In preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan‘s newly appointed head coach, Azhar Mahmood, is diligently working to finalize Pakistan’s best XI. Mahmood spoke in depth about his squad, player combinations, and strategies as Pakistan gears up for their home series against New Zealand, which includes five T20Is.
Mahmood expressed his satisfaction with the squad, highlighting its balance across all aspects of the game. “We cover all aspects of the game with this squad,” Mahmood remarked. “We’ve two all-rounders, and our fast bowling department is also very strong. The return of (Mohammad) Amir and Imad (Wasim) also gives us an edge, because we can use them at any given time.”
He also praised the talent in Pakistan’s batting lineup, stating, “Our batting lineup possesses the best possible talent in Pakistan.”
When discussing Pakistan’s strengths, Mahmood emphasized their pure talent and skill, citing their recent performances in T20 World Cup finals and semi-finals. Despite not winning a major tournament since 2009, Mahmood believes that the Pakistan team, especially in the T20 format, should never be underestimated.
Mahmood intends to use the upcoming series against New Zealand, Ireland, and England to fine-tune Pakistan’s lineup and strategy. “We’ve the depth and strength, but there are always areas for improvement,” Mahmood explained. “Looking at those aspects, especially in the areas that we’ve lagged behind, is something that I’ve worked on.”
Mahmood is keen on developing a clear structure and game plan for his players, giving them role clarity and utilizing Pakistan’s bench strength. “So till the World Cup, we’d like to develop a structure and game plan, to give role clarity to players,” Mahmood said. “But at the same time, from the discussion I’ve had, we should be aware of our best XI when we play our first game on 6 June in the T20 World Cup.”
Despite Pakistan’s top-order heavy batting lineup, Mahmood is confident in the middle-order’s abilities, emphasizing a balance of power and finesse. He also cautioned against underestimating New Zealand, noting that despite the absence of some key players, they still pose a significant challenge.
The series against New Zealand kicks off in Rawalpindi on April 18th, providing Mahmood and his team with a crucial opportunity to test different combinations and solidify their plans ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Mahmood’s meticulous approach and focus on player development and strategy bode well for Pakistan as they aim to make a strong impact in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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