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Top 43 Pakistan Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide) | Greatest Pakistani Fast Bowlers of All Time (Updated 2023)

The list of Pakistan fast bowlers continues to grow—Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf have been ripping apart batting line ups all year.

Join us as we explore the mesmerizing realm of Pakistani fast bowlers – where passion meets skill and legends are born. Who are the greatest? The unluckiest? Who took the most wickets?

Let’s dive straight in.

Table of Contents

By the Numbers: Which Pakistani Fast Bowlers Have Taken the Most Wickets Across Formats?

The land of Pakistan is a factory that unearths gem of fast bowlers year in and year out.

Wasim Akram (916), Waqar Younis (789), Imran Khan (544), Shoaib Akhtar (438), and Umar Gul (427) are the Top 5 wicket-takers in Pakistan cricket history across formats.

Here is the complete list of the most wickets by Pakistani fast bowlers or medium pacers – all formats combined (Test/ODI/T20I).

Most Wickets by Pakistan Fast Bowlers

PlayerWickets
Wasim Akram916
Waqar Younis789
Imran Khan544
Shoaib Akhtar438
Umar Gul427
Abdul Razzaq388
Mohammad Amir259
Shaheen Shah Afridi253
Sarfraz Nawaz240
Wahab Riaz237
Aaqib Javed236
Hasan Ali229
Mohammad Sami227
Junaid Khan189
Mudassar Nazar177
Azhar Mahmood162
Mohammad Asif160
Fazal Mahmood139
Haris Rauf137
Naved-ul-Hasan133
Sohail Tanvir130
Mohammad Irfan109
Sikander Bakht100
Naseem Shah98
Mohammad Abbas91
Faheem Ashraf86
Shabbir Ahmed84
Azeem Hafeez78
Rao Iftikhar Anjum78
Rahat Ali76
Saleem Jaffar76
Asif Iqbal69
Mahmood Hussain68
Tahir Naqqash68
Mohamad Wasim Jr.61
Ata-ur-Rehman58
Shahid Nazir55
Khan Mohammad54
Aizaz Cheema51
Saleem Altaf51
Sohail Khan51
Usman Shinwari48

Others: Asif Masood (43), Manzoor Elahi (36), Mohammad Akram (36), Anwar Ali (28), Yasir Arafat (29), Imran Khan (29), Rashid Khan (28), Jalal-ud-Din (25), Mohammad Zahid (25), Rumman Raees (22), Kabir Khan (21), Mohammad Farooq (21), Bilawal Bhatti (17), Khurram Shahzad, Aamer Jamel

Also Read:

Top 35 List of Greatest Pakistan Fast Bowlers (Ranked)

Some aspects we considered while ranking these bowlers were (1) longevity, (2) Test match impact, (3) World Cup heroics, (4) other international match-winning performances, and (5) pace/talent/swing.

The New Generation: Up and Coming Pakistani Fast Bowlers

First up, we begin with the youth of Pakistan. These youngsters will inevitably rise up the list in the future, but for now, we are putting them here.

*Note: Youngsters like Shaheen Shah Afridi & Naseem Shah are further down below since they have already taken more than 100 international wickets in their short careers.

43. Mir Hamza – 2 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2018-
  • Matches: 3 (Tests)
  • Wickets (Test): 2
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/38 (Test)
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42. Zaman Khan – 4 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2003-
  • Matches: 6 (T20Is)
  • Wickets (T20I): 4
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/7
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41. Ihsanullah – 6 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2023-
  • Marches: 1 (ODI), 4 (T20I)
  • Wickets (ODI/T20Is): 0/6
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/29 (T20I)
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40. Shahnawaz Dahani – 9 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2021-
  • Matches: 2 (ODI), 11 (T20I)
  • Wickets (ODI/T20Is): 1/8
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/36 (ODI), 2/37 (T20I)
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39. Muhammad Hasnain – 37 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2019-
  • Matches: 9 (ODI), 27 (T20I)
  • Wickets (ODI/T20Is): 12/25
  • Best Figures in Innings: 12 (ODI), 25 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 0/1 (ODI)
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38. Mohammad Wasim Jr. – 61 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2021-
  • Matches: 2 (Test), 15 (ODI), 35 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 2/24/35
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/71 (Test), 4/36 (ODI), 4/24 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/0 (ODI), 2/0 (T20I)
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Pakistan Fast Bowlers with Short International Careers: The Ones That Impressed but Could Not Capitalize

37. Ehsan Adil – 9 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2013-15
  • Matches: 3 (Test), 6 (ODI)
  • Wickets (ODI/T20Is): 5/4
  • Best Figures in Innings: 2/54 (Test), 1/31 (ODI)
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36. Rumman Raees – 22 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2016-2018
  • Matches: 9 (ODI), 8 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 14/8
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/49 (ODI), 2/24 (T20I)
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35. Yasir Arafat – 29 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2000-2012
  • Matches: 3 (Test), 11 (ODI), 13 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20I): 9/4/16
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/161 (Test), 1/28 (ODI), 3/18 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 0/1 (Test)
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34. Mohammad Zahid

  • Years Played: 1996-2003
  • Matches: 5 (Test), 11 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 15/10
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/66 (Test), 2/20 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/1 (Test)
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33. Anwar Ali – 28 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2008-2016
  • Matches: 22 (ODI), 16 (T20I)
  • Wickets (ODI/T20I): 18/10
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/66, 2/27
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32. Usman Khan Shinwari – 48 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2013-
  • Matches: 1 (Test), 17 (ODI), 16 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 1/34/13
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/54 (Test), 5/34 (ODI), 3/31 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/2 (ODI)
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31. Rao Iftikhar Anjum – 78 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2004-2010
  • Matches: 1 (Test), 62 (ODI), 2 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 1/62/2
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/30 (ODI), 1/34 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls:2/1 (ODI)
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30. Rahat Ali – 76 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2012-18
  • Matches: 21 (Test), 14 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 58/18
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/127 (Test), 3/40 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/2 (Test)
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29. Shabbir Ahmed – 84 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1999-2007
  • Matches: 10 (Test), 32 (ODI), 1 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 51/33/0
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/48 (Test), 3/32 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 5/2 (Test)
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28. Sohail Khan – 51 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2008-2017
  • Matches: 9 (Test), 13 (ODI), 5 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 27/19/5
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/68 (Test), 5/55 (ODI), 2/13 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/2 (Test), 0/1 (ODI)
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27. Mohammad Irfan – 109 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2010-2019
  • Matches: 4 (Test), 60 (ODI), 22 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 10/83/16
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/44 (Test), 4/30 (ODI), 2/18 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/0 (ODI)
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26. Naved Ul-Hasan Rana – 133 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2003-2010
  • Matches: 9 (Test), 74 (ODI), 4 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 18/110/5
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/30 (Test), 6/27 (ODI), 3/19 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/1 (ODI)
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Top 25 Greatest Pakistani Fast Bowlers of All Time

25. Sikander Bakht – 100 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1976-1989
  • Matches: 26 (Test), 27 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 67/33
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/69 (Test), 4/34(ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/3 (Test), 1/0 (ODI)
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24. Naseem Shah – 98 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2019-
  • Matches: 17 (Test), 14 (ODI), 19 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 51/32/15
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/31 (Test), 5/33 (ODI), 2/7 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls:2/1 (Test), 0/2 (ODI)
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23. Sohail Tanvir – 130 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2007-2017
  • Matches: 2 (Test), 62 (ODI), 57 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 5/71/54
  • Best Figures in Innings: 3/83 (Test), 5/48 (ODI), 3/12 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/1 (ODI)
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22. Junaid Khan – 189 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2011-2019
  • Matches: 33 (Test), 76 (ODI), 9 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 71/110/8
  • Best Figures in Innings: (Test), (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/5 (Test), 4/0 (ODI)

Watch: Junaid Khan vs Virat Kohli

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21. Khan Mohammad – 54 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1952-1958
  • Matches: 13 (Test)
  • Wickets (Test): 54
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/21
  • 4w/5w hauls: 4/4

20. Azhar Mahmood – 162 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1996-2007
  • Matches: 21 (Test), 143 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 39/123
  • Best Figures in Innings: 4/50 (Test), 6/18 (odi0
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/0 (Test), 2/3 (ODI)
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19. Mudassar Nazar – 177 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1976-1989
  • Matches: 76 (Test), 122 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 66/111
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/32 (Test), 5/28 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 1/1 (Test), 1/1 (ODI)
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18. Haris Rauf – 137 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2020-
  • Matches: 1 (Test), 26 (ODI), 62 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 1/53/83
  • Best Figures in Innings: 1/78 (Test), 5/18 (ODI), 4/18
  • 4w/5w hauls: 4/1 (ODI), 3/0 (T20I)
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17. Mohammad Sami – 227 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2001-2016
  • Matches: 36 (Test), 87 (ODI), 13 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 85/121/21
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/36 (Test), 5/10 (ODI), 3/16 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/2 (Test),3/1 (ODI)
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16. Hasan Ali – 249 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2016-
  • Matches: 22 (Test), 60 (ODI), 50 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 78/91/60
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/27(Test), 5/34 (ODI), 4/18 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 2/6 (Test), 1/4 (ODI), 1/0 (T20I)
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15. Wahab Riaz – 237 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2008-2020
  • Matches: 27 (Test), 92 (ODI), 36 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 83/120/34
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/63 (Test), 5/46 (ODI), 3/18 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 3/2 (Test), 5/1 (ODI)

Watch: Wahab Riaz vs Shane Watson

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14. Mahmood Hussain – 68 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1952-1962
  • Matches: 27 (Test)
  • Wickets (Test): 68
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/67
  • 4w/5w hauls: 4/2
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13. Mohammad Abbas – 91 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2017-
  • Matches: 25 (Test), 3 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI):90/1
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/33 (Test), 1/44 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/4 (Test)
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12. Abdul Razzaq – 389 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1996-2013
  • Matches: 46 (Test), 265 (ODI), 32 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 100/269/20
  • Best Figures in Innings:5/35 (Test), 6/35 (ODI), 3/13 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 4/1 (Test), 8/3 (ODI)
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11. Mohammad Amir – 259 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2009-2020
  • Matches: 36 (Test), 61 (ODI), 50 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 119/81/59
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/44 (Test), 5/30 (ODI) 4/13 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/4 (Test), 1/1 (ODI), 1/0 (T20I)
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The Undisputed Greats: Top 10 Best Pakistani Fast Bowlers of All-Time

10. Shaheen Shah Afridi – 255 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2018-
  • Matches: 27 (Test), 43 (ODI), 52 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 105/84/64
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/51 (Test), 6/35 (ODI), 4/22 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 11/4 (Test), 6/2 (ODI), 1/0 (T20I)

Watch: The King Of Swing At His Best | Top 30 Wickets of Shaheen Shah Afridi

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9. Aaqib Javed – 236 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1988-1998
  • Matches: 22 (Test), 163 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 54/182
  • Best Figures in Innings: 5/84 (Test), 7/37 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls:2 /1 (Test), 2/4 (ODI)

Watch: Aaqib Javed’s Spell Against India

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8. Umar Gul – 427 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2003-2016
  • Matches: 47 (Test), 130 (ODI), 60 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 163/179/85
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/135 (Test), 6/42 (ODI), 5/6 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 12/4 (Test), 4/2 (ODI), 4/2 (T20I)

Also Read: The Magician With the Yorker – Umar Gul

Watch: UMAR GUL TOP 15 BOWLED COMPILATION

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7. Sarfraz Nawaz – 240 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1969-1984
  • Matches: 55 (Test), 45 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI):177/63
  • Best Figures in Innings: 9/86 (Test), 4/27 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 14/4 (Test), 4/0 (ODI)

Watch: Sarfraz Nawaz 9/86 vs Australia 1st test 1978/79 MCG PART ONE

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6. Mohammad Asif – 165 Wickets

  • Years Played: 2005-2010
  • Matches: 23 (Test), 38 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 106/46/13
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/41 (Test), 3/28 (ODI), 4/18 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/7 (Test), 1/0 (T20I)

Watch: From the Vault: Asif rocks Australia with six at the SCG – YouTube

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5. Fazal Mahmood – 139 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1952-1962
  • Matches: 34 (Test)
  • Wickets (Test): 139
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/42 (Test)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 6/13 (Test)

Watch: Fazal Mahmood Bowling Clip

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4. Shoaib Akhtar – 445 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1997-2011
  • Matches: 46 (Test), 163 (ODI), 16 (T20I)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI/T20Is): 179/247/19
  • Best Figures in Innings: 6/11 (Test), 6/16 (ODI), 3/38 (T20I)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 10/12 (Test), 6/4 (ODI)

Watch: Shoaib Akhtar Bowling Killer Yorker to Famous players | Best Yorkers in Cricket History

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3. Imran Khan – 544 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1971-1992
  • Matches: 88 (Test), 175 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 362/182
  • Best Figures in Innings: 8/58 (Test), 6/14 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 17/23 (Test), 3/1 (ODI)

Watch: (30) Mix Tape: All-round Imran at his brilliant best – YouTube

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2. Waqar Younis – 789 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1989-2003
  • Matches: 87 (Test), 262 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 373/416
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/76 (Test), 7/36 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 28/22 (Test), 14/13 (ODI)

Watch: Mix Tape: Waqar Younis sending stumps flying

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1. Wasim Akram – 916 Wickets

  • Years Played: 1984-2003
  • Matches: 104 (Test), 356 (ODI)
  • Wickets (Test/ODI): 414/502
  • Best Figures in Innings: 7/119 (Test), 5/15 (ODI)
  • 4w/5w hauls: 20/25 (Test), 17/6 (ODI)

Watch: Wasim Akram Top 10 Swing Balls – YouTube

Also Read: Top 55 All-Rounders in Cricket History List (The Complete Guide) | Greatest All-Rounders of All Time

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Pakistan Fast Bowlers in Each World Cup

ODI World Cup

  • 1975 ODI WC: Asif Iqbal,Sarfraz Nawaz, Imran Khan, Naseer Malik, Asif Masood, Pervez Mir
  • 1979 ODI WC: Asif Iqbal, Sikander Bakht, Imran Khan, Mudassar Nazar, Hasan Jamil
  • 1983 ODI WC: Imran Khan, Mudassar Nazar, Rashid Khan, Sarfraz Nawaz, Shahid Mahboob, Tahir Naqqash
  • 1987 ODI WC: Imran Khan, Manzoor Elahi, Saleem Jaffar, Wasim Akram
  • 1992 ODI WC: Imran Khan, Aaqib Javed, Wasim Akram, Wasim Haider
  • 1996 ODI WC: Wasim Akram, Aaqib Javed, Ata-ur-Rehman, Waqar Younis
  • 1999 ODI WC: Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Azhar Mahmood, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar
  • 2003 ODI WC: Waqar Younis, Abdul Razzaq, Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Sami, Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram
  • 2007 ODI WC: Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Sami, Naved-ul-Hasan Rana, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, Umar Gul, Yasir Arafat
  • 2011 ODI WC: Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan (replaced Sohail Tanvir)
  • 2015 ODI WC: Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali (Junaid Khan Withdrawn), Mohammad Irfan, Ehsan Adil
  • 2019 ODI WC: Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Wahab Riaz

T20 World Cup

  • 2007 T20 WC: Iftikhar Anjum Rao, Mohammad Asif, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Yasir Arafat
  • 2009 T20 WC: Rao Iftikhar Anjum (replaces Shoaib Akhtar), Mohammad Amir, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Yasir Arafat (replaces Abdul Razzaq)
  • 2010 T20 WC: Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Sami, Hammad Azam
  • 2012 T20 WC: Yasir Arafat, Umar Gul, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Sami, Sohail Tanvir
  • 2014 T20 WC: Bilawal Bhatti, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Talha, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul
  • 2016 T20 WC: Anwar Ali, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Sami
  • 2021 T20 WC: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Shahnawaz Dahani (Reserve)
  • 2022 T20 WC: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Shahnawaz Dahani (Reserve)

Final Thoughts

We have all heard the phrase, “Pace is pace.”

Pure pace can wreak havoc for the opposition teams while providing moments of beauty for the audience.

Pakistan cricket has been a blessing to the cricketing world due to the fast bowlers talent they produce. It was Sarfraz Nawaz & Imran Khan early on, Fazal Mohammad & Khan Mohammad even earlier. The trio of Wasim Akram-Waqar Younis-Shoaib Akhtar took the legend of Pakistani fast bowling to new heights.

Each generation since, Pakistan continues to find raw talent like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah today, and I hope they continue to produce such gems for years to come.

Also Read:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Greatest Pakistan Fast Bowlers

Why does Pakistan produce so many fast bowlers?

Pakistan produces so many fast bowlers due to their cricketing culture. In the early days of Pakistan Test cricket, the likes of Fazal Mahmood, Mahmood Hussain, and Khan Mohammad set the tone. This was taken to another level by the duo of Imran Khan & Sarfraz Nawaz and then solidified in their cricketing DNA by Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.

Who are some of the most famous fast bowlers from Pakistan?

Sarfraz Nawaz, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, and Wahab Riaz are some of the most famous fast bowlers from Pakistan.Pakistan Fast Bowlers - List of the Greatest Pakistan Fast Bowlers of All Time. Collage shown in two rows. Top Row (From Left to Right): Sarfraz Nawaz, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul. Bottom Row: (From Left to Right) Mohammad Asif, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Which bowlers have taken the most wickets in Pakistan cricket history?

Wasim Akram (916), Waqar Younis (789), Imran Khan (544), Shoaib Akhtar (438), and Umar Gul (427) have taken the most wickets in Pakistan cricket history across formats.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 09/13/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Pakistan World Cup 2023 Squad Breakdown: Which of these 15-men will make the Pakistan 2023 Cricket World Cup XI?

Let’s breakdown Pakistan World Cup 2023 squad, which is basically Pakistan’s 18-member preliminary World Cup 2023 squad.

Here is a quick preview: Pakistan is banking on youth to help them go all the way in this upcoming World Cup.

Let’s dive right in.

Key Takeaways from Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 ODI Squad Announcement

  • The average age of Pakistan World Cup 2023 squad is 26.9. Pakistan is going with a young squad, especially in the pace department. They have youngsters like Naseem Shah (20), Mohammad Wasim (21), Mohammad Haris (22), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (23). Fakhar Zaman is the oldest member of squad at just 33.
  • The 18-member Pakistan’s preliminary World Cup squad has average ODI match experience of only 41 ODIs (607 ODIs among 15 players). Babar Azam (108), Fakhar Zaman (78) & Imam-ul-Haq (66) are their most experienced players.
  • Pakistan’s squad composition is as follows: 6 proper batters (1 part time), 4 all-rounders, and 5 proper bowling options. In total, Pakistan has 10 bowling options (2 off spin, 1 left arm pace, 2 left arm spin, 2 leg spin, and 3 right arm pace) in their squad if absolutely needed.
  • Pakistan has 4 left-handed batting options (Imam, Fakhar, Saud Shakeel, Nawaz) and one wicketkeeping option.

Pakistan Cricket World Cup Team at a Glance

PlayerRoleAge
Imam-ul-HaqBatter27
Fakhar ZamanBatter33
Babar Azam (C)Batter28
Iftikhar AhmedAll-Rounder/Off Spin33
Abdullah ShafiqueBatter23
Agha SalmanAll-Rounder/Off Spin29
Mohammad RizwanBatter/Wicketkeeper31
Saud ShakeelBatter, part time left arm spin27
Shadab KhanAll-Rounder/Leg Spin24
Mohammad NawazAll-Rounder/Left Arm Spin29
Faheem Ashraf**All-Rounder/Medium Pace29
Haris RaufFast Bowler29
Shaheen Shah AfridiFast Bowler23
Naseem Shah*Fast Bowler20
Hasan AliFast Bowler 29
Mohammad WasimFast Bowler22
Usama MirRight Arm Leg Spin27
Mohammad Haris***Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper22
Tayyab Tahir**Right Hand Bat30

*ruled out of the World Cup

**did not make it to the final World Cup squad

***reserve

Also Read:

Pakistan Cricket World Cup 2023 Potential XI

  1. Imam-ul-Ha
  2. Fakhar Zaman
  3. Babar Azam
  4. Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
  5. Iftikhar Ahmed
  6. Agha Salman
  7. Shadab Khan
  8. Mohammad Nawaz
  9. Hasan Ali
  10. Shaheen Shah Afridi
  11. Haris Rauf

Injury News

  • Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury in the Asia Cup.
  • 20-year old pacer, Ihsanullah has been in Pakistan’s plans but has been out with an elbow injury recently.

7 Pakistan Players Who Were Unlucky to Miss Out

  • Naseem Shah, Shan Masood, Imad Wasim, Haider Ali, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain

2 Surprise Picks for Pakistan’s World Cup Squad

  • Usama Mir, Hasan Ali

Pakistan World Cup 2023 Squad – Complete List of Players

1. Imam-ul-Haq

Role: Left-Hand Bat (Opener)

  • Matches/Innings: 66/65
  • Runs: 2719, Best: 151
  • Average/SR: 51.30/82.99
  • 100/50: 9/16

Recent ODI Form: 11, 6, 60, 24, 90

Last ODI: May 3, 2023

Age: 27

Embed from Getty Images

2. Fakhar Zaman

Role: Left-Hand Bat (Opener, #3)

  • Matches/Innings: 78/77
  • Runs: 3148, Best: 210*
  • Average/SR: 48.43/93.27
  • 100/50: 10/15

Recent ODI Form: 101, 117, 180*, 19, 14, 33

Last ODI: May 7, 2023

Age: 33

Embed from Getty Images

3. Babar Azam (C)

Role: Right-Hand Bat

  • Matches/Innings: 108/105
  • Runs: 5089, Best: 158
  • Average/SR: 59.17/89.24
  • 100/50: 18/26

Recent ODI Form: 49, 65, 54, 107, 1

Last ODI: March 7, 2023

Age: 28

Embed from Getty Images

4. Iftikhar Ahmed

Role: Right-Hand Bat/ Right Arm Off spin

  • Matches/Innings: 19/16
  • Runs: 246, Best: 94*
  • Average/SR: 41.00/101.65
  • 100/50: 0/1
  • Wickets: 8, Best: 5/40
  • Economy: 5.38

Recent ODI Form: 2, 8*, DNB, 28, 94* & 1/36, 0/38, 1/38, 0/21

Last ODI: May 7, 2023

Age: 33

Embed from Getty Images

5. Abdullah Shafique

Role: Right-Hand Bat

  • Matches/Innings: 4/4
  • Runs: 28
  • Average/SR: 9.33/66.66
  • 100/50:0/0

Recent ODI Form: 2, 7, 19

Last ODI: May 3, 2023

Age: 23

Embed from Getty Images

6. Agha Salman

Role: Right-Hand Bat/Right Arm Off spin

  • Matches/Innings: 11/10
  • Runs: 337, Best: 58
  • Average/SR: 48.14/108.7
  • 100/50: 0/3
  • Wickets: 3, Best: 2/42
  • Economy: 5.57

Recent ODI Form: 7, DNB, 31, 58, 57 & 0/15, 0/34, 1/42, 0/49, 0/60

Last ODI: May 7, 2023

Age: 29

Embed from Getty Images

7. Mohammad Rizwan (WK)

Role: Right-Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper

  • Matches/Innings: 65/59
  • Runs: 1408, Best: 115
  • Average/SR: 34.34/88.22
  • 100/50: 2/9
  • Catches/Stumpings: 52/2

Recent ODI Form: 77, 42*, 54*, 32, 24, 9

Last ODI: May 7, 2023

Age: 31

Embed from Getty Images

8. Saud Shakeel

Role: Left-hand Bat/Left Arm Spin

  • Matches/Innings: 6/5
  • Runs: 67, Best: 56
  • Average/SR: 22.33/66.33
  • 100/50: 0/1

Recent ODI Form: 5, 56, 3*, 3, DNB

Last ODI: March 21, 2022

Age: 27

Embed from Getty Images

9. Shadab Khan (VC)

Role: Right Arm Leg spin/Right-Hand Bat

  • Matches/Innings: 64/39
  • Wickets: 73, Best: 4/28
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 4/0
  • Economy: 5.13
  • Runs: 631, Best: 86
  • 100/50: 0/4

Recent ODI Form: 86, 48*, DNB, DNB, 21*, 14 & 4/62, 0/47, 1/41, 1/56, 0/45, 2/67

Last ODI: May 7, 2023

Age: 24

Embed from Getty Images

10. Mohammad Nawaz

Role: Left Arm Spin/Left-Hand Bat

  • Matches/Innings: 32/24
  • Wickets: 37, Best: 4/19
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 3/0
  • Economy: 4.94
  • Runs: 283, Best: 53

Recent ODI Form: 4/38 1/53, 0/55, 0/40. 0/26 & 3,8,8*, DNB, 11*

Last ODI: May 3, 2023

Age: 29

Embed from Getty Images

11. Hasan Ali

Role: Right Arm Fast

  • Matches/Innings: 60/58
  • Wickets: 91, Best: 5/34
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 1/4
  • Economy: 5.75

Last ODI: June 12, 2022

Age: 29

Embed from Getty Images

12. Haris Rauf

Role: Right Arm Fast

  • Matches/Innings: 28/28
  • Wickets: 39, Best: 4/65
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 3/0
  • Economy: 5.85

Recent ODI Form: 0/41, 2/65, 4/78, 2/37, 1/45

Last ODI: May 7, 2023

Age: 29

Embed from Getty Images

13. Mohammad Wasim

Role: Right Arm Fast

  • Matches/Innings: 14/7
  • Wickets: 24, Best: 4/36
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 1/0
  • Economy: 5.32

Recent ODI Form: 0/46, 2/35, 2/50, 3/40, 1/24

Last ODI: May 7, 2023

Age: 22

Embed from Getty Images

14. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Role: Left Arm Fast

  • Matches/Innings: 44/43
  • Wickets: 70, Best: 6/35
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 5/2
  • Economy: 5.52

Recent ODI Form: 1/17, 2/63, 2/53, 1/34, 3/46

Last ODI: May 7, 2023

Age: 23

Embed from Getty Images

15. Usama Mir

Role: Right Hand Leg spin

  • Matches/Innings: 8/8
  • Wickets: 10, Best: 4/43
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 1/0
  • Economy: 5.29

Recent ODI Form: 2/42, 1/42, 1/61, 0/66, 4/43, 2/53

Last ODI: May 7, 2023

Age: 27

Embed from Getty Images

16. Naseem Shah*

*ruled out of the final World Cup squad due to injury

Role: Right Arm Fast

  • Matches/Innings: 8/8
  • Wickets: 23, Best: 5/33
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 0/2
  • Economy: 4.73

Recent ODI Form: 5/57, 3/58, 2/29, 1/49, 2/42

Last ODI: May 3, 2023

Age: 20

Embed from Getty Images

17. Faheem Ashraf**

**not picked in the final World Cup squad

Role: Left-Hand Bat/Right Arm Medium

  • Matches/Innings: 31/30
  • Wickets: 23, Best: 5/22
  • 4-fer/5-fer: 0/1
  • Economy: 5.11
  • Runs: 218, Best: 28

Recent ODI Form: 11, 1, 5, 1, 10 & 1/62, 0/30, 0/33, 0/45, 0/34

Last ODI: July 13, 2021

Age: 29

Embed from Getty Images

18. Tayyab Tahir**

**not picked in the final World Cup squad

Role: Right Hand Bat

*Has debuted in T20Is, but not ODIs yet.

List A Record:

  • Matches/Innings: 53/53
  • Runs: 53/53, Best: 169
  • 100s/50s:4/16
  • Average/SR: 44.23/90.83

Age:

Embed from Getty Images

19. Mohammad Haris***

***reserve

Role: Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper

  • Matches/Innings: 5/4
  • Runs: 27, Best: 17*
  • 100/50: 0/0
  • Average/SR: 9.00/103.84
  • Catches/Stumpings: 4/2

Recent ODI Form: DNB, 6, 0, 4, 17*

Last ODI: May 5, 2023

Age: 22

Embed from Getty Images

Final Thoughts

Pakistan’s fast bowling unit has always been good, but this time they also have a stable top order, an in-form keeper, variety of spin options, and a Babar Azam.

Oh yes, and in Shadab Khan, they have one of the best fielders going around.

Take Pakistan lightly at your own peril.

What do you all think? How far can Pakistan go in the upcoming Asia Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup?

Related ODI World Cup Articles

If you liked this article, be sure to check some of the other World Cup content:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average age of Pakistan’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad?

The average age of Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 squad is 26.9. Pakistan is going with a young squad. They have youngsters like Naseem Shah (20), Mohammad Wasim (21), Mohammad Haris (22), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (23). Fakhar Zaman is the oldest member of squad at just 33.

Who is selected for Pakistan’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad?

Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Iftikhar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Abdullah Shafique, and Agha Salman are selected for Pakistan’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad.

Who is selected for Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 squad?

Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Iftikhar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Abdullah Shafique, and Agha Salman are selected.

Can Pakistan win the 2023 ODI World Cup?

Yes, Pakistan have it in them to win the 2023 ODI World Cup. They have a strong core that has been playing since the 2017 Champions Trophy as well as some new faces. Their pace bowling is as good as it gets, and this time they have the batting to back it up.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 08/19/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

County Championship 2022 Predictions – Most Runs, Most Wickets, Winners!

By Nitesh Mathur, Broken Cricket Dreams, 4/07/2022

Today was such a pleasant day for cricket—The County Championship 2022 began, going back to the two-division structure from the ‘pre-pandemic’ era.

8 concurrent matches (I watched the Essex Vs Kent game), friendly exchanges on social media, centuries for Nick Browne & Sir Alastair Cook (yep still going strong!), Somerset bundled for 180 by Hampshire, and lots of young talent on show!

And when there is a new tournament, there is #BCDPredictions. The County Championship is long! It ends at the end of September. So, here are the predictions of our friends from Twitter and Facebook here so we can compare at the end of the journey, who got most Predictions right!

For predictions from the IPL and other Test series, check the #BCDPredictions Challenge archive here.

Also Read: The Comedy of Overs: Shakespearean Parody Starring English Cricket, The Hundred, And County Cricket; County Cricket-Hundred Debate from an Outsider’s Perspective: Can They Co-Exist?

The Categories

The categories for the County Championship 2022 Predictions are:

#MostRuns, #MostWickets, #WinnerDiv1, #WinnerDiv2, and #LookingForwardTo.

As a reminder, the two divisions are structured as follows:

Division OneEssexGloucestershireHampshireKentLancashireNorthamptonshireSomersetSurreyWarwickshireYorkshire
Divisiion TwoDerbyshireDurhamGlamorganLeicestershireMiddlesexNottinghamshireSussexWorcestershire

*If you have not submitted your predictions, there is still time! You can send the predictions in the form below or tag us in Twitter.

My County Championship 2022 Predictions

Due to my personal affinity for Alastair Cook, I went with Essex for Division I, but will be following several domestic and international stars.

Specifically would love to see openers Rory Burns & Dom Sibley return to top form after an indifferent last year in Test cricket. Sam Curran is returning from injury, stalwarts Jimmy Anderson, Hashim Amla, & Darren Stevens are still around, while South Africans Simon Harmer, George Linde, and Kyle Abbott can wreck mayhem on their day.

For the overseas stars, I am looking forward to out-of-favor Cheteshwar Pujara and Pakistani internationals in Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan. Tom Haines & Josh de Caires are some popular youngsters to watch.

Also Read: Why The World Needs Sam Curran: Calm, Charismatic, Courageous

The Predictions

1. In-Depth Football and Cricket

  • #WinnerDiv1: Hampshire
  • #WinnerDiv2: Nottingshamshire
  • #MostRuns: Dom Sibley
  • #MostWickets: Kyle Abbott
  • #LookingForwardTo: Vince’s cover drives, underdogs pulling off upsets, youngsters making themselves known.

2. Brian Painting

  • #WinnerDiv1: Surrey
  • #WinnerDiv2: Notts
  • #MostRuns: Hashim Amla
  • #MostWickets: Simon Harmer
  • #LookingForwardTo: Watching cricket at New Road in the spring sunshine, The Cheltenham cricket festival, Naseem Shah bowling, Ollie Pope batting

3. Bex #DenlyMemeTeam

Oh I’ve got no idea, but I’d go for the same winners here (no bias, of course). Looking forward to watching Joe Denly bat and Simon Harmer bowl.

Also Read: Joe Denly and Joe Biden: The Importance of Being Joe

4. Longbob Jimshanks

  • #WinnerDiv1: Surrey
  • #WinnerDiv2: Notts
  • #MostRuns: Matt Renshaw
  • #MostWickets: Kemar Roach
  • #LookingForwardTo: Robin Smith not being at Headingly

Also before you check out the rest of the predictions, check out BCD’s other social media pages and consider subscribing to our newsletter. It would really help support this website.

5. Adam Sutherland

  • #WinnerDiv1: Essex
  • #WinnerDiv2: Nottinghamshire
  • #MostRuns: Ollie Pope
  • #MostWickets: Simon Harmer
  • #LookingForwardTo: Watching Amla and Pope bat together at the Oval.

6. Massimo

  • #WinnerDiv1: Lancashire
  • #WinnerDiv2: Notts
  • #MostRuns: Jake Libby
  • #MostWickets: Ethan Bamber
  • #LookingForwardTo: Shaheen Afridi, Tim Murtagh and Ethan Bamber rolling through sides in div 2

7. Saoirse del Tufo

  • #WinnerDiv1: Essex
  • #WinnerDiv2: Durham
  • #MostRuns: Burns
  • #MostWickets: S Cook
  • #LookingForwardTo: Most Excited by this Essex team, a bunch of young talented players and some Stevo specials!

8. James McCaghrey

  • #WinnerDiv1: Essex
  • #WinnerDiv2: Notts
  • #MostRuns: Haines
  • #MostWickets: Abbas
  • #LookingForwardTo: Pope making a massive score, Haines attacking and Cook taking wickets.

9. Andy Heustice

“Jordan Cox, Ollie Robinson in batting, Matt Milnes and Harry Podmore in bowling. Young Zimbabwean all rounder Tawanda Muyeye who might play a few games.”

– On players to watch out from Kent

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2022. Originally published on 04/07/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

New Zealand Vs Pakistan – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #19 Quick Review! Asif Ali, Rauf, Shoaib Malik Star In a Close Contest

New Zealand Vs Pakistan Quick Review — Pakistan found new heroes in a low scoring thriller. The Kiwis seemed the bit off color, but still made a game out of nothing.

New Zealand’s decision making need introspection. Why did Daryl Mitchell open when Williamson, Seifert, Conway, and Phillips were in the ranks? Why did he not bowl?

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: New Zealand Vs Pakistan Video Highlights

Toss: Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE

Umpires: Michael Gough & Richard Kettleborough

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Pakistan won by 5 wickets
  • Scores: New Zealand 134/8Pakistan 135/5
  • Player of the Match: Haris Rauf 4/22
  • Best Figures
    • Haris Rauf 4/22
    • Ish Sodhi 2/28
  • Most Runs
    • Daryl Mitchell 27 (20), Devon Conway 27 (24)
    • Mohammad Rizwan 33 (34), Asif Ali 27* (12), Shoaib Malik 26* (20)

Moments of The Day: Unlikely Heroes Initiate Another Pakistan Win

  • Haris Rauf had a dream day with his best figures in T20I cricket. 4-0-22-4 Wow! What makes him so dangerous? The change of pace. He can bowl 140+ or 115- in a space of 2 deliveries. From 3/90 in 13 overs, NZ could only muster 44 runs with 5 wickets in the last 42 balls.
  • Asif Ali & Shoaib Malik were NOT selected in the original squad. Asif Ali had not yet fulfilled his potential in international cricket as a big hitter. After Wasim departed, Pakistan were reeling at 87-5 in 14.5 overs. 48 runs needed in 31 balls. Then a calm Shoaib Malik, with 4 decades of experience, with a concussed Asif Ali, took Pakistan home in style.
    • 27* (12) with 3 huge sixes from Asif Ali and 26* (20) with 2 fours and 1 iconic straight six by Shoaib Malik.

Match won with 8 balls to spare. Absolutely brilliant.

Also Read: Babar Azam, Rizwan, Shaheen: The Case for Pakistan Players In the IPL

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Guptill’s Toe Injury, Ferguson Out, Asif Ali’s Concussion

This match had several injury related issues. Before the start of the match, gun bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the tournament with a calf tear. Adam Milne will now be added to the squad.

During the game, Guptill was hit in the toe, after which he may not play the next game against India.

Finally, Asif Ali was hit a couple of times on the helmet by the Kiwi fast bowlers. Hope he is okay internatlly because on the outside he was just nailing those sixes.

T20 World Cup Points Table, Stat Alert

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Musfiqur Rahim – 135 runs (Bangladesh, 5 Matches)
  • Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
  • Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
  • Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals

Group 1 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England22004+ 3.614
2. Sri Lanka11002+ 0.583
3. Australia11002+ 0.253
4. South Africa21102+ 0.179
5. Bangladesh20200– 1.655
6. West Indies20200– 2.550
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table

Group 2 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Pakistan22004+ 0.738
2. Afghanistan11002+ 6.500
3. Namibia10102+ 0.550
4. New Zealand10100– 0.532
5. India10100– 0.973
6. Scotland20002– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 10/28/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » Shaheen Shah AFridi

Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

India Vs Pakistan – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #16 Quick Review! Shaheen, Babar, Rizwan Break World Cup Streak With Clinical Performance

India Vs Pakistan Quick Review — Shaheen’s 3, Babar-Rizwan’s unbeaten 150+ partnership gives Pakistan historic victory.

India lose by 10 wickets.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: India Vs Pakistan Video Highlights

Toss: Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE

Umpires: Chris Gaffaney & Marais Erasmus

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Pakistan won by 10 wickets
  • Scores: India 151/7Pakistan 152/0
  • Player of the Match: Shaheeen Shah Afridi 3/31
  • Best Figures
    • Shaheen Shah Afridi (4-0-31-3)
  • Most Runs
    • Virat Kohli 57 (49)
    • Mohammad Rizwan 79* (55), Babar Azam 68* (52)

Moments of The Day: A Day To Remember for Pakistan’s Stars

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi you beauty! What a memorable spell. LBW to Rohit Sharma, ball of the tournament through the gates of KL Rahul, and finally Virat Kohli.
  • Virat Kohli‘s strike rate might be low on paper, but he did what was necessary. Absorbed the pressure, stemmed the flow of wickets, and took India to a decent total. Just could not accelerate towards the end.
  • Babar Azam-Mohammad Rizwan What do I even say? They have a 50+ T20I batting partnership average and for good reason. They bat and bat and bat and bat….152* (107) absolutely brilliant partnership that. If you want to understand the mental strength of Rizwan, just look at the video below.

Tweet of the Day

This is a brilliant piece of work. If you had to look at one piece of cricket content this week, look at the video below. Rizwan is the greatest.

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: World Cup Record 12-1

After numerous ODI World Cups and T20I, Pakistan have finally won the battle. 12 attempts, 1 win, Broken Dream for India’s enviable record against Pakistan in World Cups.

Also a good time to state that the IPL (with 10 teams) cannot be considered the world’s if it does not have players like Shaheen, Babar, and Rizwan.

Also Read: Babar Azam, Rizwan, Shaheen: The Case for Pakistan Players In the IPL

T20 World Cup Points Table, Stat Alert

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Mohommad Naim – 126 runs (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
  • Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
  • Calum MacLeod, Jatinder Singh (Scotland/Oman, 3 Matches) – 5 catches
  • Nurul Hasan (Bangladesh) – 5 dismissals

Group 1 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England11002+ 3.970
2. Sri Lanka11002+ 0.583
3. Australia11002+ 0.253
4. South Africa21102+ 0.179
5. Bangladesh10100– 0.583
6. West Indies20200– 2.550
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table

Group 2 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Afghanistan11002+ 6.500
2. Pakistan11002+ 0.973
3. India10100– 0.973
4. Scotland10100– 6.500
5. Namibia
6. New Zealand
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 10/26/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » Shaheen Shah AFridi

Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

Babar Azam, Rizwan, Shaheen: The Case for Pakistan Players In the IPL

While the IPL is in full swing in India, the Pakistan-South Africa series is catching the attention of many.

In the 3rd T20I, Pakistan chased down 204 runs with 9 wickets & 2 overs to spare, courtesy a 197-run partnership from Mohammad Rizwan & Babar Azam, who scored 122 (59). Earlier in the day, news broke that Azam also dethroned Virat Kohli as the #1 ICC ODI batsman after a mammoth 1258 days.

Add Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 193 in the ODI series, Hafeez’s second coming, & the fast bowling line up, the question should be asked—Is the IPL really the best T20 tournament without Pakistani players?

The Fall of Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan dominated the Indo-Pak cricket rivalry in the 1990s, while India has crushed it in the 2010s. Only in the 2000s, did we have battle of equals.

For India’s tenacious Rahul Dravid, Pakistan had Younis Khan. Similarly, the elegance of Yousuf & Tendulkar, stability of Inzamam & Laxman/Ganguly, & exuberance of Afridi & Sehwag were on par with each other. The destructiveness of Shoaib Akhtar-Asif-Sami on one side matched the abilities of Irfan Pathan-Zaheer Khan-Kumble-Harbhajan on the other.

India narrowly won the 2004 Test series 2-1 & ODI series 3-2 held in Pakistan. Pakistan returned the favor next year with a 1-1 drawn Test series & 4-2 ODI victory held in India. Both memorable events.

Hence, the struggle of Pakistan cricket team over the last decade & lack of competitiveness in recent ICC tournaments has been disheartening. The new generation of Pakistan cricket is slowly making this a battle of equals again.

The New Generation of Pakistan Cricket Rises

Mohammad Rizwan is currently the best T20I batsman in the world (sorry Dawid Malan). Shaheen Shah Afridi can compete with the Rabadas & Bumrahs of the world. The leg spin of Shadab Khan & Usman Qadir with a line up of Afridi-Naseem Shah-Hasan Ali-Haris Rauf can send shivers down the opposition camp.

Babar Azam is the best player in the world. Period.

Each IPL team can benefit from Haider Ali & Faheem Ashraf’s power, experience of Mohammad Hafeez & Shoaib Malik, and the pace of discarded Mohammad Amir & Mohammad Hasnain.

“Imagine Babar-Kohli opening for RCB, Fakhar-Rohit hitting double centuries, & Bumrah-Shaheen bowling together at the death.”

With South African, Sri Lankan, & West Indian foreign contingent in the prime of their careers from 2007-2017, absence of Pakistani players in the IPL made sense.

It no longer does.

South Africa & Sri Lanka’s Eternal Transition Period

Kumar Sangakkara & Mahela Jayawardene once used to captain IPL teams. They are now the only Sri Lankan representation in IPL 2021 (as coaches) as no SL players were picked in the auction. Gone is the era of Malinga-Murali-Dilshan.

With an eternal transition process in South Africa, only Rabada-Nortje (and Ngidi to a certain extent) have risen to the occasion. Otherwise, AB De Villiers & Faf Du Plessis from an earlier generation are still carrying the South Africa baton. Similarly, lots of West Indians in the IPL are from the World Cup winning generation (Gayle, Narine, Pollard, Russell).

The lack of variety in foreign talent is hitting the brand of the IPL. It seems that only India & England are producing new talent year in & year out, with Australia & New Zealand close behind.

It is time for some more talent to flow in—Pakistani talent that is. On the flip side, BCCI’s reluctance to let Indians play abroad should also be reconsidered, but that is a story for another day.

Looking Back to IPL 2008

The inception of the tournament in 2008 is the perfect template to follow.

Rajasthan Royals benefitted from having Pakistan talent in their squad with Kamral Akmal, Younis Khan, & most importantly Sohail Tanvir, the maiden purple cap winner. The Knight Riders enjoyed the pace duo of Shoaib Akhtar & Umar Gul, who took a match-winning 4-fer. KKR also had Salman Butt & the ageless Mohammad Hafeez in their ranks.

Few others participated in the IPL as well—Shahid Afridi (Deccan Chargers), Shoaib Malik & Mohammad Asif (Delhi Daredevils), & Misbah-ul-Haq (Royal Challengers Bangalore).

IPL 2020 Was Ideal But There Is Still Time

IPL 2020 was the best opportunity for adding Pakistani players to the IPL auctions. The world was struggling from a pandemic, and the tournament was taking place at Pakistan’s adopted home ground, the UAE.

What better time to get Pakistan players in? Unfortunately, that did not happen.

There is still time.

Babar is 26, Rizwan 28, & Amir 29. It would be great to watch Mohammad Amir versus Virat Kohli once again, and there is enough love across the border to make it happen.

Copyright (2021: 4/14/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Photo Courtesy: Koshy Koshy via CC by 2.0

India Vs South Africa Women 2021 Series Preview: Cricket Finally Makes A Comeback to Women’s Cricket

India Vs South Africa Women 2021 Series Preview—finally some progress in women’s cricket in India.

Earlier, we explored why Nobody Cares About Women’s Cricket. The Indian men have played a 60 day IPL, had a complete tour of Australia, and is now hosting England for a full series. On the other hand, Indian women have played half-a-week long T20 Challenge. That is it. No training either until recently. This will be India’s first assignment since the World T20 Final on March 8th, 2020.

Meanwhile South Africa women are coming on back of a 3-0 ODI & 2-1 T20I victory against Pakistan at home. Here is a preview of the 5 ODI & 3 T20I match tour between India and South Africa. Here is what you should expect, the big surprises in team selection, the squads, and our series prediction.

When and Where?

Here are the dates and the venue for the India Vs South Africa Women series.

ODIs

  1. 6 March, 2021 – Lucknow
  2. 8 March, 2021 – Lucknow
  3. 11 March, 2021 – Lucknow
  4. 13 March 2021 – Lucknow
  5. 16 March 2021 – Lucknow

T20Is

  1. 20 March, 2021 – Lucknow
  2. 21 March, 2021 – Lucknow
  3. 24 March, 2021 – Lucknow

Also Read: What If Indian Women Had Won the 2017 World Cup?, What Can Ellyse Perry Not Do?

The Batting

India: Blend of Youth & Experience Key

  • Mithali Raj, the highest run scorer in Women’s ODI cricket, is just 85 runs shy of 10,000 international runs across formats (6888 ODI, 2364 T20I, 663 Tests). After 487 days away from national duty, she will back trying to take India to the ODI World Cup next year. At 38, this might be Raj’s final hurrah.
  • On the other end of the spectrum, watch out for the explosive 17-year-old Shafali Verma in the T20Is. She already has 19 international caps and strikes it at 146.24.
  • A lot will depend on the India’s experienced middle order. Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Sushma Verma (comeback) will need to make sure India bats 50 overs in case of a collapse.

South Africa: Enviable Top-Order With Lee, Wolfvaardt, and Luus

  • If the top order of Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolfvaardt, and Sune Luus play to their potential, this South African team will be very hard to beat. Luus also has the extra responsibility of the stand-in captain in the absence of injured Dan van Niekerk.
  • Lookout for Trisha Chetty. A veteran of 114 ODIs, the wicketkeeper-batsman is integral to the core of this South African side.
  • Tazmin Brits is the in-form T20I batsman for South Africa. With scores of 52* & 66, she was the Player of the T20I series against Pakistan.

The Bowling

India: Shikha Pandey’s Omission The Talking Point

  • In the build up to this series, the omission of India’s pace spearhead, Shikha Pandey, has taken the public by surprise. India’s most successful pace bowler of recent times and 2nd highest wicket taker in India’s last assignment (T20 World Cup) this is a huge call.
  • In Shikha’s absence, the pace responsibility will lie with the veteran Jhulan Goswami, Mansi Joshi, and Arundhati Reddy (T20I only)
  • I am most excited to watch India’s spin trio—Poonam Yadav, the T20 World Cup star,, Radha Yadav, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad. The youngster, Harleen Deol, impressed in the T20 Challenge with the Trailblazers and might get more opportunities to showcase her talent on the international stage.

South Africa: Ample Fast Bowling Resources, but Spin the Concern

  • The allrounder, Marizanne Kapp, is the glue that holds South Africa’s together. In the Player of the Match performance in the 2nd ODI against Pakistan, she scored an unbeaten 68 along with 3-44 as the opening pace bowler. Brilliant.
  • Shabnam Ismail is one of the best fast bowlers on women’s cricket circuit at the moment. South Africa’s highest wicket taker in both ODIs and T20Is, she will be key to South Africa’s success.
  • Without regular captain and off-spinner van Niekerk, South Africa’s spin bowling department is the concern.

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The Broken Dream

India: Shikha Pandey & Veda Krishnamurthy

  • Along with Mandhana, Raj, & Kaur, Veda Krishnamurthy caught the public’s eye in the 2017 ODI World Cup as India’s finisher. Yet, an ODI average of 25.9 & T20I average of 18.61 was not justifiable. Hopefully this is just a short term loss of form, and she we come roaring back soon.
  • Harmanpreet Kaur insisted that Pandey was ‘rested, not dropped‘ in order to experiment with the rest of the squad for upcoming tournaments. I do not buy this statement given a 18-member squad was picked regardless and that India has not played any international cricket for over a year.

South Africa: Masabata Klaas

  • South Africa are carrying a settled squad, with the exception of Klass. She suffered a last-minute injury in the Pakistan series and has not been picked for this series.

Prediction

Verdict: 3-2 South Africa (ODIs) & 2-1 India (T20Is)

South Africa’s top order and fast bowlers should give them the edge in the ODIs. Expect competitive games with scores around 225-250.

I am going with India 2-1 for the T20I series. The swashbuckling top order of Jemimah, Shafali, and Mandhana may be too much to handle for South Africa. India should look to bat first, put up a decent score, and let the spin trio handle the rest.

Let us know your thoughts on India Vs South Africa Women, and the eventual scorelines.

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My Starting XIs

These are my starting XIs (assuming everyone is available in terms of COVID and injuries).

ODI

India

  1. Jemimah Rodrigues, 2. Smriti Mandhana, 3. Priya Punia, 4. Mithali Raj*, 5. Harmanpreet Kaur, 6. Deepti Sharma, 7. Sushma Verma (WK), 8. Jhulan Goswami, 9. Poonam Yadav, 10. Mansi Joshi, 11. Rajeshwari Gayakwad

South Africa

  1. Lizelle Lee, 2. Laura Wolvaardt, 3. Sune Luus (C), 4. Lara Goodall, 5. Mignon du Preez , 6. Marizanne Kapp, 7. Trisha Chetty (WK), 8. Shabnim Ismail, 9. Nondumiso Shangase, 10. Ayabonga Khaka, 11. Nonkululeo Mlaba

*captain

T20I

India

  1. Shafali Verma, 2. Smriti Mandhana, 3. Jemimah Rodrigues, 4. Harmanpreet Kaur*, 5. Deepti Sharma, 6. Sushma Verma (WK), 7. Richa Ghosh, 8. Radha Yadav, 9. Poonam Yadav, 10. Mansi Joshi/Arundhati Reddy, 11. Rajeshwari Gayakwad/Harleen Deol

South Africa

  1. Lizelle Lee, 2. Tazmin Brits, 3.Marizanne Kapp, 4. Laura Wolvaardt, 5. Sune Luus (C), 6. Sinalo Jafta (WK), 7. Mignon du Preez,, 8. Shabnim Ismail, 9. Nondumiso Shangase, 10. Ayabonga Khaka, 11. Nonkululeo Mlaba

The Squads

India: (ODIs) Punam Raut, Dayalan Hemalatha, Radha Yadav, Yastika Bhatia, Monica Patel, Challuru Pratyusha, Sweta Verma (WK), (T20Is) Ayushi Soni, Nuzhat Parween (WK), Challuru Pratyusha, Monica Patel, Simran Bahadur

South Africa: (ODIs) Tazmin Brits, Anne Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Faye Tunnicliffe, (T20Is) Tumi Sekhukune, Faye Tunnicliffe, Lara Goodall, Nadine de Klerk, Trisha Chetty

Copyright (2021: 3/6/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Image Courtesy: Shikha Pandey – Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Pakistan Super League 2021 (PSL 6): Everything You Need To Know Quickly—Teams, Fixtures, & Predictions

Pakistan Super League 2021 is back once again!

Yes everybody, just 4 months after Karachi Kings lifted the PSL trophy (due to COVID interruption), we are back at it. Pakistan Super League 2021 is already making some noise—with “Groove Mera” anthem, entire tournament held in Pakistan, and the allowance of 20% crowd capacity.

With a Pakistan limited overs side on the rise and the upcoming T20I World Cup later this year, PSL 6 has additional context, both for Pakistani players and international recruits wanting to prove a point.

Babar Azam Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan Vs Faheem Ashram, Hasan Ali Vs Haider Ali

These are just some of the in-form star players that will be on show. Talent galore and good cricketing all around.

Here is a quick summary of everything you need to know about the PSL 6: Teams, Dates, Fixtures, Coaching Staff, Commentators, predictions, and more!

Quick Summary

  • Matches: 34 (6 teams, 10 matches each, double round robin, top 4 qualify for playoffs)
  • Teams: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators
  • Dates: February 20th- March 22nd
  • Venues: Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), National Stadium (Karachi)
  • Commentators/Presenters: Pommie Mbangwa (Zimbabwe), Alan Wilkins (Wales), Simon Doull, Danny Morrison (New Zealand), David Gower, Dominic Cork (England), Rameez Raza, Zainab Abbas, Urooz Mumtaz, Sana Mir, Bazid Khan, Sikander Bakht, Tariq Saqeed (Pakistan)

History

  1. Islamabad United: 2016, 2018 (Won), 2019 (3rd), 2017 (4th), 2020 (6th)
  2. Peshawar Zalmi: 2017 (Won), 2018, 2019 (Runners Up), 2016 (3rd), 2020 (4th)
  3. Quetta Gladiators: 2019 (Won), 2016, 2017 (Runners Up), 2018 (4th), 2019 (5th)
  4. Karachi Kings: 2020 (Won), 2017, 2018 (3rd), 2016, 2019 (4th)
  5. Lahore Qalandars: 2020 (Runners Up), 2016, 2017 (5th), 2018, 2019 (6th)
  6. Multan Sultans: 2020 (3rd), 2018, 2019 (5th) (*Franchise did not exist before 2018 season).

PSL 6: Teams & Expected Playing XI

With Australia’s T20I tour of New Zealand, Sri Lanka’s tour of West Indies, Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand, and the limited overs leg of India vs England, there are several players who withdrew or will be only staying for a short time.

*Teams highlighted in their respective jersey colors

Islamabad United

  • Pakistan Internationals: Shadab Khan (C), Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Ifthikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Musa, Zafar Gohar
  • Pakistan Domestic: Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Mohammad Wasim, Rohail Nazir, Zeeshan Zameer
  • Foreign Recruits: Ali Khan (USA), Fawad Ahmed (Australia), Alex Hales, Lewis Gregory, Phil Salt (England), Paul Stirling (Ireland)

*Withdrawn: Reece Topley (England), Chris Jordan (England), Colin Munro (New Zealand), Akif Javed

Coaching Staff: Johan Botha (Head Coach), Saeed Ajmal (Assistant coach), Rumman Raees (Bowling Coach), Corey Rutgers (Fielding Coach)

I am looking forward to the impact of the openers, in-form Faheem Ashraf, and the Alis. Hasan Ali + Ali Khan = ENERGY & wickets (Asif Ali, the hitter as well).

Islamabad United Expected XI:

  1. Alex Hales, 2. Paul Stirling, 3. Rohail Nazir (WK), 4. Asif Ali, 5. Hussain Talat, 6. Ifthikhar Ahmed, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Hasan Ali, 10. Ali Khan, 11. Fawad Ahmed

Karachi Kings

  • Pakistan Internationals: Imad Wasim (C), Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir, Aamer Yamin, Sharjeel Khan, Waqas Maqsood (1 T20I)
  • Pakistan Domestic: Abbas Afridi, Arshad Iqbal, Danish Aziz, Mohammad Ilyas, Qasim Akram, Zeeshan Malik
  • Foreign Recruits: Daniel Christian (Australia), Joe Clarke (England), Colin Ingram (South Africa), Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan), Chadwick Walton – WK (West Indies)

Coaching Staff: Wasim Akram (Bowling Mentor), Herschelle Gibbs (Head Coach), Dougie Brown (Assistant Coach), Faisal Iqbal (Batting Coach)

I am looking forward to the middle order of Nabi-Christian-Wasim. Babar Azam and Colin Ingram are pretty strong, but if they fail for once, it will all depend on the senior middle order.

Karachi Kings Expected XI:

  1. Babar Azam, 2. Colin Ingram, 3. Sharjeel Khan, 4. Chadwick Walton (WK), 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Daniel Christian, 7. Imad Wasim (C), 8. Aamer Yamin, 9. Mohammad Amir, 10. Waqas Maqsood, 11. Arshad Iqbal

Lahore Qalandars

  • Pakistan Internationals: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf
  • Pakistan Domestic: Sohail Akhtar (C), Agha Salman, Ahmed Danyal, Dilbar Hussain, Maaz Khan, Muhammad Faizan, Muhammad Zaid, Zeeshan Ashraf
  • Foreign Recruits: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), David Wiese (South Africa), Joe Denly, Samit Patel, Tom Abell (England), Ben Dunk -WK (Australia)

Coaching Staff: Aaqib Javed (Head Coach), Mansoor Rana (Batting Coach), Shahzad Butt (Fielding Coach)

I am looking forward to the international contingent—Ben Dunk, Samit Patel, David Wiese, and Rashid Khan. David Wiese was instrumental to Qalandars’ runners up campaign last time around, and the same is expected this season.

Lahore Qalandars Expected XI:

  1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Sohail Akhtar (C), 3. Mohammad Hafeez, 4. Ben Dunk, 5. Samit Patel, 6. David Wiese, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Haris Rauf, 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10. Dilbar Hussain, 11. Muhammad Faizan

Multan Sultans

  • Pakistan Internationals: Mohammad Rizwan (C), Shahid Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Tanvir, Usman Qadir, Khusdil Shah, Sohail Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Imran Khan
  • Pakistan Domestic: Mohammad Umar, Shahnawaz Dhani, Sohaibullah
  • Foreign Recruits: Imran Tahir, Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), Chris Lynn (Australia), Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies), Adam Lyth, James Vince (England)

Coaching Staff: Andy Flower (Head Coach), Azhar Mahmood (Fast Bowling Coach), Mushtaq Ahmed (Spin Bowling Coach), Richard Halsall (Fielding Coach), Nathan Leamon (Director of Strategy)

I am looking forward to the top order of Lynn-Rizwan-Vince and the leg spinners. With Usman Qadir, Shahid Afridi, and Imran Tahir, anything is possible.

Multan Sultans Expected XI:

  1. Chris Lynn, 2. Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), 3. James Vince, 4. Rilee Rossouw, 5. Sohaib Maqsood, 6. Shahid Afridi, 7. Carlos Brathwaite, 8. Sohail Tanvir, 9. Sohail Khan, 10. Usman Qadir, 11. Imran Khan

Peshawar Zalmi

  • Pakistan Internationals: Wahab Riaz (C), Shoaib Malik, Haider Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal (WK), Mohammad Irfan
  • Pakistan Domestic: Abrar Ahmed, Amad Butt, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Imran (right arm all rounder), Mohammad Imran (left arm medium-fast), Umaid Asif
  • Foreign Recruits: David Miller (South Africa), Ravi Bopara, Saqib Mahmood, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (England), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan), Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)

*Withdrawn: Liam Livingstone (Withdrawn)

Coaching Staff: Darren Sammy (Head Coach), Hashim Amla (Batting Coach), Arshad Khan (Team Manager)

I am looking forward to the finishing power. If the top order can set the platform, Shoaib Malik, David Miller, and Ravi Bopara can be a handful.

Peshawar Zalmi Expected XI:

  1. Imam-ul-Haq, 2. Haider Ali, 3. Kamran Akmal (WK), 4. Shoaib Malik, 5. David Miller, 6. Ravi Bopara, 7. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 8. Saqib Mahmood, 9. Wahab Riaz, 20. Mohammad Irfan, 11. Umaid Asif

Quetta Gladiators

  • Pakistan Internationals: Sarfaraz Ahmed (C/WK), Anwar Ali, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Shinwari, Zahid Mahmood (1 T20I)
  • Pakistan Domestic: Azam Khan, Arish Ali Khan, Abdul Nasir, Hassan Khan, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan
  • Foreign Recruits: Chris Gayle (West Indies), Faf du Plessis, Dale Steyn, Cameron Delport (South Africa), Tom Banton (WK) (England), Ben Cutting (Australia), Qais Ahmed (Afghanistan)

Coaching Staff: Moin Khan (Head Coach), Viv Richards (Batting Coach), Umar Gul (Bowling Coach), Julian Fountain (Fielding Coach)

I am looking forward to see how the Umar Gul mentored team with international stars like Dale Steyn and Ben Cutting is going to impact the likes of Naseem Shah & Mohammad Hasnain.

Quetta Gladiators Expected XI:

  1. Chris Gayle, 2. Faf du Plessis, 3. Tom Banton/Cameron Delport, 4. Azam Khan, 5. Sarfaraz Ahmed (C/WK), 6. Ben Cutting/Dale Steyn, 7. Anwar Ali, 8. Naseem Shah, 9. Mohammad Hasnain, 10. Mohammad Nawaz, 11. Usman Shinwari

Key Match Ups To Watch Out For

  1. 40 is the new 30 feat Shahid Afridi & Chris Gayle: These two have been playing cricket for over two decades. Whenever you think they are done, they will come back with a man-of-the-match performance. Also add the newly retired from Test cricket, Faf du Plessis to the list of prominent veterans.
  2. Prove a point with a bang feat Alex Hales & Paul Stirling: Alex Hales, once again ignored from the England national set up (despite most runs in the Big Bash) and Paul Stirling, ignored from the IPL auctions (despite being the best ODI batsman over the last year), find themselves together as opening pair for the Islamabad United. No better time to prove your critics wrong.
  3. Mohammad Amir Vs The Rest of The World: Amir controversially announced in a statement that he is still available to play for Pakistan, although it is unlikely to happen under the current management. Will he walk the talk?

Pakistan Super League 2021 Predictions

Finally here are my predictions.

My prediction for the team to lift the PSL 6 trophy is….Islamabad United with the Top 4 of Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, and Peshawar Zalmi.

  • Green Cap (Most Runs): Mohammad Rizwan
  • Maroon Cap (Most Wickets): Hasan Ali
  • Emerging Player: Rohail Nazir
  • Surprise Package: Paul Stirling
  • Broken Cricket Dream: Shahid Afridi finally retires? Like really.

Here were my Pakistan Super League 2021 Predictions. What did you think? What are YOUR predictions? Comment Below!

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Fixtures

The league stage begins on 20th February and ends on the 16th of March. The Playoffs schedule is:

  • Qualifier (Lahore) – 18 March (1 vs 2)
  • Eliminator 1 (Lahore) – 19 March (3 vs 4)
  • Eliminator 2 (Lahore) – 20 March (Eliminator 1 winner Vs Qualifier loser)
  • Final (Lahore) – 22 March (Eliminator 2 winner Vs Qualifier winner)

Here is the rest of the schedule:

Islamabad UnitedKarachi KingsLahore QalandarsMultan SultanPeshawar ZalmiQuetta Gladiators
Islamabad United
Karachi Kings24 Feb
7 Mar
Lahore Qalandars4 Mar
12 Mar
28 Feb
14 Mar
Multan Sultan21 Feb
13 Mar
27 Feb
5 Mar
26 Feb
16 Mar
Peshawar Zalmi27 Feb
15 Mar
3 Mar
10 Mar
21 Feb
6 Mar
23 Feb
12 Mar
Quetta Gladiators1 Mar
6 Mar
20 Feb
13 Mar
22 Feb
11 Mar
3 Mar
7 Mar
26 Feb
14 Mar
Pakistan Super League 2021 Fixtures

Image Courtesy:

Image Courtesy: Sarfaraz Ahmed – License, as on date of upload: ‘Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)’ , CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Pakistan Cricket On The Rise: Pakistan Vs New Zealand T20I 2020 Series Preview

Pakistan cricket has rejuvenated in the last couple of years.

Post 2015, Pakistan has invested in youngsters and focused on bringing cricket back home. With the likes of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, this Pakistan T20I team is a force to reckon with in the near future.

Can they triumph against New Zealand in their own backyard?

Read till the end to check out our predictions. Let us know who you think will win in the COMMENTS below!

When and Where?

Here are the dates and the venue for the Pakistan Vs New Zealand T20I series.

  1. 18 December, Auckland
  2. 20 December, Hamilton
  3. 22 December, Napier

Also Read: New Zealand vs West Indies Review, Series Predictions, The Magician With the Yorker: Umar Gul

The Batting

Pakistan: Young Talent Highlight Azam-less Batting Line-Up

New Zealand: Explosive But Inexperienced

  • Williamson is on paternity leave but is expected to come back by the 2nd T20I. Another key selection is that Ross Taylor has been dropped. You heard it right—dropped, not rested.
  • Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway cemented their places with marvelous performances against the West Indies. Another young talent from Hong Kong, Mark Chapman, has got a few chances but now needs to follow suit and deliver.
  • Expect Guptill-Seifert to provide New Zealand with explosive starts and Neesham to finish it off in style.

The Bowling

Pakistan: Pakistan Cricket and the Flurry of Bowling Options

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi is the complete package – can bowl up front and at the death. Need 4 wickets in 4 balls? Can do that as well. One of the bests in this format right now.
  • Wahab Riaz is the experienced man in this line up. Has been in and out of the side in the last few years. With Haris Rauf’s rapid rise and Naseem/Musa waiting, Riaz would want to nail his T20I World Cup spot.
  • Stand-in captain Shadab Khan & Imad Wasim will occupy key spinning-allrounder roles. Much rest on their shoulders for the balance of the XI.

New Zealand: Rotation Policy Central to New Zealand’s Depth

  • Southee-Boult-Jamieson should return for the last 2 T20Is as the first choice bowling line-up.
  • The first T20I gives the likes of Doug Bracewell, Kuggeleijn, Tickner, and possible debutant Duffy a chance to seal the reserve seamer spot.
  • Santner will captain in the absence of Williamson. In short New Zealand grounds and flat pitches, Santner needs to keep economy rate low otherwise another Pollard-like carnage is on the cards.

Key Matchups To Watch Out For

  1. Haris Rauf Vs NZ’s middle order: As Rauf has shown in the Big Bash, he is a quite a skiddy customer and a smart, thinking cricketer. The Kiwis ought to be wary.
  2. Battle of the Keepers: Both Seifert and Rizwan are safe behind the wickets and have had a decent past year. The winner of this mini-battle will have an impact on the series.

The Broken Dream

Pakistan: Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Amir

  • Shoaib Malik, the first Asian to 10000 T20 runs, has already won the National T20 Cup and the Lanka Premier League finals. Yet, with veterans Hafeez and Iftikhar Ahmed, is it curtains on a two-decade long career?
  • Mohammad Amir’s recent international retirement/break statement has shaken the social media world. The journey of a promising young kid whose rise took the world by surprise, followed by a spot-fixing exile, a remarkable comeback, and finally dropped from the side—end of the dream for Amir?

What are your thoughts on his sudden retirement? COMMENT BELOW!

New Zealand: Ross Taylor

  • Devon Conway’s consistent performances has cast Ross Taylor aside, the only person to play 100+ games across formats. Always a decent performer, Taylor never lived up to his RCB 2009 heights in T20Is. Can he make it to the next World Cup?

Prediction

Verdict: 2-1 Pakistan

This young Pakistan cricket team is definitely favorites to reach the top 4 at the 2021 T20I World Cup in India. Without Babar Azam, the team will not be at its maximum potential, but neither is New Zealand without Williamson and with its fast bowling-rotation policy.

Both teams have fluid, explosive line ups with multiple bowling options. In this series, I am most excited for the youngsters on show!

Expect Haider Ali and Glenn Phillips to provide some entertainment.

Let us know your thoughts on Pakistan cricket, New Zealand cricket, and the eventual scoreline. COMMENT BELOW AND LET US KNOW!

My Starting XI:

These are my starting XI for the first Test (assuming everyone is available in terms of COVID and injuries).

Pakistan:

Abdullah Shafique, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Khusdil Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan*, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Wahab Riaz

New Zealand (1st):

Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (WK), Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner*, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner, Doug Bracewell

New Zealand (2nd-3rd):

Guptill, Seifert (WK), Williamson*, Phillips, Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Neesham, Jamieson, Southee, Boult, Sodhi

*captain

The Squads

These are the other options in the squads. Note, India has 2 squads – for the first 2 and last T20I respectively

Pakistan: Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Musa, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Usman Qadir

New Zealand: Todd Astle, Scott Kuggeleijn

Image Courtesy: Shoaib Malik – (By Pakistan Cricket Board – Youtube): License, as on date of upload: ‘Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)’, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons