Pakistan like always will start another ICC tournament as one of the underdogs. The 1992 World Cup winners may not be the favourites to win the World Cup title but the team is capable of pulling a surprise win. The Sarfraz Ahmed-led side is ranked sixth in the ICC rankings for ODIs. Unpredictability is perhaps the X-factor in the Pakistan team and on their day they can beat any best team in the World hands down. Schedule of Team Pakistan at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: List of PAK Team’s Matches, Time Table, Date, Venue and Squad Details.

Pakistan did not had the great build up to the World Cup and lost 4-0 against England. And that prompted Pakistan to make some changes in their 15-man squad for the World Cup. Pacers Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz were included in place of Faheem Ashraf and Junaid Khan. Middle-order batsman Asif Ali also made it to the final 15 in place of Abid Ali. Meanwhile, as Pakistan look to clinch their second World Cup title, we take a look at each player in their 15-man squad. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Sarfaraz Ahmed, Babar Azam and Other Key Players in the Pakistan Team for CWC.

Sarfraz Ahmed: He is the captain of the side and keeps the wickets as well. Sarfraz’s form with the bat has been on the downside as well. However, the skipper is expected to bat up the order at the World Cup. Sarfraz was Pakistan’s captain when the team lifted ICC Champions Trophy 2017. He is also the Under-19 World Cup winning captain.

Shaheen Afridi: The 19-year-old fast-bowler is highly rated and is known for his yorkers and swinging deliveries. Afridi has fast made his way up in the World cricket and is one of Pakistan’s main weapon going into the World Cup.

Asif Ali: After some good knocks against England, Asif Ali was successful in cementing his place in the Pakistan side. The right-handed batsman is the power-hitter in the Pakistan ranks and bats in the lower middle-order.

Hasan Ali: The fast-bowler was one of the main reason’s Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017. Hasan’s wicket-taking ability makes him a dangerous bowler. With pace and swing, Hasan can tear away any batting opposition. Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Here’s a Look Back at How Pakistan Fared at the Last Edition of the CWC.

Mohammad Amir: Another match-winner in Pakistan bowling department. However, the pacer has struggled of late and was not initially included in the World Cup squad. Amir’s ability to swing the ball early on makes him one of the dangerous bowlers with the new ball.

Babar Azam: The right-hander is Pakistan’s batting mainstay. Safe to say, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign will largely depend on how Babar performs. He bats at number three and is tagged as ‘Pakistan’s Virat Kohli’.

Mohammad Hafeez: One of the experienced members of the Pakistan team. Apart from batting in the middle-order, Hafeez can stack up as an opener as well. Besides his batting, Hafeez’s off-spin is handy as well.

Imam-ul-Haq: The left-handed opening batsman is known for his solid technique. Imam mostly plays a sheet anchor role in the Pakistan batting line-up. Imam can also accelerate whenever the need arises.

Mohammad Hasnain: The fast-bowler was the surprise pick in Pakistan’s World Cup squad. The 19-year-old pacer is known for his speed and is Pakistan’s secret weapon in the World Cup. His impressive performance in the PSL 2019 earned him a World Cup ticket. Know All About 1992 Cricket World Cup: History, Participants and Winner of the Fifth Edition of World Cup.

Shadab Khan: The young all-rounder is already a key member of the Pakistan team. Apart from his bowling and batting skills, Shadab is an amazing fielder as well. He usually fields at the point and has pulled off some sensational catches.

Shoaib Malik: Anther of those experienced heads in the Pakistan ranks. An effective part-timer spinner and stable middle-order batsman. Malik often bails Pakistan out of trouble with his cool and composed batting.

Wahab Riaz: The pacer was not in Pakistan’s squad initially but was picked after it was felt the pace attack needed aggression. Wahab has pace and is known for his aggression while bowling. Though the fast-bowler sometimes leaks runs, he is one of the wicket-takers in the Pakistan camp.

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Haris Sohail: The left-hander is a solid middle-order batsman. Given Pakistan’s fragile batting line up, Sohail often holds the innings together. He will give tough competition to Hafeez and Malik for a place in the playing XI.

Imad Wasim: Apart from his spin bowling, Imad is a handy batsman to have down the order. The left-arm spinner often opens the bowling and is known for his wicket-taking abilities early on.

Fakhar Zaman: Last but not the least! The left-handed opening batsman is known for his aggression at the top. Fakhar is the only Pakistan batsman to have scored a double century in ODIs. His ability to clear the ropes is something Pakistan banks on in the Powerplay overs.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 30, 2019 11:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).