Pakistan is all set to host its first ICC tournament since 1996. The country has faced numerous challenges in reviving its cricket, but the long wait is finally over as Pakistan prepares to host an ICC event once again.
However, the main question remains: Can Pakistan defend its title?
Pakistan has always been an unpredictable side, a dark horse, and this time, it’s no different. Under the new leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, the team will look to carry forward the legacy left behind by Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side, which lifted the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Current form
Pakistan’s build-up to the Champions Trophy has been a mixed bag. They secured victories against Australia and South Africa but suffered two defeats against New Zealand in the tri-nation series.
Their recent ICC tournament performances have also been disappointing. They had a poor run in the 2023 World Cup, were eliminated in the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup, and now, they find themselves in a position where they must defend their Champions Trophy title.
The absence of Saim Ayub will be felt, as he was Pakistan’s standout performer in the series against Australia and South Africa. However, Pakistan’s selection approach has been questionable, as they overhauled the middle and lower order but failed to find a proper replacement for Saim. This reshuffling also allowed Babar Azam to change his batting position just before the mega event.
Squad
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Probable playing XI
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Tayyab Tahir
- Khushdil Shah
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
Key players
Babar Azam
Babar remains the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, scoring 284 runs at an average of 40.57 and a strike rate of 76.14. His ability to anchor the innings and absorb pressure makes him an indispensable asset for the team.
Mohammad Rizwan
Rizwan has been Pakistan’s most consistent batter, amassing 435 runs at an average of 62.14 and a strike rate of 80.26. His ability to stabilize the middle order and play impactful innings under pressure will be key to Pakistan’s success.
Haris Rauf
Rauf has been a crucial part of Pakistan’s pace attack, taking 14 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 4.94 and an average of 22.36. His ability to strike at key moments makes him a dangerous bowler in the middle and death overs.
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen leads the attack with 21 wickets at an economy rate of 5.73 and an average of 22.05. His ability to take early wickets and trouble batters with his pace and movement gives Pakistan a significant advantage.
Players to watch out for
Agha Salman
Agha has been a revelation in Pakistan’s middle order, scoring 428 runs at an average of 53.50 and a strike rate of 97.72. Additionally, his off-spin has been valuable, taking 12 wickets at an economy of 5.19. His all-round contributions will be vital for Pakistan.
Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar has shown glimpses of his explosive batting, scoring 135 runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 120.54. If he finds form, he can provide Pakistan with quick starts and put the opposition under pressure.
Strengths
Pace attack
Pakistan’s pace attack has been one of the best in the tournament, taking 64 wickets at an economy rate of 5.76 and an average of 28.12. They are the second-highest wicket-taking pace unit, with Shaheen and Rauf leading the charge, both averaging under 23 with the ball.
Middle-order consistency
Only six players in the Champions Trophy have an average above 50 while batting in the middle order (minimum 300 runs), and Pakistan has two of them in Rizwan and Agha. Their reliability provides stability to Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Weaknesses
Death bowling struggles
Pakistan has the second-worst economy rate at the death (8.67), which could be a major concern against strong batting sides. The bowlers will need to improve their execution in the final overs to avoid conceding crucial runs.
Fifth bowling option
Pakistan’s fifth bowling option remains uncertain, with Agha Salman and Khushdil Shah expected to share the workload. Their effectiveness against quality batting lineups will be tested in crunch moments.
Struggles against left-arm spin
Pakistan’s batters have struggled against slow left-arm bowlers, with Rizwan (strike rate 69.70), Agha (60.78), and Babar (72.34) all scoring at a relatively slow pace. If opposition teams exploit this weakness, Pakistan could face difficulties in building momentum.
With a world-class pace attack and a reliable middle order, Pakistan has the potential to be a formidable contender in the Champions Trophy. However, their death bowling and ability to counter spin will play a crucial role in determining their fate in the tournament.
