It is not an easy thing being a Pakistani cricket fan. The team makes us laugh, cry, feel immense pride or shock us with their abysmal performance. From the Champions Trophy to Asia Cup, we have seen both the extreme sides of the Pakistani cricket team. But the fact of the matter is that the opposition is always wary of Pakistan. While playing against such an unpredictable side, who wouldn't be wary? The opposition always gets confused as to what sort of game plan should be formulated against such a maverick team. The 2019 Cricket World Cup is a big opportunity for Pakistan to show their worth and showcase their talent to the world.
Let's analyze Pakistan's strength first which is their fast bowling attack. Pakistan has the likes of Hassan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Junaid Khan at their disposal. Hassan Ali, who electrified the crowd with his spectacular spell with the bowl knows his way around a new ball and when the team is in need for a wicket in the middle of the innings, he is the man to go to. The young 18 old bowler Muhammad Hasnain has the pace. Junaid Khan has the range and variety up his sleeves. The second strength is Pakistan's overall performance over the pitches of England. From reaching the finals of 1999 World Cup to winning the 2009 T20 World Cup. Apart from that Pakistan won test matches in Lords in 2016 and 2018. Pakistan also won the Champions Trophy in 2017 in England. Another positive aspect is that due to the series against England, Pakistan would be able to warm up and familiarize themselves to the conditions of England for the World Cup.
Now, when we talk about Pakistan's weaknesses, the most worrisome thing is the lack of power hitters in the batting line up. Batting has never really been the forte of Pakistan. Muhammad Hafeez is injured, it is unclear at what position Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik will be and how well Fakhar Zaman will perform. These are all questions are on the minds of everyone.
When we look at the stats against the current top 5 teams, the data shows a sad story. Since the Champions Trophy, Pakistan has played 20 times against the top 5 teams in the world and won only 3 times.
But at the end of the end, fans and well wishers of Pakistan's cricket team should remain optimistic as there's no team more full of surprises than Pakistan.
Let's analyze Pakistan's strength first which is their fast bowling attack. Pakistan has the likes of Hassan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Junaid Khan at their disposal. Hassan Ali, who electrified the crowd with his spectacular spell with the bowl knows his way around a new ball and when the team is in need for a wicket in the middle of the innings, he is the man to go to. The young 18 old bowler Muhammad Hasnain has the pace. Junaid Khan has the range and variety up his sleeves. The second strength is Pakistan's overall performance over the pitches of England. From reaching the finals of 1999 World Cup to winning the 2009 T20 World Cup. Apart from that Pakistan won test matches in Lords in 2016 and 2018. Pakistan also won the Champions Trophy in 2017 in England. Another positive aspect is that due to the series against England, Pakistan would be able to warm up and familiarize themselves to the conditions of England for the World Cup.
Now, when we talk about Pakistan's weaknesses, the most worrisome thing is the lack of power hitters in the batting line up. Batting has never really been the forte of Pakistan. Muhammad Hafeez is injured, it is unclear at what position Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik will be and how well Fakhar Zaman will perform. These are all questions are on the minds of everyone.
When we look at the stats against the current top 5 teams, the data shows a sad story. Since the Champions Trophy, Pakistan has played 20 times against the top 5 teams in the world and won only 3 times.
But at the end of the end, fans and well wishers of Pakistan's cricket team should remain optimistic as there's no team more full of surprises than Pakistan.
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