Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign is in tatters as they failed to chase a target of 120 against their arch-rivals India on Sunday.
Despite the monumental efforts of the Pakistani bowlers of restricting India to a below-par total, Pakistan’s batting faltered under the pump leaving Naseem Shah and the Pakistani fans in tears and shock.
However, there is no need to dwell on the past as Babar Azam’s men should gear themselves up, leaving heartbreaks behind. Pakistan will be facing Canada on 11th of June at New York.
Team Overview:
Canada has been playing top-notch cricket so far even though they lost their opener against the co-host USA , they bounced back vigorously beating a Test nation – Ireland. They displayed impressive exposure to overcome Ireland and currently sits at 2nd position in Group A standings.
Canada is not an easy opponent considering the way Pakistan are playing their cricket these days. Canada boosts a well-rounded team. Their batting lineup, powered by Nicholas Kirton, has shown the ability to put huge totals on the board. Their bowling, especially their spinners have bowled with accuracy and can strangle any opposition. Moreover, their fielding has been top-notch as well. So, all these factors make this side a force to reckon with.
Kirton will be the key player for his side. His ability to find gaps has been impressive and equally helpful. He scored 51 off 31 against USA and 49 off 35 against Ireland, a knock which also earned him player of the match award. So, Pakistani bowlers should be aiming for his wicket as he is a dangerous player.
Talking about Pakistan, they must be hurt, right? Their batting approach in particular has been heavily criticised by the pundits and fans alike. The much-anticipated Babar-Rizwan partnership (the best opening duo for Pakistan according to stats) failed to gun down a run-ball target against India.
The middle-order cut a sorry figure, and failed to hold the fort. Now, Pakistan will have to come out with a positive and aggressive approach to beat Canada and to keep their hope alive for the Super Eight stage of the tournament.
The bowling showed a dominating performance against India, it somehow will boost their morale to bowl against Canada. The pacers including Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Amir are in good form. Pakistan may look to add a good spin option Abrar Ahmed to replace Shadab Khan or Imad Wasim.
All eyes will be on the batting unit to step-up as the bowling unit has been performing for long.
Predictions:
Well, Pakistan is such an unpredictable side that you cannot expect anything when they come on the field to play. Canada has a strong chance to beat the underperformed and under-pressurised Pakistan side and they might do it tomorrow at New York.
Head-to-head stats:
Pakistan and Canada have faced each other once in this format and the Green Shirts stood victorious in that encounter.
Pitch and weather update:
A fresh pitch is expected for the Pakistan and Canada game and of course a low thrilling game awaits. The weather forecast is clear so hopefully a full high-octane clash would be on the display.
Where to watch:
Pakistan – PTV Sports, Ten Sports, Myco (Live streaming), Tamasha app (Live streaming), Tapmad (live streaming)
India – Star Sports
England – SkySport Network
USA and Canada (Willow TV)
Caribbean – ESPN Caribbean
New Zealand & Australia – Sky Sports NZ, Prime Video
UK & Northern Ireland – Sky Sports
Sri Lanka – Maharaja TV
Other regions – SuperSport, Sirasa, CricLife, STARZPLAY
