Asia Cup 2018: Assessing the contenders for the tournament

#2 Pakistan

A side with the ideal blend of youth and experience.

There was always this sense of unpredictability associated with Pakistan. That factor has slowly but steadily been diminished by this Sarfraz Ahmed-led side. The Champions Trophy 2017 campaign, which started on the grimmest of notes, turned out to be a revolutionary one. They not only won it in an emphatic manner but found a host of new talent along the way, although none more than Fakhar Zaman.

The southpaw has, since then, scored at a staggering average of 76, in excess of 1000 runs (including a double hundred). The starts he provides are key to the side. Their exuberant number three, Babar Azam has been very successful ever since he made his ODI debut against the Windies and knows how to score runs, particularly in the UAE.

Coming to the middle order, what Shoaib Malik brings to Pakistan is what Dhoni brings to India; stability. The 36-year-old veteran has, time and again, been the knight in shining armour and fits right into this dynamic and fit Pakistan side.

Sarfraz, too, is reliable, particularly in the middle overs. The problem arises when he is exposed to the new ball, where his technique gets opened up. Asif Ali, the newfound finisher can give the ball a whack and a lot is expected of him, as the selectors have picked him over the experienced Mohammed Hafeez.

The bowling is where Pakistan is such a merciless and vicious side. Mohammed Amir and Hassan Ali attack the stumps upfront and are genuinely quick. Led brilliantly by the duo, the reserves have looked the part as well. Of the options of the 5th bowler, left arm pacers Junaid Khan, Usman Shinwari, Shaheen Afridi and orthodox spinner Mohammed Nawaz are more than capable of fitting into the starting XI.

Shadab Khan adds a lot of variety and Faheem Ashraf is someone with a lot of control, so there is a sense of security in the middle overs. It’s not an easy task to score runs against this team and the oppositions would have their work cut out against Pakistan.