Pakistan have kicked off their preparations for ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with a series against New Zealand. The five-match series begun earlier today in Auckland, with New Zealand registering a 46-run victory in the first T20I. It was the first game for Shaheen Afridi as Pakistan’s full-time T20I captain.
Afridi will likely lead the Men in Green in the T20 World Cup as well. He will be keen to make some bold changes to the Pakistani squad so that the nation can win its first T20 WC since 2009. Here’s a list of the two changes that the Pakistan men’s cricket team should make ahead of T20 WC.
1. Pakistan should groom at least 2 specialist spinners for T20 World Cup 2024
Imad Wasim has retired, and it looks like Shadab Khan is no longer in the scheme of things. Hence, Pakistan will need specialist spinners to succeed in T20 World Cup. They have Saeed Ajmal present in the coaching staff to prepare the spinners.
Usama Mir is one spin option available with Pakistan. Perhaps, the Men in Green can use a couple of other spinners in the T20Is before T20 WC because the conditions in USA and West Indies will be good for the slower bowlers.
2. Pakistan should ask Babar Azam to become an attacker instead of an anchor
In today’s T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand, Babar Azam made a slow start, and it impacted his team a lot in the run-chase. Although Azam finished with 57 runs off 35 balls, he was batting at 36 runs off 29 balls in the 14th over.
Azam is no longer opening the innings. Hence, the team management should ask him to attack from ball one instead of playing the anchor’s role. Mohammad Rizwan can play that role if at all required.
