ICC World Cup 2019: Pakistan Cricket Team – Squad, Schedule, Where To Watch, Players to Watch

Pakistan Cricket team have named a balanced squad under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales starting from May 30. Meanwhile, the men in green will look to add to their tally of World Cups when they return to their country. Previously, they have lifted the 1992 World Cup under the captaincy of Imran Khan.

Meanwhile, the squad mainly relies on their fast bowlers – Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Hasnain, Shaheen Afridi, and Junaid Khan. Surprisingly they have left out Mohammad Amir from the preliminary squad. However, Amir will be auditioning for a World Cup berth when Pakistan faces England in a five-match ODI series in a bid to prepare for the showpiece event.

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On the batting front, all will depend on Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik in the middle order. The experienced cricketers are likely to be playing their last World Cup and will have to bring thier experience and help Pakistan clinch victory.

Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign against Windies at Trent Bridge on May 31.

Pakistan’s 15-Member World Cup Squad:

Sarfaraz Ahmed (Capt), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Muhammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Junaid Khan, Muhammad Hasnain.

Probable XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Harris Sohail, Mohamad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Uman Khan Shinwari

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Schedule:

May 31 (Friday): West Indies vs Pakistan — Trent Bridge – 3 p.m.

June 3 (Monday): England vs Pakistan – Trent Bridge – 3 p.m.

June 7 (Friday): Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Bristol – 3 p.m.

June 12 (Wednesday): Australia vs Pakistan – Taunton – 3 p.m.

June 16 (Sunday): India vs Pakistan – Manchester – 3 p.m.

June 23 (Sunday): Pakistan vs South Africa – Lords – 3 p.m.

June 26 (Wednesday): New Zealand vs Pakistan – Birmingham – 3 p.m.

June 29 (Saturday): Pakistan vs Afghanistan – Leeds – 3 p.m.

July 5 (Friday): Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Lords – 3 p.m.

Where to Watch:

Batsman to Watch

FAKHAR ZAMAN

Fakhar Zaman will be responsible for scoring quick runs for Pakistan will be one of their key players in the upcoming tournament. Zaman, who has a good experience by his side will look to make this tournament. And, if the southpaw gets his rhythm, he will give sleepless nights to the bowlers.

Meanwhile, Zaman has a good record in England playing a match-winning knock against India in 2017 Champions Trophy final. He will look to resume the good work when he arrives in England later this month.

Punjab will hope Fakhar Zaman to fire and help his side clinch few wins in the marquee tournament.

Bowler to Watch

Shaheen Afridi first impressed during the 2018 ICC U19 World Cup in Australia. Since then, the young fast bowler didn’t have to look back as he took giant strides to the national team. Playing in his first major tournament, Afridi will look to make a mark of his own.

Bowling from a height of 6ft, Afridi can rack up a good pace and also has a good bouncer in his armoury. Although Pakistan have some quality pacers in their ranks, all eyes will be on Shaheen Afridi. Meanwhile, Afridi doesn’t have the experience by his side but has impressed in whatever limited opportunities he has got.

Pakistan will hope their youngest cricketer to shine in England as they aim their second world cup title.