Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra suggested that Pakistan should opt for a four-fast-bowler strategy against Rohit Sharma’s team in the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite having Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf in their lineup, Pakistan faltered against the US in their opening match of the tournament. Chopra emphasized that deploying all four pacers could pose a significant challenge to the Indian batsmen. However, he also noted that the match might not witness a high-scoring total, estimating it to range between 125-130 or 150-160 runs. Chopra highlighted that such matches typically favour Pakistan’s style of play.
In the match against the US, Pakistan struggled to post a competitive total, managing 159/7 with Shaheen Afridi contributing crucial runs towards the end. Despite a promising start by USA’s Andries Gous and captain Monank Patel, Pakistan’s pacers made a comeback, maintaining consistent line and length. The game came down to the wire, with USA needing five runs off the final ball, eventually forcing a Super Over after Nitish Kumar’s boundary.
In the Super Over, Pakistan’s experienced pacer Mohammad Amir, who had performed well in the penultimate over, faltered, conceding 18 runs due to erratic bowling. Pakistan’s batting faltered as well, managing only 13/1 in reply, leading to a narrow 5-run victory for the USA.
Pakistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 includes Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed.