Team Play: Pakistan is hosting an ICC event for the first time since 1996. They are the defending champions of the Champions Trophy and would love to win it again in front of their home crowd. However, Pakistan is still seen as an “unpredictable” team, a tag they want to get rid of, despite having many talented players.
The team has some injury worries, weak spin options, and a few changes in the batting order. Their performances have been up and down—one day they chase a big total, and another day they get all out for just 242 runs. While consistency is a problem, they are playing ODI cricket with a more attacking style. They didn’t win the recent tri-series, but they hope their new plans will work better in the Champions Trophy.
Recent Form (last five ODIs): L, W, L, W, W
After a disappointing 2023 World Cup, Pakistan has played 12 ODIs, winning eight. They have performed well away from home, beating Australia 2-1 and South Africa 3-0. However, at home, they lost their last two matches against New Zealand, who will be their first opponent in this tournament.
Squad:
- Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Abrar Ahmed is Pakistan’s only main spinner, but Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah can also bowl part-time spin. The bigger concern is Haris Rauf’s injury, which weakens their strong pace attack. In the batting lineup, Babar Azam will now open the innings.
Group Stage Matches:
- Feb 19: vs New Zealand (Karachi)
- Feb 23: vs India (Dubai)
- Feb 27: vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
Pakistan will have to travel between venues for their group matches. Their biggest game, against India, is in Dubai, between two home games in Karachi and Rawalpindi. Luckily, they have enough time to rest between matches. All three opponents are tough, and there are no easy games for the defending champions.