In his detailed analysis of Pakistan's preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, @Markhor writes about how Babar Azam's side has been unable to break the shackles of an outdated mode of play and unless a miracle happens, stands at the precipice of an unmitigated disaster in the mega event.

By Markhor  (31st May, 2024)

The last time the Caribbean hosted the T20 World Cup in 2010, Pakistan were the defending champions, and their reputation as one of the leading teams in the format was cemented by their run to the semi-finals. In 2024 with the USA set to cohost, it appears Pakistan remain stuck in a 2010-time warp using a template from a bygone era when T20 offered a more even contest between bat and ball. As the recent IPL and the hammering against England at The Oval demonstrated, the format now places a premium on explosive, high impact batsmen.

Pakistan in their history have only produced one player (min. 20 innings) with a Strike Rate of 150 – a certain Shahid Afridi. Despite bold talk recently of greater intent - of the players with the best 40 Strikes Rates (min. 10 innings) since the 2022 T20 World Cup, not one is Pakistani ! Meanwhile on that list features six West Indians, three Indians, two Englishmen, two Australians and two New Zealanders. Put simply, these are the “X Factor” players who win tournaments and new white-ball coach Gary Kirsten will be desperate to unearth some.

Powerless Powerplays

The debate about Pakistan’s openers, specifically the suitability of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in those slots, are polarising and neverending. While offering stability, neither can utilise the Powerplay as effectively as their counterparts from other teams.

Since the start of the decade, Babar and Rizwan rank 26th and 28th amongst the highest striking openers from the current top 10 ICC ranked T20I teams. However, the heir apparent, Saim Ayub, has failed to deliver returns on considerable investment. Yet he may be persisted with in the hope he can reproduce the form displayed in last year’s Caribbean Premier League where he was the best overseas batsman.

Middle Order Revolving Door

Positions 4-7 has been akin to a revolving door with only Fakhar Zaman assured of his place in a middle-order lacking both reliable runscoring and acceleration. Iftikhar Ahmed has often promised more than he’s delivered, enduring a torrid year so far where he averages 16.10 at a measly SR of 118. The latest cab off the rank Azam Khan has shown few signs of international quality, looking vulnerable against high pace, while his wicketkeeping is a clear downgrade on Rizwan.

Wristspin is a particular weakness with Adil Rashid, Rashid Khan and Wanindu Hasaranga causing endless problems. Without release shots against spin to push the scoring rate along, and the likely nature of most pitches in the Caribbean and USA, Pakistan will continue to remain stuck between overs 7-15 where their RR is amongst the worst in the world.

Bowlers or bust

Pakistan’s bowlers, while far from flawless as the 4th T20 showed, remain their best hope of competing. The pace department has depth with Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abbas Afridi covering all phases. Rauf was the sole spark in the Oval hammering.

Abrar Ahmed has featured surprisingly little with only two T20Is against New Zealand serving as preparation – although it’s conceivable the management is trying to preserve a degree of mystery. Imad Wasim has bags of T20 experience, particularly in the Caribbean Premier League, and can bowl effectively in the Powerplay. However, Shadab Khan’s Edgbaston performance of 0-55 on a slow deck was a new nadir for a rapidly declining bowler whose place has become untenable.

Captaincy

Few captains have the opportunity to lead their team into four consecutive ICC tournaments and by retaking the job after PCB’s controversial dumping of Shaheen after one series, Babar must now deliver. Thus far the results have been disappointing with a draw to a reserve New Zealand team, a 2-1 victory over Ireland and losing 0-2 to England. None of the doubts about his leadership, selections and tactics have been dispelled.

While one empathises with the numerous challenges that confront any Pakistani skipper – elite sport is not a friendship society and Babar has failed to captain a team to a single Pakistan Super League, Asia Cup or ICC tournament victory despite several golden opportunities to do so. If anything, Pakistan are going backwards under his watch and would do well to make the Super Eights.