Pakistan are always a dangerous side when it comes to World Cups. They have a lot of experience in their line-up with all-rounders Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik offering excellent options.
While their spin department is weakened by the absence of Saeed Ajmal, they have enough firepower in their pace attack with left arm quicks Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz three of the quicks going around.
But more than the talent and experience in their squad, it’s their participation in the inaugural Pakistan Super League T20 tournament that should hold them in good stead at the showpiece event.
The glitzy T20 tournament has provided Pakistan players a chance to mingle with international stars and that is like gold dust to players who have been starved of top-class international cricket.
Almost the entire squad has played high-intensity matches on pitches resembling the ones in India during the PSL and that makes Pakistan one of the most dangerous sides this time.
What also helps their cause is a decent T20 record since the start of 2015 – seven wins against five defeats. More importantly, the squad sports a settled look and that should help them stay one step ahead.
STRENGTHS
Experience is their biggest strength. Players like Afridi, Hafeez, Malik, Riaz and Irfan are key players who have been around for a long time and are still delivering results.
Add to the mix the returning Mohammad Amir and Pakistan can threaten any side. The PSL has given them a great T20 workout ahead of the big event and familiarity with sub continent conditions is a huge plus.
WEAKNESSES
The decision to drop limited overs specialist Ahmed Shehzad and select the unheralded Khurram Manzoor for the crucial role of opener has attracted a lot of criticism, especially because Manzoor has not played for Pakistan since August 2014.
Also, there is a sameness to their bowling attack with as many as six left-arm bowlers (pace and spin). Lack of a specialist spinner could be felt too.
STAR MAN
Shoaib Malik
The all-rounder has a point to prove after quitting Test cricket last year and stepping down as Karachi Kings captain in the Pakistan Super League.
There is no doubt that he offers a lot of options to the captain; he can bat anywhere in the order, bowl his off-spins with variety and is an excellent fielder. He has a burning ambition to play in the 2019 World Cup and will be keen to prove that he still has what it takes.
Sport360 verdict
There are a lot more plusses than minuses with this Pakistan team. They have experience in the batting and bowling department and should be at home on Indian wickets.
They are a side well and truly into Twenty20 mode and have the ability to make it to the final of the tournament.