5 Pakistan players to watch out for in World T20

Pakistan team will be the dark horses in the mega event. They may be going through a rough phase and the recent debacle in the Asia Cup might make them look a little frail. However, that can never be the case to write them off as they can spring a surprise any moment. Pakistan, who were the champions in the 2010 edition, have a highly talented squad with the blend of experienced and fresh players who are eager to shrug off the underachievers label from their name. Here we try to list out 5 Pakistani players who can create an impact on the team’s performance. 1. Mohammad Amir: Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir. (Photo by STR/AFP/Getty Images) Mohammad Amir has had emphatic comeback to the international arena after a 5 years hiatus. He made the ball do the talking ever since his return and turned a blind eye to all the unnecessary hullabaloo created initially over his comeback in the New Zealand series. He was roaring during the recently concluded Asia Cup T20. His speed and ferocious swing was too hot to handle for the Indian batsman. With Pakistan defending a low score of 83, Amir’s sheer pace and pinpoint accurate swing left India rattled at 8/3 inside three overs. Condition and pitches doesn’t seem to be issue for him to bring out results. All eyes would certainly be on him and it would be exciting to see how he performs in India in front of the hostile Indian crowd. 2. Shahid Afridi: Shahid Afridi. (© Getty Images) Shahid Afridi has been under criticism for his batting performances as well as his captaincy. He has been a dud with the bat, scoring just 93 runs in the last 10 innings including two ducks. Afridi has been handy with the ball and will be important as leg break bowler in the squad which has no specialist spinners. But, logically speaking, that is not his primary role I a team which has a four string pace attack along with all-rounders. His primary role is of a finisher and a leader which he needs to fulfill. Also, there are rumors doing rounds that he might choose to bid adieu to the game after the World T20. Perhaps, this means that this would perhaps be his last chance to lift the trophy and shine in the Green jersey. All these factors make it very exciting to see whether how Afridi would perform in the upcoming mega event. 3. Ahmed Shehzad: Ahmed Shehzad. (Photo Source: AFP) Also read: Pakistan’s World T20 journey in numbers Pakistan dearly missed him in the Asia Cup. Shehzad was dropped from the Asia Cup squad due to lack of runs. He took that opportunity and did amazingly well in the PSL, scoring 290 runs in 10 games and finishing as the 4th in the top run-getters list. However, Pakistan selectors gave him a cold shoulder in the Asia Cup T20. But, the terrible performance by the Pakistan batsmen in the 5 nation tournament made the selectors think over his case again and include him in the World T20 squad to add firepower to the top order. His inclusion in the squad can provide the team with the solution for the opening slot which has been feeble lately. His current form and the Asia Cup snub might drive him with force, helping him put some match-winning performance for his team. 4. Umar Akmal: Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal. (Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images) Umar Akmal has vast international experience and can prove to be the X-factor in the Pakistan Batting line-up. The Umar Akmal is the only batsman who done fairly well recently and will be a vital component in the top order. He had an outstanding PSL season, emerging as the highest run-getter of the tournament with 335 runs playing for Lahore Qalandars. He was also among runs in the Asia Cup 105 runs with a half-century in four games. Pakistan fans will definitely hope for the Akmal to perform better and much of Pakistan’s success depends on how he fares with the bat. 5. Sharjeel Khan: Pakistan cricketer Sharjeel Khan. (Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images) Sharjeel Khan made his way back in the national team after a gap of almost 3 years on the back of his performance in the Pakistan Super League where he emerged as the 3rd highest run-getter with 299 runs at a strike rate of 148.75. However, the openers’ comeback wasn’t that great as he had failed click in all four matches he played in the multi-national tournament. However, he has a great opportunity in the team which is still looking out for a proper opener in the team. He has a bagful of opportunities to cash on. Some strong show in the top order can help him cement his place in the team which is currently going through a transition kind of phase, trying to sort out the best playing combination.

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5 Pakistan players to watch out for in World T20

3. Ahmed Shehzad:

Also read: Pakistan’s World T20 journey in numbers

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