KARACHI: Just a month ago, Pakistan was riding high as the world’s top-ranked ODI team and one of the favorites to win the World Cup in India.
But a crushing 228-run defeat to arch-rivals India and a narrow two-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup have cast a shadow over their prospects.
This unpredictability is a constant feature for Pakistan, who frequently swing between highs and lows.
Adding to their challenges, the team suffered a major blow with the loss of key fast bowler Naseem Shah, who was ruled out of the World Cup with a shoulder injury.
Nevertheless, team director Mickey Arthur remains optimistic. “Losing a player of Naseem’s calibre is a massive setback,” Arthur was quoted as saying by AFP.
“But we have a mix of experienced and young bowlers who are more than capable of stepping up to the challenge.”
To fill the void, Pakistan has recalled experienced pacer Hasan Ali, who has regained fitness after finger surgery last month.
Cricket World Cup: Pakistan fact-file
The middle-order, comprising wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, and Saud Shakeel, needs to fire on all cylinders if Pakistan hopes to qualify for the semi-finals, a stage they last reached in 2011.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains a formidable and unpredictable team, capable of upsetting expectations, particularly on slow and turning pitches in India, conditions similar to those they are accustomed to at home.
