As the cricketing world gears up for the highly anticipated ODI World Cup in India, Pakistan, like a number of other teams, finds itself in a position where selecting the right players is crucial for success.
It is undeniable that the national side has a plethora of options for selection, especially in white-ball cricket, as it possesses a powerful bench strength in every department.
The fast-bowling department, featuring Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, provides Babar with numerous game-changing options to utilize in different phases.
Among the various factors, spinners will be of immense importance for the Men in Green in the mega event, particularly in spin-friendly Indian conditions.
There are many talented spinners who possess the skills and adaptability necessary to thrive on Indian pitches, making them invaluable assets for the success of the team.
Shadab Khan: A Dynamic All-Rounder
The inclusion of Shadab Khan in the national squad for the World Cup should be straightforward due to his skills, experience, and recent performance for the side.
The 24-year-old leg-spinner, who is also the vice-captain of the national side in white-ball cricket, has consistently impressed with his exceptional all-round abilities.
Shadab Khan has proved his mettle in various conditions and possesses the ability to take crucial wickets in the middle overs, thereby choking the opposition’s scoring rate.
With his wicket-taking ability, fearless batting, and sharp fielding, the Mianwali-born cricketer is an ideal all-rounder to represent the national side in the event.
Bowling Innings Wickets Average Best Figures
54 73 32.64 4/28
Batting Innings Runs Average Highest Score
33 631 28.68 86
Imad Wasim: The Experienced Campaigner
The presence of Imad as a slow left-arm orthodox is imperative for the Green Shirts in the World Cup 2023 campaign due to his extensive experience in white-ball cricket.
With his vast experience in domestic and international cricket, Imad brings a calm and composed presence, along with the ability to take crucial wickets in crucial moments.
The accurate and consistent bowling of a left-arm spinner can effectively restrict the opposition team, limiting their scoring opportunities with both the new and old ball.
His ability to exploit the conditions and subtly vary his pace makes him a potent threat, while his capability to contribute with the bat adds further value to the setup.
Bowling Innings Wickets Average Best Figures
53 44 44.47 5/14
Batting Innings Runs Average Highest Score
40 986 42.86 63*
Mohammad Nawaz: The Game Changer
While the inclusion of Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim might be a consensus among many, Mohammad Nawaz is a promising prospect that should not be overlooked.
The 29-year-old slow left-arm orthodox spinner has been an integral part of the white-ball team and has showcased phenomenal performances in an important T20 season last year.
The ability of Nawaz to generate turn and drift the ball can be a valuable asset on spin-friendly Indian pitches, which can help the side take wickets at crucial times.
His aggressive batting style and versatility allow him to adapt to different match situations, and including him in the World Cup squad would add depth to the national side.
Bowling Innings Wickets Average Best Figures
28 37 30.94 4/19
Batting Innings Runs Average Highest Score
22 283 17.68 53
Usama Mir: The Emerging Talent
While Usama is undoubtedly a talented spinner, his inclusion in the World Cup squad would depend on factors such as form, fitness, and the overall balance of the team.
However, having him as a backup option would provide flexibility and depth to the squad, ensuring that Pakistan is well-prepared for any contingencies during the marquee event.
His exceptional performances in franchise cricket and the international arena have allowed the national team to test his ability and skills of Usama even on a bigger stage.
Bowling Innings Wickets Average Best Figures
6 10 30.70 4/43
Batting Innings Runs Average Highest Score
3 38 12.66 20
Which spinners should make the trip to India for ODI World Cup? Let us know in the comments section below.
Source: Pro Pakistani