T20 World Cup 2024: Waqar Younis Predicts Pakistan's 15-Man Squad; Drops This Express Pacer

Add as a preferred source on Google

Waqar Younis, the legendary Pakistani bowler and now a commentator, has laid out his predictions for Pakistan's 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. His projections come in anticipation of the deadline on May 1 for the official announcement, just days after Pakistan concludes its series against New Zealand.

During the pre-match show of the fourth T20I against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, Younis shared his selections, assuming that all currently injured players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, and Haris Rauf, would recover in time for the tournament.

Notably, Haris Rauf is expected to return during Pakistan's May series against England, following a shoulder injury sustained during the Pakistan Super League.

Younis chose a robust top-order consisting of Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Usman Khan, supporting skipper Babar Azam. In the middle order, despite his current absence from the ongoing series, Azam Khan is included, indicating Younis's confidence in his recovery and form.

In the selection of all-rounders, Waqar opted for a spin-heavy lineup with Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Imad Wasim, which suggests a strategic preference for versatility and spin options in the squad. Additionally, he reinforced the spin attack by including wrist spinners Abrar Ahmed and Usama Mir.

The pace department, according to Younis's predictions, will be spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi and supported by Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, and a recovering Haris Rauf. This selection prioritizes experience and proven talent over younger prospects like Abbas Afridi and Zaman Khan, who are currently part of the team against New Zealand but did not make Younis's list.

Here's the predicted squad in full:
1. Babar Azam (c)
2. Mohammad Rizwan
3. Usman Khan
4. Azam Khan
5. Iftikhar Ahmed
6. Shadab Khan
7. Fakhar Zaman
8. Saim Ayub
9. Imad Wasim
10. Abrar Ahmed
11. Usama Mir
12. Shaheen Afridi
13. Naseem Shah
14. Mohammad Amir
15. Haris Rauf

Younis's predicted squad is a blend of seasoned performers and strategic selections, aiming to balance firepower and finesse with an eye toward spin-friendly conditions expected at the World Cup venues. His choices reflect a tactical approach to building a team capable of competing on the international stage, with a mix of reliable batsmen, versatile all-rounders, and lethal pacers.