ICC World Cup 2019: Predicted squad of Pakistan for the tournament

Pakistan might neither be the strongest of teams nor the favourites heading into the World Cup 2019. However, this side is one of the most unpredictable teams. They play with their own set of strengths and can upset any team on a given day. The ‘Men in Green’ bowed out of the tournament in the Quarterfinals back in 2015.

But this time, they will be keen on going two steps further. They have also won the Champions Trophy in the gap between the two World Cups. Pakistan had an opportunity to analyse themselves during the tough tour to South Africa. They gave the hosts a good competition and then also tested out their reserves during the series against Australia. Thus, they’d have had a fair idea by now about what their squad will be for the World Cup 2019.

What should Pakistan do with Mohammad Amir?

Pakistan has got two reliable left-handers as its openers. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq will be the trusted men to shoulder this responsibility. Babar Azam is likely to bat at either three or four and is expected to play the role of an anchor. He needs to hold the side together and the other batsmen will possibly bat around him. Pakistan will get the veteran cricketer Mohammad Hafeez in their squad who could be playing his last World Cup.

Apart from the solidity he brings with the bat, Hafeez can also bowl a bit. If required, he can be used to open the innings. Then, they’ve got Shoaib Malik who is one of the most important members of this set-up. Head coach Mickey Arthur ascertained that Sarfaraz Ahmed is still their first-choice wicket-keeper and he will also lead the side. Mohammad Rizwan will be his back-up option but can be picked in the eleven at some stage as a pure batsman.

Pakistan is likely to pick three all-rounders in the squad. Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf will be juggled around with as per the conditions. In the pace department, Usman Shinwari, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali are likely to be picked.

Considering his current form, there seems to be no place for Mohammad Amir. Pakistan could pick Haris Sohail as the other batsman in their squad. He has scored at an average of 75 in ODIs this year and is also handy with the ball.

Here is the Predicted 15-man squad for Pakistan:

Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Haris Sohail, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf.

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