Pakistan have released a 23-man preliminary squad, which has made my job a bit easier predicting their final squad, although a few eyebrows might still be raised.
Batsmen
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Abid Ali, Haris Sohail
Fakhar Zaman has been the opener Pakistan fans have been crying out for: an aggressive batsman who isn’t afraid of taking on bowlers. His starts will be crucial for Pakistan.
There have been accusations of nepotism around Imam due to his uncle Inzamam-Ul-Haq being in the selection committee, but he just keeps on scoring runs. He complements Zaman really well and will be looking to bat for 35-40 overs every time he steps out to bat.
Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Some clueless fans need to stop comparing Babar Azam to Virat Kohli but he’s still one of the best white-ball batsmen in world cricket.
Abid Ali showed on his debut against Australia what he’s capable of, and he will be Pakistan’s back-up opener.
Haris Sohail also showed in the Australia series what Pakistan have been missing recently and will most likely take the No.4 spot.
All-rounders
Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan
Shoaib Malik will retire at the end of the World Cup and Pakistan will dearly miss his services. He plays pace and spin well, and he could be a sixth bowling option for Pakistan should captain Sarfraz Ahmed need his services.
Imad Wasim on his day is dangerous with both bat and ball. The Welsh-born all-rounder is an option to even bowl with the new ball should there be a hint of turn in the pitch.
Shadab Khan is an underrated all-rounder. His leg spin is still developing but he’s shown in international and franchise cricket how lethal he can be. His batting is something opposition teams should not underestimate as well.
Faheem Ashraf is the package Pakistan have been looking for since Abdul Razzaq retired. Can bat, bowl and field well. But please don’t give him the new ball. He’s not ready for that role yet.
Wicketkeepers
Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Mohammad Rizwan
Safraz Ahmed has only played a sole ODI match since his racist comments to South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo.
His keeping, captaincy and batting has declined since Pakistan won the Champions Trophy, but the break may do him good come the World Cup.
Mohammad Rizwan is someone Australian fans have seen in the last two series where he’s been Pakistan’s keeper and has done well with the gloves.
Despite playing 69 fewer ODI matches than Sarfraz Ahmed, he has shown his capabilities with the bat by scoring as many ODI centuries as him (two).
Seamers
Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari
Hasan Ali is someone who is surprisingly quick and his off-cutters – plus his Ronaldo imitation every time he gets a wicket – will be key for Pakistan.
Shaheen Shah Afridi is just another one of the endless Pakistani left-arm seamers who has burst onto the scene and done nothing wrong in international cricket so far. Can tonk a six here and there at No.10, too.
Junaid Khan has always delivered every time he has been given the ball, whether it be his first spell with the new ball, during the middle overs, or his last spell at the death.
Usman Shinwari is another deceivingly quick left-armer and will be a decent option for Pakistan should they rest one of their front-line quicks.
I’ve got no specialist spinner because both Wasim and Shadab Khan are capable enough to play as a lone tweaker or in a spin duo. So no Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Hafeez in my squad.
Thoughts, Pakistan fans?
Paul
Roar Guru
want to bet he get's chosen? Pakistan have nothing to lose putting him in the squad and everything to gain if conditions suit.
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
I would've loved to honestly he's my favourite Pakistani bowler I have seen bowl in my life. But his form since the Champions Trophy has been very poor. Too risky to take him hoping he can redo what he did in 2017.
Paul
Roar Guru
I'm really surprised you left out Mohammad Amir, Arnab. That spell in the Champions Trophy won the game for Pakistan. He rarely goes for a lot of runs and in English conditions, could easily run through a side
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
I think with the rise of Faheem Ashraf - should Pakistan want to play just the lone spinner, Shadab will be selected as he's the better spinner. Should they want someone to tie up one end though, Imad Wasim will play as the lone spinner
Neel
Roar Guru
Wow, that’s an interesting bit of family background you got there. Yeah, I mean if the pattern they tried worked once, then there probably is a chance it might work again. I don’t see Yasir Shah being selected at all because his ODI record is quite disappointing. Do you reckon they would start with Shadab Khan or Imad Wasim? Shadab is a bit more dynamic to me. What do you reckon?
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
Yeah their over reliance on Zaman and Babar is crucial. It's always been their bowlers who win them games so I reckon they'll follow a similar pattern to what they did to their success at the Champions Trophy. My grandparents are from Kolkata, my parents are from Bangladesh but I'm born and brought up in Sydney so I go for Bangladesh first, then India and then Australia. Still got a soft spot for Afghanistan and Windies.
Neel
Roar Guru
Hey Arnab, thanks for the article. What you have stated is the most likely Pakistan squad at this stage. Pakistan on their day, are more than a handful and they are very unpredictable. Hasan Ali, is a good bowler but I always felt his celebration was a bit over the top. He nearly popped his shoulder or something while celebrating a wicket one time. I reckon the 2 keys regarding their batting will be Zaman and Babar Azam, if they are to have a chance of winning the World Cup. Hasan Ali and I reckon Shinwari will hold the key with ball for them. By the way, if you don’t mind me asking are you from India?