The Pakistan cricket squad, commanded by skipper Babar Azam, failed to impress during the Asia Cup 2023, the Green Shirts’ first significant test in One Day Internationals (ODIs). From the first game of the competition, obvious problems were visible, particularly in batting and fielding, but no improvements were made. Pakistan’s top-order batsmen Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Azam failed to live up to expectations at the Asian tournament, raising severe concerns among cricket fans.
Where does Pakistan stand as the World Cup approaches?
It should be noted that 151 of Azam’s 207 runs came against Nepal, with the remaining three teams (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India) accounting for the remaining 56 runs. Meanwhile, Abdullah Shafique only batted in one match, a must-win contest against Sri Lanka, but the 24-year-old delivered, producing a brilliant performance that included his maiden ODI half-century and solidifying his case for the World Cup 2023.
Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed’s constant performance was another plus for Pakistan’s batting. The wicketkeeper batsman scored 195 runs in four innings at an excellent 97.50 average, including a match-winning half-century against Bangladesh in the first game.
Here are the stats of them in the Asia Cup 2023:
| Player | Runs | Innings /Average |
| Fakhar Zaman | 65 | 4 / @ 16.25 |
| Imam ul Haq | 92 | 3 / @ 30.66 |
| Babar Azam | 207 | 4 / @51.75 |
The statistics are concerning, and with players like Usama Mir on the bench and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 less than 20 days away, the Green Shirts must assess their choices and determine their starting XI.
Pakistan’s speed trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah picked up 26 wickets at the Asia Cup to justify the “Land of Pacers” moniker. Shaheen, widely regarded as the most dangerous new ball bowler, took ten wickets in five innings. Haris received nine points, while Naseem received seven.
