Amir’s Return, Babar at 3? Arafat’s Bold T20 World Cup Predictions

• Yasir Arafat doubts Pakistan’s chances in T20 World Cup semi-finals.
• He cites poor recent form and lack of preparation.
• He suggests trying Babar Azam at number three.

Ex-Pakistan pacer Yasir Arafat has openly discussed Pakistan’s prospects for the semifinals in the current T20 World Cup 2024, hosted by the USA and West Indies.

While speaking with the media, Arafat voiced his apprehensions regarding the squad’s form and readiness.

Pakistan’s recent performance in the short-format series against England resulted in a 2-0 loss. The first and third games were rained out, while Pakistan succumbed to England in the second and fourth matches.

“With this performance, combination, and preparation, I don’t see them in the top four. However, we have players like Fakhar and Iftikhar, who are capable of winning matches single-handedly. So, the hope is that we get a good start, these players perform well in the middle order, and finish strong. Later, there’s Azam Khan or Shadab, and if Shadab or the rest like Imad Wasim are in good form, and these players play well with a good combination, then it is possible. But looking at the recent form and preparation of Pakistan, it seems a bit difficult to me,” Arafat expressed.

Regarding Mohammad Amir’s comeback after ending his retirement, Arafat recognized his slower pace but emphasized his expertise and technique as crucial contributions.

“Amir’s situation is that, first of all, he is not the same pace bowler as before, but his experience counts for a lot. He has performed well in the Caribbean, and his cutters will be very useful there. He has great skill, and his experience will provide good strength to our bowling attack. The good news is that, despite our players coming back from injuries, like Haris who has just returned, although his confidence isn’t fully back, Shaheen Afridi’s form and pace seem to be returning. If they peak at the right time, Pakistan’s team could finish in the top four,” he acknowledged.

Arafat also shed light on the batting lineup, emphasizing the pivotal role of the number three spot for Pakistan in the tournament.

“Look, from the outside, I think that for them, the number three position will be crucial. If you see, when Pakistan went to New Zealand, Babar Azam performed excellently there. The combination of Pakistan’s batting also suggests that with Rizwan, if Usman isn’t scoring, you can give Usman a chance. And then you have Fakhar and Iftikhar coming in later, which forms a good combination. It has also been heard that since Gary Kirsten has joined, he mentioned that they could also try Babar Azam at number three, which would be a good decision,” he elaborated.

Pakistan is set to begin their campaign in Dallas against the USA on June 6, followed by clashes with India and Canada in New York on June 9 and June 12, respectively. Their last group stage game will be against Ireland on June 16 in Florida.

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