Pakistan team gains momentum ahead of Asia Cup with Windies series win

After a disappointing series loss against Bangladesh last month, the revamped Pakistan T20I squad found some much-needed momentum by clinching a 2-1 series victory over the West Indies in Lauderhill, Florida.

This series win comes as a morale booster for the Green Shirts ahead of the Asia Cup set to be held in the UAE next month.

With an eye on building a competitive squad for next year’s World Cup, Pakistan is banking on a young and dynamic batting line-up, especially in the absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have been left out primarily due to their relatively low strike rates in the T20 format.

The absence of the experienced duo left a gaping hole at the top and Pakistan was in dire need of a reliable opening combination. However, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub stepped up showing promise and composure while being supported by the experienced Fakhar Zaman.

Fakhar, however, played only one match in the series before being ruled out due to a hamstring injury which also sidelined him from the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies.

Saim Ayub finally seemed to rediscover his rhythm, registering two half-centuries in the series. His ability to contribute with the ball further increases his value to the team.

Farhan, a familiar name but previously underappreciated, left a strong impression with a composed 74-run knock in the final T20I. His straight-bat approach and aggressive intent make him well-suited for Pakistan’s top order.

Hasan Nawaz, who took the world by surprise with a brilliant century on his debut tour of New Zealand, continued to impress. His elegant knock in the second T20I against the West Indies stood out. His technique, particularly his use of the full face of the bat, allows him to time the ball beautifully and when it’s in his zone he clears the boundary with ease and grace.

However, the form of wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris will be a major concern for head coach Mike Hesson. Haris has managed only 21 runs in his last six T20Is. Alarmingly he has failed to reach double figures in 13 of his 23 career matches. His only standout innings remains an unbeaten 107 against Bangladesh earlier this year at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

The recall of spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has already begun to pay off. He was in good form during the West Indies series and capitalized on Florida’s slow pitches, picking up crucial wickets. He is expected to play an integral role in Pakistan’s T20I plans heading into the World Cup.

Young wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem was another standout performer, leaving the West Indies batsmen clueless with his sharp turn and variation. Economical and dangerous his contribution in the series-deciding win was pivotal. While Pakistan does have Abrar Ahmed as a backup Sufiyan has made a compelling case to be the first-choice spinner moving forward.

On the pace front, Hasan Ali, who was recalled during the Bangladesh series at home, struggled once again appearing expensive and inconsistent. The selectors now face a tough call on whether he still fits into Pakistan’s future plans.

There are other promising fast bowling options including the experienced Naseem Shah and rising stars Salman Mirza and Ahmed Daniyal both of whom performed admirably in the recent Bangladesh series.

Meanwhile Shaheen Afridi, who failed to defend eight runs in the final over of the second T20I against the West Indies, will need to fine-tune his bowling, especially in the death overs. Pakistan will rely heavily on him to lead the pace attack in the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup. Mastering the angle and perfecting his yorkers will be key to saving runs in the final overs.

Looking ahead, Pakistan has a packed calendar. They are set to participate in a triangular series in the UAE later this month also featuring Afghanistan and the hosts UAE which will further fine-tune the brigade.

In the Asia Cup to be held across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside India, UAE, and Oman.

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong form Group B.