Predicting the Pakistan XI for Opening Game of 2015 World Cup
Pakistan, it would be fair to say, aren't enjoying the best preparation for the approaching 2015 Cricket World Cup.
Plagued by injuries, suspensions, captaincy headaches and selection reshuffles, the men in green look a disheveled bunch at present, slumping to three consecutive one-day international defeats to a touring Australian side last week.
Yet, Pakistan's World Cup outlook isn't quite as bleak as it currently looks, with a host of senior figures likely to return prior to the global tournament to boost the chances of a nation with a rich history at the event.
Indeed, few countries can rival Pakistan's record at the World Cup that boasts two final appearances (one title), four semi-final outings—the most recent of which came at the 2011 edition—and one quarter-final finish.
Could Pakistan cause a surprise and make another strong run? Possibly.
Across the following slides, we predict the XI that Pakistan will select for the nation's World Cup opener against India on February 15, in the hope the side will do just that and kick-start a successful campaign.
1. Ahmed Shehzad
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Although he's still yet to make his mark on the Test arena, Ahmed Shehzad is quickly blossoming into a fine limited-overs opener for Pakistan.
Averaging a tick under 40 at the top of the order in the 50-game over in 2014, the 22-year-old will carry a significant responsibility with him at the 2015 World Cup, given that he's one of the few sources of consistency in a batting lineup that can swing from dynamic to dreadful in the space of an innings.
A smooth 61 against Australia in Dubai last week was a fine example of the right-hander's capacity to lead an innings, continuing his form of the last 12 months that has made him one of the first names on the team sheet.
2. Sarfraz Ahmed
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Prior to the recently concluded one-day international series against Australia, Sarfraz Ahmed hadn't represented Pakistan in 50-over cricket for more than 12 months.
But the keeper-batsman has capitalised on the nation's merry-go-round behind the stumps, cementing his place for the foreseeable future after enjoying a breakout series during Pakistan's Test tour of Sri Lanka.
That red-ball form has earned the 27-year-old a place in the one-day side, placing him at the top of the order alongside Ahmed Shehzad where he's quickly impressed with scores of 34, 65 and 32 against Australia.
Displacing Umar Akmal with the gloves, too, Sarfraz looks on track to feature in Pakistan's World Cup opener.
3. Mohammad Hafeez
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Mohammad Hafeez missed Pakistan's recent one-day and Twenty20 clashes with Australia after suffering an injury to the webbing on his left hand during a training session at the beginning of the tour.
Once recovered, however, the all-rounder will undoubtedly reclaim his place in the 50-over side, given the versatility and experience offered by the 34-year-old.
Of course, the right-hander's form with the bat has been patchy in 2014, but his stunning end to the last calendar year against Sri Lanka still stands as something of a benchmark for this Pakistani side, making him an automatic selection for the World Cup.
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4. Misbah-Ul-Haq
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There's considerable doubt and uncertainty currently engulfing Misbah-ul-Haq's captaincy of Pakistan.
A string of low scores against Sri Lanka and Australia has damaged his stock, seeing the team's leader voluntarily sit out his side's third one-day international against the Australians last week.
But the Pakistan Cricket Board has consistently put its support behind Misbah throughout a difficult 2014, regularly insisting that the current captain will lead the nation at the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Provided that confidence in him continues, the 40-year-old will assume his place at No. 4 in the order and attempt to guide Pakistan through a difficult tournament.
5. Fawad Alam
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When you score a magnificent century in the final of the Asia Cup when coming in at No. 5 with the score at 18-3, your place is going to be secure for a considerable stretch.
For Fawad Alam, that's precisely the case, whose return from a three-and-a-half-year absence has resulted in an impressive run for the left-hander.
Prior to that stunning innings against Sri Lanka, the 29-year-old also thumped a brisk 74 against Bangladesh, before continuing that form when Pakistan visited the Sri Lankans in August.
Now established in his nation's middle order, Fawad seems certain to take part in Pakistan's opening group match of the 2015 World Cup.
6. Umar Akmal
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Umar Akmal might have lost his place behind the stumps to Sarfraz Ahmed, but one feels Pakistan will opt to select the 24-year-old as a specialist batsman at next year's World Cup.
Comfortably among his nation's most talented and fluent limited-overs players, the right-hander's expansive stroke play should be suited to the conditions in Australia and New Zealand, where a full repertoire with the bat is typically needed to succeed.
Akmal was also among Pakistan's few players to impose themselves against Australia last week, continuing his strong form seen at the Champions League Twenty20 and strengthening his case for inclusion at the World Cup.
7. Shahid Afridi
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He remains the most enigmatic figure in the sport, combining brilliance with brevity in a way no other can.
Of course, Shahid Afridi's irregular displays of truly absurd excitement are frequently interspersed with moments of frustration and bouts of wildly fluctuating form.
But an established leader in the Pakistani camp, Afridi will head to yet another global ICC tournament next year with the burden of being his nation's most decisive player.
When he's great, Pakistan rarely lose. When he's not, it's usually curtains for his side.
8. Umar Gul
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Umar Gul hasn't played any international cricket since April, sidelined with a long-term knee injury that has cast doubts over his extended future in the game's longest format.
The 30-year-old, however, is closing in on a return to the national limited-overs sides after claiming seven wickets for Habib Bank in a Pakistani first-class encounter this week.
Provided Gul's recovery continues to track smoothly, he'll definitely be recalled into his nation's 50-over side for the 2015 World Cup, as the team looks to establish a strong and experienced bowling attack for the hard wickets expected in Australia and New Zealand.
9. Saeed Ajmal
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Saeed Ajmal's availability will unquestionably be the most pressing issue for Pakistan ahead of their World Cup campaign next year.
Currently banned from bowling due to an illegal action, Ajmal's absence has severely hampered his nation's efforts in the ongoing tour against Australia, seeing the home side slump to four straight losses.
But despite his ban, Ajmal has expressed confidence that he'll be cleared in time to appear in the World Cup, while former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who is currently working with Ajmal, believes the 37-year-old's remedial work is on track, per ESPN Cricinfo.
Of course, the odds would appear to be stacked against him, but there's suddenly a heightened sense that Pakistan's most potent weapon will be available when the World Cup arrives in four months, particularly with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan saying "we will follow all the permitted routes to get him cleared," per BBC Sport.
10. Junaid Khan
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Like Umar Gul, Junaid Khan is currently out of action for Pakistan, recovering from a knee injury—albeit, a less severe one—sustained during training prior to the series against Australia.
Although the left-armer is expected to be out for four-to-six weeks, Khan will be raced back into the nation's 50-over side once his recovery is complete, given the variety he offers to the team's bowling attack.
Typically durable, possessing decent pace and a point of difference as a left-armer, the 24-year-old is the owner of a fine one-day international record and can be expected to thrive in the pace-friendly conditions that should present themselves in Australia and New Zealand.
11. Mohammad Irfan
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The thought of the towering Mohammad Irfan charging in to the bouncy wicket on offer at Brisbane in Australia is a tantalising one, given the discomfort he caused Australia's batsmen in the UAE in three one-day internationals last week.
Operating in excess of 140 kph, the giant left-armer appeared untroubled by the hip complaint that has hampered his 2014 season, raising hopes that Irfan could travel to the World Cup as one of the tournament's most fearsome speedsters.
And provided he maintains fitness, the 31-year-old will form a potent seam attack with Umar Gul and Junaid Khan, ensuring Pakistan will be a threat with the ball whether or not Saeed Ajmal returns in time.
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