad deserving of the name.
The team is just two wins away from claiming the top spot in the ODI rankings.
After comfortably winning the third ODI against New Zealand in Karachi, it is evident that some tough decisions will have to be made in this World Cup year.
The hosts have made this ODI series appear easy so far, effortlessly defeating a depleted New Zealand in the first three games, winning the five-match series 3-0.
However, the Black Caps are not pushovers.
NZ V/S PAKISTAN
New Zealand’s unbeaten streak of over two decades in the ODI series against Pakistan highlights the strength of the touring side, with many players involved in the recent 2-2 T20I series draw indicating their competency.
However, the gulf in class simply highlights how strong Pakistan’s side is.
What has been Pakistan’s traditional weakness, their top order has now been turned upside down, and Pakistan is now one of the most top-heavy batting sides.
This is undoubtedly the greatest Pakistani top three in history, and they are the most prolific with Babar Azam (59.29), Imamul Haq (51.3), and Fakhar Zaman (49.22), boasting the three best ODI averages of any batsman in Pakistan’s history.
At present, the International Cricket Council’s rankings reflect the exceptional quality of Pakistan’s top three batsmen.
Fakhar has recently risen to second position in the rankings, behind Babar, while Imam has secured fifth place, with the Pakistani trio holding three of the top five spots.
Opposing Teams
Even more alarmingly for opposing teams, they have taken criticisms into account and improved accordingly.
Babar and Imam are now scoring at a quicker pace, while Fakhar has become more dependable.
Some argue that Pakistan’s reliance on the top three batsmen to score runs is a concern, as Haris Sohail is the only other Pakistani batsman in the top 50 rankings.
However, most teams would welcome having Muhammad Rizwan at number four or five in their batting order.
While Iftikhar Ahmed has struggled in the 50-over format, he has proven to be a useful player, and Agha Salman has quietly made a strong case for himself.
Saim Ayub, Muhammad Haris, and Abdullah Shafique are exciting young players who could provide additional batting options for Babar.
While Pakistan currently lacks a fast-bowling all-rounder, they can play multiple spin all-rounders in India without needing a fourth pacer.
The selection committee must include Imad Wasim in the World Cup squad and starting lineup, given his ability to finish games, while vice-captain Shadab Khan remains a certain pick.
Pakistan has a talented pool of first-team and squad players, including a world-class pace attack led by Shaheen Shah Afridi. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf would be spearheads in many teams, and Ihsanullah has the potential to become a formidable bowler.
Zaman Khan, Muhammad Wasim, and even Muhammad Hasnain would walk into most international teams but struggle to make it into Pakistan’s squad.
Pakistan not only has a strong first eleven but also a formidable squad to choose from, and they will be quietly confident of winning their second World Cup in November.
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