Srinagar: Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has hailed Pakistan cricket team pace department but has raised a question about the strength of spin department as the Pakistan announced the squad for the Ireland and England T20I series from which final T20 World Cup squad 2024 would be chosen.
Speaking to Pakistan media, Kaif provided insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the Pakistan team’s bowling attack, encompassing both their spin and pace departments.
“Their strength lies in their fast bowling. Haris Rauf is there, Shaheen Afridi is also there, and Naseem Shah is also fit. Although Naseem Shah wasn’t in the World Cup squad, his absence was felt in bowling, he’s a good bowler, and their power lies in their pace bowling. With bouncy pitches in the USA, their fast bowlers will excel there.” Kaif said.
“Their weakness lies in their spin bowling department. Shadab Khan is not getting the ball on the line, and Mohammad Nawaz’s ball doesn’t turn much, so their spin bowling is weak,” he added.
In terms of batting, the former cricketer highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability under pressure situations, especially when chasing formidable targets.
“Their spin bowling is weak, and so is their batting when pressure mounts, like when they need to chase 180 runs. If their bowling fails, for instance, if Naseem Shah doesn’t take wickets or Shaheen Afridi remains wicketless, then they get exposed. The players I mentioned earlier, including Haris Rauf, are the ones who set up their game. They aim to take 2 to 3 wickets in the first six overs with the new ball and then win the game from there. In my opinion, if these three bowlers are even slightly out of form, Pakistan could face difficulties,” he concluded.