Pakistan’s performance in the ICC World Cup 2023 has left fans and experts alike perplexed. The team’s inability to secure victories can be attributed, in part, to the underwhelming performance of their spinners. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, two key spin bowlers, have struggled to make an impact despite conditions favourable to spin bowling. In five games, they have managed to pick up only two wickets each.
During the crucial game against South Africa, the left-arm spin wizard Tabraiz Shamsi wreaked havoc on Pakistan’s batters. Shamsi’s spell saw him dismissing Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Afridi, derailing Pakistan’s innings and leaving them in disarray.
Adding to Pakistan’s misery was the left-arm spin of Afghan teenager Noor Ahmed, who secured three vital wickets. This further highlighted the vulnerability of Pakistan’s batters against left-arm spinners.
Misbah-ul-Haq, an esteemed figure in Pakistan cricket, has taken note of this critical issue. He has proposed a remedy in the form of two promising spin bowlers who have the potential to reinvigorate Pakistan’s spin department.
One of Misbah’s recommendations is Faisal Akram, a rising star still active in age-level cricket. Despite his youth, Akram has shown tremendous promise. In practice matches against Pakistan, he demonstrated his mettle, perplexing experienced players and creating difficulties in the net. With his unique spin and control, Akram is a game-changer for Pakistan’s spin department.
“Unfortunately, in Pakistan, I will talk about the last 10-12 years that we didn’t have these bowlers. Recently, there have been two bowlers. One, Faisal Akram, who is coming from under-16, still isn’t getting consistent chances, and he doesn’t bowl that much anywhere. We invited him to practice matches against Pakistan, and at that time, everyone had trouble picking him, and there were issues in the nets as well. The other is Sufiyan Muqeem, who is currently playing for Pakistan Shaheens,” Misbah-ul-Haq was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
Another name on Misbah’s list is Sufiyan Muqeem, representing Pakistan Shaheens. Muqeem’s consistent performance and ability to adapt to varying conditions make him a valuable addition to Pakistan’s spin bowling arsenal.
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As Pakistan navigates through the ICC World Cup 2023, they find themselves precarious. With two wins and four defeats, they currently sit at the sixth spot in the points table. Their campaign began with victories over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, but a series of losses to India, Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa have dimmed their prospects.
To keep their semifinal dream alive, Pakistan must rally and secure victories in their upcoming matches. Their fate hinges on their performance and the outcomes of other games. Their next challenge awaits as they face Bangladesh at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday, October 31.
