Finally, Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on Monday. The Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq revealed the news.
Squad Analysis by Inzamam
Junaid Khan and Faheem Ashraf were dropped from the final team with Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz getting the chance. Amir was earlier dropped from the initial squad who was included in the England series. Although he didn’t perform well in the ODI series against England, his records have been pretty good in past in England. Shadab Khan, who couldn’t make it to the series against England due to illness, was called back for the mega event.
The Chief Selector explained about the bowling options, “The bowling unit during the England ODIs has not clicked as anticipated or expected; if we have at our disposal two vastly experienced pace duo of Amir and Wahab, then it will be foolish not to include them.”
On the inclusion of Asif Ali in place of Abid Ali, Inzamam opined that he could be an asset for the team in the death overs. “It was difficult to replace Abid Ali but the way Asif Ali has batted in the series and the way conditions are we felt a player is required on the sixth or seventh spot who can accelerate.”
He confirmed that the decision has been made post the discussion with the captain and coach. “There is no panic. I spoke to the captain and coach before taking these decisions.”
Captain Speaks
The captain of the Pakistan Cricket team, Sarfaraz Ahmed talked in the same line about the bowing combination of the team. The change, according to him was necessary post the poor performance against England.
“We are not bowling and fielding up to the mark but the way we are batting I am very confident for the World Cup…Our openers and middle order are scoring runs and we have to sort out our fielding and bowling,” said skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Pakistan World Cup Final Squad
Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper and captain), Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Wahab Riaz, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik
Written By Shreyasi Dravid
Also Read: Who will win the ODI World Cup 2019? Here are the top 5 contenders
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