ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Sarfaraz Ahmed, Babar Azam and Other Key Players in the Pakistan Team for CWC
These were our picks for the players that can help Pakistan shine in the World Cup but the others including veterans Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez have to perform well too.
The Pakistan national team has not been in the best of form going into the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, but then unpredictability is one thing that has been consistent with the men in green over the years. The way the team rose from nowhere to lift the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy in England is a testament to the fact that one can never count them out. But Mickey Arthur, their head coach needs to increase the confidence level of the side before the campaign begins. The struggle has been real in all departments for Pakistan as is evident in the ongoing series with England. So, who are the players, who can lift Pakistan out of this gloom? Here we take a look at the five key names. Schedule of Team Pakistan at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: List of PAK Team’s Matches, Time Table, Date, Venue and Squad Details.
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed is a tough taskmaster on the field and has already won the Under 19 World Cup and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy thanks to his brilliant leadership qualities. In England, he will have to perform with the bat too to provide stability in the middle order while his wicket-keeping skills have always been wonderful.
Babar Azam
With an average of close to 50 in the ODIs, Babar Azam is probably the best batsman in the Pakistan rank. He has the technique to survive the new ball in the swinging conditions of England where batting can be tough at times. He is also the no 1 ranked T20 player in the world, which tells a lot about his power hitting calibre.
Fakhar Zaman
We all remember him as the man who single-handedly won Pakistan the Champions Trophy in 2017 dismantling the Indian bowlers. Now ahead of the World Cup, Zaman has got himself back in form with a fine century against England in the ongoing series. There has been a long lean patch for him in the run-up to the tournament but when on a song, there are few players who can match his calibre. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Schedule in PDF: Ticket Prices, Dates, Venue Details & Timetable Available for Download Online.
Hasan Ali
A hugely popular figure back home, 24-year-old Hasan Ali is an energetic young fast bowler who is a proven player in the fifty over the contest. He had a brilliant 2017 in international cricket where he rose to prominence to become an integral member of the squad. With 77 wickets in 44 ODI games, he is a genuine wicket taker who can also adapt as an option in the death overs.
Mohammad Hasnain
All of 19 but Mohammad Hasnain can send shivers down the opposition line-up with deliveries in excess of 150 kmph which is not unusual for cricketers in Pakistan. Cricket greats Steve Waugh and Inzamam Ul Haq, who also happens to head the Pakistan selection committee have spoken highly of the wonder kid and all eyes would be on him when the World Cup starts.
These were our picks for the players that can help Pakistan shine in the World Cup but the others including veterans Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez have to perform well too.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 27, 2019 12:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).