Predicted XI of Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy

Since the retirement of umpteen Pakistan legends, their ODI fortunes have plummeted. There was a time when Pakistan used to start big events as favourites but that is a distant dream these days. Having said that, they have a squad which can surprise big teams on their day. Pakistan have this uncanny habit of being predictably unpredictable, especially in ICC events.

After a disastrous start to the 2015 World Cup, Pakistan came back strongly to defeat South Africa to reach the quarter-finals where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat from the eventual champions Australia. Since then, Pakistan has had two captains. Sarfaraz Ahmed took the reins of the side from Azhar Ali, who did not set the stage alight in his first year as skipper. Sarfaraz, though, has done a reasonable job. He has built a side which can ultimately become a good unit after a couple of years.

The format of the eight-nation tournament is such, that a stutter can cost you a place in the final four. Pakistan are placed in a tough group. They will compete for two spots with the likes of arch-rivals India; Asian neighbours, Sri Lanka; and one of the dangerous ODI sides going around, South Africa. After sending half of the squad for training in England early, Pakistan have had reasonable practice in the past month. They defeated Bangladesh in their warm-up game in a steep chase. Their second clash, which was against Australia, was washed out due to rain. Pakistan starts the tournament against their long-time rivals India in a hugely anticipated game at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday.

We bring you to the Predicted XI Pakistan are likely to stick in with during the course of the 18-day tournament:

Openers (Ahmed Shehzad and Azhar Ali)

Shehzad is widely hailed as a fine young batsman capable of doing great things. But after 78 ODIs, where he has averaged just 33.57 and maintained a low strike rate of 72.55, Shehzad’s promise has remained largely unfulfilled. He has the quality as a batsman but for some reason, it hasn’t transformed into runs at the international level. He hasn’t played a great deal of ODIs post-2015 but the retirement of greats has prompted the selectors to go with Shehzad. This is his chance to gain redemption. He has the job of building the innings and bat till the end.

Azhar Ali succeeded a great deal in 2015 when he made a comeback in the ODI set-up. But his performances of late haven’t screamed of fine form. He excels at the Test level and has been a mainstay in the side for half a decade. He has to transform his Test form into runs in ODI cricket. He has the right technique to play in the seaming and swinging conditions of England. With Azhar and Shehzad at the top, Pakistan has solidity but might face a risk of getting off to slow starts as both tend to take their time initially.

Middle Order (Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed)

Azam has had marvellous start to his ODI career. He averages 55 in the format after 26 games and boasts of a strike rate of 90. Those are great numbers for a 22-year old chap who can only improve in the years to come. Babar at No. 3 is an ideal option as he anchors the innings and scores his runs briskly whilst doing that.

Hafeez has rediscovered himself in the middle order. He is coming on the back of an amazing run in List A cricket and an equally outstanding run in the middle order in the ODI series in West Indies where he scored twin eighties in the 3-match series. The 36-year old not only get runs at a fair clip but can also play a big role with the ball with his off-spins. Hafeez is a crucial player for Pakistan going into the tournament.

Shoaib Malik, like Hafeez, offers stability in the middle order. He is the most experienced Pakistani cricketer in the side having featured in 247 ODIs. He, too, is, in a midst of outstanding form in ODIs and capped off a great season with an unbeaten century in the series decider in the West Indies. Malik too can roll his arm over with his neat off-spinners.

Skipper Sarfaraz has rejuvenated a lax ODI side with his astute leadership and fine batsmanship. He is not your regular orthodox batsman who has a sound technique. He improvises and goes about his business in a unique way. An average of 35 after 70 games is unheralded for a Pakistani wicket-keeper batsman. Sarafarz brings positivity in the middle order and can get quick runs in the last segment of an innings.

All-rounder (Imad Wasim)

Ever since making his debut in 2015, Imad Wasim has been a regular feature in limited-overs cricket for Pakistan. He is to Pakistan what Ravindra Jadeja is to India. He gives you 10 overs and can swing hard batting at No. 7 as his strike rate of 100.26 suggests. He is not just a slogger, for he averages 42.33 after 21 ODIs. Imad is another crucial cog in the wheels of Pakistan and needs to step up in crunch situations to bail his side out of tough situations.

Bowlers (Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali)

Ever since making a comeback from his ban of 5 years, Amir has accounted for 25 wickets from 17 games. He will be pumped up going into the game against India as he ran havoc the last time both teams played each other in the World T20 of 2016. Amir has pace and swing to trouble the best in the world. His batting gives depth to the batting order as he is more than capable of producing cameo innings.

Junaid Khan hasn’t played a lot of ODIs post 2013. He is a wicket-taking bowler and is certain to play the game against India as he has troubled Kohli a lot in the past. Pakistan will replace him with Wahab Riaz.

Shadab Khan’s advent has taken care of the spin reserves of Pakistan. He bamboozled the West Indies batsman with his variations and his leg spin can be a good weapon to have in English conditions. The 18-year old is a big turner of the ball and has a good head on his shoulders. Shadab also has a first-class hundred to his name which means that he is no mug with the bat.

Hasan Ali has 18 wickets from 8 games in 2017 which include a maiden 5-wicket haul against the West Indies. He has been consistent with his bowling which has made him a regular member of the ODI side in the last 10 months. Hasan also has great skills as a death bowler, which is a must in today’s day and age.