ICC Ranking: 6th
Batters/Fielders: Sarfaraz Ahmed (CPT WK), Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Imam ul Haq, Shoaib Malik
Bowlers: Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, Shaheen Afridi
All Rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan
Don’t Sleep On
– Shadab Khan: How will the young spinner handle the big stage? Well, if his T20 performance in the PPL, and recent high draft selection in the CPL, are any indications, we’re in for a breakout performance.
– Haris Sohail: This middle order batsmen will be called upon to hold an innings together this tournament. Whether or not he’s up to the challenge could be the difference in a deep tournament run, or an early trip back home.
– Imam-ul-Haq: He’s playing incredible cricket right now. His recent 151 against England in their World Cup warm up match shows massive potential for what he’s capable of on English soil.
Needed to Make a Run
– Hasan Ali : The key to their bowling attack, Ali can do it all. They’ll be looking at him to lead from the front and take timely wickets. He had a wonderful showing on English pitches in 2017, hopefully that form continues here!
– Sarfaraz Ahmed: The captain! His decision making and strategy is vital to the success of this team. They’ll look for him to put on a good showing with the bat, but ultimately his lineup and fielding adjustments are essential.
Key to the Cup
– Babar Azam: With an average of nearly 50 runs and a strike rate of 85, Azam is set to explode onto the big stage. With him anchoring the attack at the third spot, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq will be free to tee off during their opening partnership.
Why Should I Watch?
They won the most recent major ODI tournament in this very country two years ago and many of that team is back. That 2017 team surprised many, but that won’t be the case again this year, as expectations weigh heavy. This team can beat anyone but also lose to anyone.
How Fun is This Team? (6.5/10)
Pakistan plays a consistent and efficient brand of cricket that wins matches, which is ultimately all that matters. But this question isn’t asking if the team is good or not, it’s asking how fun they are. And that answer is…meh. Look for explosive batting from Azam and ul-Haq, teamed up with young talent in Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi to make this team worth watching if you’re a neutral fan.
Best Case
A repeat of the ICC Champions Trophy! Azam turns into the world-beating batter he’s destined to be and has a historic tournament while leading from the front. Hasan Ali leads the bowling attack to devastating results. They beat India in both group play and in the Finals to hoist the trophy.
Worst Case
The batting lineup completely fails to show up and Ahmed’s in-game decisions fail to make a difference. India proceeds to roll through them in their group match, and losses to Afghanistan and Bangladesh late in the tournament force an early exit.
Prediction
A big win over India in the group stage ultimately isn’t enough to make up for shock losses against either Sri Lanka or Afghanistan, resulting in Pakistan missing out on the semi-finals.
The American Slogger 