With an almost limitless supply of pace resources at its disposal, Pakistan will try to finalize their best lineups prior to the massive global event in the West Indies and the United States.
Shaheen Afridi is ready to take the new ball, but there is fierce competition for the other positions.
Examining the leading contenders for Pakistan’s fast bowling starting lineup in advance of the Twenty20 World Cup:
Naseem Shah:
Naseem Shah’s absence was much felt during Pakistan’s 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India, as the country was unable to advance past the group stage. In the pace area, he ought to be among the first to sign up to the team sheet with Shaheen. Naseem’s ability to consistently move the ball at a fast speed throughout the innings made him a valuable asset in the setup.
After recovering from his shoulder injury sustained at the Asia Cup of the previous year, Naseem will be eager to make up for lost time and perform well for Pakistan in the white-ball format.
Following his return, he continued where he had left off, taking 15 wickets at 22.2 in the PSL and picking up wickets at home against New Zealand. The bowler should have plenty of match experience over the next few weeks, the Pakistani selection committee hopes.
Muhammad Amir
After being viewed as the obvious successor to swing kings Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, Mohammad Amir had a sporadic career that ended with just 52 Twenty20 international matches during his 15-year international career.
Nevertheless, as the hitters in T20 leagues throughout the world and, more recently, the New Zealand batters during their tour of Pakistan, attested, his whippy pace and snappy swing remain a very frightening possibility.
It’s not easy to make a comeback internationally at 32, but Amir has experience doing so. The left-arm pacer can help his team succeed in another ICC title run because of his tendency to perform well in these competitions, which has been demonstrated by his inclusion in Pakistan’s last two ICC title-winning squads.
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Haris Rauf:
Formerly regarded as one of Pakistan’s best fast bowlers, Haris Rauf has recently struggled with form and injuries. Despite the fact that he has always been among wickets, his costly economy is now a source of worry.
Due to a dislocated shoulder in February, the pacer will need to recover fully in order to return to the Pakistani team.
Nevertheless, even with his recent absence, Rauf’s added speed is greatly appreciated. When Rauf is at his best, he can operate efficiently in the middle and death overs, giving the new-ball bowlers the much-needed support they need.
Abbas Afridi:
Pakistan’s medium pacers have frequently given the team much-needed steadiness and control while their express pacers get all the attention. Abbas Afridi, like his uncle Umar Gul, relies on accuracy and variety to be a successful bowler.
Ever since making his debut for his country, New Zealand, Abbas has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to take wickets at crucial moments in the game. His credentials are further strengthened by his 13 wickets at an average of 19 in the just ended PSL.
Abbas can take over as Pakistan’s medium pacer in June since Hasan Ali and Shahnawaz Dahani are not included in the current T20I lineup.
Mohammad Wasim Jr.:
Despite not having the same explosive pace as some of his countrymen, the lanky all-rounder can still pose a threat in the game’s shortest format because of the extra zip that his height gives him.
Wasim hasn’t played well in the PSL 2024, taking just nine wickets at an average of 33 with an economy approaching 10. However, he is still a threat on pitches that permit some carry. He took six wickets at an average of 6.5 in Perth during the most recent T20 World Cup, putting this on full show.
Zaman Khan:
Zaman Khan’s distinctive bowling action, which is evocative of the late Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga, making him a valuable asset to the Pakistan team.
Batters may find it challenging to read his action because to his sheer pace. Zaman is inexperienced, having played only nine Twenty20 Internationals, but if Pakistan decides to consider him for the T20 World Cup, he may be the difference maker.
Hasan Ali:
Even though Hasan Ali is currently selling his wares in the English county setup and last appeared in Pakistan T20I colors back in 2022, a surprise return is never completely ruled out.
Hasan is a useful medium pacer who can be effective both on the field and with the willow. He also has the added benefit of having participated in several ICC competitions. The last of these occurred during the Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2018, when Hasan was called up to the Indian Open after missing a year of matches.
