Pakistan in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 - An Overview
Feb 8 - Pakistan became World Champion when the World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand in 1992. Imran Khan magical leadership helped team to clinched its maiden cricket title. However, the scenario is different this time. Unlike 1992,
However, the scenario is different this time. Unlike 1992, Pakistan don't have many stars in their line-up. Some of couple of their key players have been ruled out of the tournament.
Nevertheless, their traditional unpredictability remains their biggest strength, something which has always aided them in the past.
The withdrawals of all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez and left-arm pacer Junaid Khan due to injuries was a big blow to the team. Their No.1 spinner, Saeed Ajmal who was out of the team because of his bowling action was recently cleared of by the International Cricket Council (ICC) but his match-fitness remains a big question.
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Pakistan's bowling has been their traditional strength. Mohammed Irfan and Wahab Riaz will lead the pace attack and will play a crucial role in the world cup.
Allrounder Shahid Afridi, who is in good form both with the bat and ball is one of the key players who has to perform if Pakistan want to move ahead in the showpiece event.
However, Pakistan have been grouped in Pool B along with South Africa, the West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland, United Arab Emirates and defending champions India.
They will start world Cup Jounery against India at the Adelaide Oval on Feb 15 and Pakistan would want to set their record straight.
In five World Cup meetings, the last being the 2011 World Cup semi-final in Mohali, Pakistan have never been able to beat India. The match could very well decide the momentum of the group at the quadrennial event.
They are coached by legendary speedster Waqar Younis, who missed out the 1992 World Cup due to an injury and who would want to add the trophy to his cabinet. Pakistan views the tournament being held in Australia and New Zealand as a good omen.
This Pakistan side does not possess the stars that they had in 1992 but with potentially dangerous cricketers, they can beat the best on any given day. But big question is wheather the 40-year-old Misbah can inspire Pakistan like Imran did in 1992
Misbah-ul-Haq, like Imran in 1992, had announced well in advance that the World Cup will be his last ODI tournament and the veteran would want to finish his career on a high.
Pakistan squad of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Ahmed Shehzad, Ehsan Adil, Haris Sohail, Misbah ul Haq (captain), Nasir Jamshed, Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood, Sohail Khan, Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Younis Khan.
CRICKETNMORE With Inputs from agency
