Former Pakistan cricketer and 1992 World Cup winner Aamer Sohail has stressed that Babar Azam and Co. need to finalise their playing combination for the T20 World Cup 2024.
Pakistan lost to England by 23 runs in the second T20I of the four-match series as the batters failed to chase the 184-run target and were bowled out for 160.
“I think it is very important for Pakistan just before the World Cup that they have to try out one combination and stick with it. They can make one or two changes according to the condition but they have to make a combination and rely on it and give the players confidence," he said.
Sohail, when asked about who should get to open for Pakistan said, “Whoever is given the opening spot should be given a task to focus on. They need to bat sensibly and get a good start."
“Pakistan has five power hitters in the middle order, they can certainly put up a good total.
“And if they are bowling first then they have good bowlers who can restrict the opposition to a total that is comfortable for their batters and I think if Pakistan implement this strategy then they have a good chance in the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, he chose not to comment on Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi's captaincy fiasco and said, “Babar still has a lot to improve as a captain. I have backed him for a long time but he needs to bring that killer instinct into his captaincy and if he does so, he can be very good."
Sohail shed light on Pakistan's chances and thinks they have a good chance at the T20 World Cup 2024.
“When you look at the conditions, many of Pakistan players have played in the Caribbean for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) so they know the conditions and I think they have a decent chance as long as they strategise properly.”
It must be noted Pakistan announced their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup which is set to begin on June 1.
Pakistan will play their first match against the USA on June 4. Currently, the team is on tour of England where they are scheduled to play four T20Is.
Pak vs Eng series schedule of remaining matches:
28 May — 3rd T20I, Cardiff
30 May — 4th T20I, The Oval
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 schedule
June 6: Pakistan vs USA, Dallas
June 9: Pakistan vs India, New York
June 11: Pakistan vs Canada, New York
June 16: Pakistan vs Ireland, Lauderhill