Former Pakistan skipper and current chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq is confident of his countrymen making the nation proud at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, after announcing a "three-dimensional" 15-member squad Thursday (April 18) that "covers all bases" for the marquee ODI event, to be played in England and Wales from May 30 onwards.
"In England and Wales, conditions play a critical role. With this in mind, we have selected a three-dimensional side, which gives the captain a wide range of options of whatever game plan he chooses on a match day," Inzamam was quoted saying by thenews.com.pk.
"We have experienced batters, who are backed up by bowlers with plenty of variety and variation to exploit any type of conditions."
Led by regular captain and wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Khan, the team includes openers Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq, Abid Ali and middle-order batsmen like Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik and Haris Sohail, with all-rounders such as Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim and leg-spinner Shadab Khan and pacer Faheem Ashraf providing the ideal balance and batting depth to the side.
Bowling - Pakistan's traditional strength - is glint with fast bowlers Junaid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Hassan Ali, and young Mohammad Hasnain.
"This is more or less the side we have been playing since the ICC Champions Trophy 2017," Inzi added. "I have absolute trust that this side has grown further in experience and stature since 2017. Supported by the flare, skill, talent and killing-instinct, this side has the capability and potential to rise to the occasion and produce strong performances."
"While picking the side, we’ve tried to cover all bases by assessing our strengths as well as analysing each opponent, the match venues and the event format."
Long-time struggling pacer Mohammad Amir has been left out, while Hafeez's reintroduction has taken place only after his full recovery from a thumb surgery which he had in Manchester after the recent tour of South Africa.
"Hafeez has not played any cricket for the past 10-odd weeks, but he has always featured in our plans," said Inzamam. "Although his inclusion in the World Cup squad is subject to fitness, yesterday we got a boost when he started playing with a tennis ball with his doctor confirming he will be available for selection for the series against England."
"Our World Cup opener is on 31 May against the Windies, which is still six weeks away, and we are confident he will be fully fit and ready to display his vast international experience."
“Shoaib Malik and Hafeez have played in World Cups before (Malik 2007, Hafeez 2007 and 2011), which makes them experienced and qualified to provide the required stability to the middle-order. The exuberance of Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam make them the most exciting, talented and entertaining top-three in the world."
Inclusion of two inexperienced cricketers - Abid Ali and Mohammad Hasnain - for a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup may have surprised a lot of people, but Inzamam is optimistic of seeing them deliver the goods.
"Abid Ali and Mohammad Hasnain have been selected after they cleared their fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy on Thursday morning. Abid is the third opener in the side, and has earned a place following a string of high scores, including a magnificent century on debut against Australia last month," he said.
"Hasnain has been selected due to his sheer pace and speed. He may not have played many ODIs but he has already made an impact by making the top batsmen hop and run in his brief career while also picking up wickets."
Batting legend Inzamam also backed Sarfaraz Ahmed to lead Pakistan from the front and ensure that a talented bowling unit flourishes under him.
"Sarfaraz is a proven performer with the bat who has played a number of crucial knocks for Pakistan and his presence further strengthens the middle-order," he stressed.
"In Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Junaid Khan and Mohammad Hasnain, Pakistan has probably the most attacking and lethal bowling unit, which has variation and variety to take wickets and keep the opponents under pressure."
"For the T20I and ODIs against England, we have added Asif Ali and Mohammad Amir as additional players. Asif is probably the best power-hitter in Pakistan, while Amir has the experience and a good record in England. These two will provide cover to the World Cup squad and can be drafted into the side by 23 May, if required," Inzamam concluded.
