PREVIOUS
DISAPPOINTMENTS
After a disappointing Champions Trophy, Pakistan cricket was
felt stuck in a no man zone with consistent thrashings of smaller oppositions but
always falling short on the big stage. But when Saim Ayub’s announcement of his
return from injury was made, we eyed forward towards the upcoming T20 events in
the Asia Cup and the World Cup next year. Further hopes were then associated when
a new look squad was announced for the New Zealand series featuring Salman Ali
Agha as captain, as well as the likes of Muhammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz and other
young guns. It felt like a new beginning with the name of intent being spoke
everywhere.
A NEW BEGINNING: FEARLESS,
BUT NOT RECKLESS
Intent was clearly visible as Pakistan won the toss, chose to
bat first and came out swinging from ball 1 in the first T20. Pakistan’s top
order slogged their way out to 0-2 and the team was bowled out at 92. A horrible
start, right? Wrong. Pakistan actually lost 14-4 in the opening overs but then
made 53 runs for 1 wicket in the middle overs which meant the middle order was
looking stable. They hit 4 sixes, equal of New Zealand so there were plus
points, but we were battered overall. The second T20 was even more “sloggish”
for us and we went 2-0 down. In the third match however, a different Pakistan
turned up with 32 boundaries and a dot ball % of just 21% compared to NZ’s 33%.
We won that game by 9 wickets, highlighted the importance of aggressive, yet a
calculated approach. As the tour went by, lots of lessons were learnt but yet
no more victories were earnt. With this, Pakistan moves into the future with 5 main
reasons why we believe our future is in safe hands.
Clear Intention to Play
Modern Cricket
With the new regime of captain Salman Ali Agha and head
coach Mike Hesson in charge, Pakistan is making a serious effort to get rid of
its traditional T20 reputation and embrace a more attacking, bold style. As
Hasan Ali has recently said following the Bangladesh series win, "A new
set-up is working with the new captain and head coach and our simple plan is to
welcome modern-day cricket. We have to play this kind of game if we are to win
against big teams. Now 200 is a par total [in T20 Internationals]." It was
evident in these words of intent during the series against Bangladesh, as
Pakistan chased down 197 with 16 balls to spare during the third T20I, showing
a remarkable strike rate and calculated aggression.
Strategic Bench Depth
The management at present focuses on developing a strong
bench of 20-25 players, thereby having plenty of cover in the event of
injuries. This forward thinking enables strategic rotation of players to handle
workload issues, especially among fast bowlers. Resting major players such as
Shaheen Shah Afridi for the Bangladesh series, even after his superb PSL show,
is one such example. Salman Ali Agha's remark, "We have so much talent in
Pakistan that anyone can replace anyone at any time," reflects their faith
in their rising talent. It was seen in the Bangladesh series, wherein players
like Hasan Ali, coming back to the team, made differing contributions (5/30 in
the first T20I).
PSL's Role
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is still an open field for
the discovery of fresh talent. For instance, Sahibzada Farhan, the top
run-scorer in the last PSL, and Hasan Nawaz, a debutant opener this year, are
now being incorporated into the national team. Wasim Akram
has also praised the work of PSL in highlighting emerging talent. The desire of
the selectors to support these home performers, as in their selection for the
Bangladesh series, shows a focus on future-proofing the team.
Dominance Against Key
Opponents
Although overall T20I statistics indicate scope for
improvement against leading sides, Pakistan's past supremacy against some of
their rivals, like Bangladesh, gives a solid foundation. Pakistan boasts an
excellent T20I record against Bangladesh as well, with 16 victories in 19
matches at an 84.21% success rate. The recent series win by 3-0 reinforces this
record, and the team benefits from this confidence and momentum.
Adaptability
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