Pakistan’s run in T20Is of late hasn’t been anything to write home about though they did reach the Asia Cup final courtesy of a lucky win over Afghanistan only to be wallopped by Sri Lanka in the summit clash. The tri-series win in New Zealand has, therefore, come as a boost with just about a week remaining for the clash with India.

In World Cups and other multi-team events, Pakistan are always a formidable force, their unpredictability their USP.

STRENGTHS

Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam are one of the best opening combinations in T20I cricket. If both get going, Pakistan can prove to be a headache for rival bowlers. Rizwan has established himself as one of the pillars of Pakistan’s batting line-up, at least in T20I cricket. One of the biggest qualities of this wicketkeeper-batsman is his ability to switch gears and counter-attack in any situation, his excellent temperament and composure of great advantage.The all-round capabilities of left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz are another key factor. As a bowler, he can keep batters quiet even if he doesn’t take wickets and can also bowl inside the Powerplay. Batting-wise, he can make necessary adjustments in the positions he’s sent in to bat.

Bowling continues to be Pakistan’s strong point. Left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi, if fully fit as Babar has claimed, should relish bowling on Australian pitches where quality fast bowlers do get their due. Even the likes of youngsters Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain have proved their capabilities with the new ball, while Haris Rauf’s experience is something Pakistan will rely upon.

WEAKNESSES

The middle order continues to be an area of concern for Pakistan. It didn’t trouble them much in New Zealand recently, but overall, the inconsistencies of those coming in after Rizwan, Babar and Fakhar Zaman have hurt the team on quite a few occasions. Asif Ali had done well as a finisher in the previous edition of the World Cup, but he hasn’t quite been able to live up to his potential so far this season.

Even if Shaheen is 100 per cent fit, doubts will remain as to how well the left-arm quick will be able to bowl or whether he can keep bowling with a high level of intensity. It’s never easy for a pacer to be at his best in his first competitive game after more than three months and that too, when it’s a World Cup game.

X-FACTOR

If captain Babar is in rhythm, it makes the job of the rest of the batting line-up much easier. Since the Asia Cup, Babar has struggled with his consistency, which did affect Pakistan in some of the games. At the same time though, that could well make him hungrier for runs.

Opponents need to ensure they get rid of Babar before he crosses 30. Once he does, he begins to look invincible.

CUP RECORD

⚫ Champions: 2009

⚫ Runners-up: 2007

⚫ Semi-finalists: 2010, 2012, 2021