Srinagar: Former Australia World Cup winning opener and Pakistan mentor Matthew Hayden has made huge prediction about Pakistan’s chances in T20 World Cup 2024 in USA and West Indies.
“Looking at the Pakistan squad, as per usual, Pakistan are always dark horses when it comes to World Cups,” Hayden was quoted as saying in the media.
“In particular, their fast-bowling stocks are amazing with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, who wasn’t available for selection in the last World cup. That’s a big comeback”.
“And of course, you’ve got Mohammad Amir as well, and Haris Rauf.
“So, you’ve got four major prongs in their pace attack”.
“You’ve got Shadab Khan through the middle, you know, for spinning and also a power hitter.”
Hayden expressed his happiness to see Babar Azam leading the Pakistan team once again.
“And then up top, you’ve got your big three, you’ve got the captain, obviously, Babar Azam. Glad to see him back at the helm. He’s the natural leader and should be there”.
“And you’ve got Mohammed Rizwan as well that more than likely will partner with him. And Fakhar Zaman, who is a dangerous left-hand striker of the ball”.
However, Hayden was concerned about Pakistan’s fielding ahead of the mega event.
“So, all in all, generally speaking, their biggest chink [in the armor] is always going to be their fielding. Their defensive effort in the field has and hopefully in this case, it won’t diminish their performances,” Hayden said.
“But they are a solid team, a dangerous team and certainly a team to watch out for in this T20 World Cup across America and Barbados,” he concluded.
Pakistan are in Group A of the T20 World Cup, alongside India, Ireland, Canada and USA.
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.