Leading up to the World Cup, Pakistan played more matches than any team (barring Namibia) participating in this World Cup edition. You would think, having played 14 T20I matches, besides Pakistan Super League, Pakistan would have obtained answers to every question for the team. However, to no one’s surprise, the team is still on the outlook for solutions to their ever-increasing issues. The team’s opening conundrum might seem to have been resolved in the final T20I against England, but those who have stuck with this team through thick and thin (mostly thins) know that debate is just a few slow strike rate innings away to erupt again. Their spin bowling has its own woes. Shadab Khan looks brutally out-of-form, Imad Wasim has called in sick and Babar Azam has been treating Abrar Ahmed as a secret spy mission. But these are the conditions and situations in which mercurial Pakistan thrive the most. In Dallas, they are supposed to start their World Cup campaign against the USA on Thursday where they would decide which of their version they will stick this tournament with, the high-flying, reality-defying Pakistan or the toothless, abysmal full-member side that plays worse than an associate.
The USA’s victory against Canada was not a happy accident, the hosts meant business from the word go. Winning by seven wickets has given them an early NRR boost and given how this group has teams that love solving the qualifications scenarios full of ifs-and-buts, this could make all the difference. If the USA somehow manage to get the better of Pakistan, their task to qualify for the Super 8s would become loads easier.
Team Overview:
Pakistan was phenomenal during the previous T20 World Cup edition. Had it not been for that wretched Shaheen Shah Afridi injury, we could have had a different champion altogether. But this time they would hope to do better than even that. Historically, the men in green have exploited their fast bowling reserves to get glory for themselves. This time too they have several options to choose their pace attack from. Pakistan could not have asked for better openers than Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam (And even if they did they would have to revert to them after a year’s worth of effort). The middle overs could prove to be disastrous for Pakistan as their middle order remains as brittle as ever and the spin department does not have anything to flaunt.
Andries Gous and Aaron Jones pulled off a partnership for ages to chase Canada’s 194-run target with 14 balls to spare in the opening game. They will play Pakistan at the Grand Prairie Stadium too and their batting-heavy lineup up against Pakistan’s brilliant bowling would be a sight to witness.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Pakistan and the USA will go toe-to-toe for the first time in an international fixture in this game.
Weather and Pitch Report:
While it looks like rain might come to watch the host and Pakistan to pay during the past week the threats of rain have mostly been empty. Both teams should get a game without any interference from the grey clouds.
Dallas pitch has an almost predictable bounce and so it is one of the few venues during this edition that actually assist batters. A run galore is likely to unfold during this fixture but fast bowlers would get their fair share of help odd the deck too.
Prediction:
One thing that cricket has taught us all is that you never expect Pakistan to stay true to normalcy. However, depending upon facts and figures, Pakistan could be hoped to start their campaign with a win, though it would take a substantial effort on their part.
Where to Watch:
You can watch the games on the following platforms as per your region:
- India – Star Sports
- Pakistan – PTV Sports, Ten Sports, Myco (Live streaming) and Tamasha app (Live streaming)
- USA and Canada – Willow TV
- England – Sky Sports Network
- Caribbean – ESPN Caribbean
- New Zealand & Australia – Sky Sports NZ, Prime Video
- Other regions – SuperSport, Sirasa, CricLife, STARZPLAY
