Pakistan Facing World Cup Embarrassment Due to Lack of Bowlers

Pakistan's heavy 119 run defeat to New Zealand means they have now lost six consecutive games, including two against a Board President's XI...far from ideal preparation for the imminent 2015 World Cup.

While their batsmen can't be totally absolved from blame, it's with the ball in hand that things have seriously gone awry. Let's take a closer look to see what has happened. 

What's Gone Wrong?

Less than three months ago, Pakistan were comprehensively whitewashing Australia in Test cricket, but that performance hid a dismal ODI record that has seen them win just six of their last 18 fixtures.

And now, with the ICC's flagship tournament drawing ever closer and just two warm-up games remaining, they are in the midst of a bowling crisis.

In the Asia Cup final, which they lost against Sri Lanka in March 2014, Pakistan's bowling unit included Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid Khan and Shahid Afridi. A more than useful attack.

But, there is a good chance that, when they commence their World Cup campaign with a monster clash against India on the 15 February, only one of those players will be able to bowl! Which begs the question: Where have they all gone?

Missing Players

Saeed Ajmal: The most notable absentee is of course 183 ODI wicket veteran Ajmal who is still ranked as the No. 1 bowler in the format, according to the ICC rankings.

However, the off-spinner was suspended in September after his action for all deliveries was deemed illegal. It sounds like the veteran is making process, but the World Cup has come too soon.

Mohammad Hafeez: Similarly, Hafeez, although continuing to play and most likely open the batting, is unable to contribute his underrated off spinners into the mix after being banned from bowling in November. 

Junaid Khan: Despite being named in the original 15-man squad, Khan, the man charged with providing control at the start and end of the inning is definitely out of the World Cup with a thigh injury.

Umar Gul: The experienced Gul was expected to make the cut but found himself omitted from the squad with selectors deciding his ongoing fitness issues weren't worth the risk.

Total ODI wickets between them: 553

Current Pakistan squad for the 2015 World Cup: 

Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed, Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Bilawal Bhatti, Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz 

Who's Left?

With the injuries and suspensions, it is fair to say Pakistan are left with a threadbare squad in terms of bowlers. In fact there are only two players who are reliable and certain to play.

Mohammad Irfan who measures around 7'0" (precise records seem to be thin on the ground), can be a real handful and should find the hard, Australasian wickets to his favour.

While Shahid Afridi boasts an incredible career haul of 393 ODI wickets and provides a degree of X-factor which could be crucial if Pakistan are going to pick up some wins.

Total ODI wickets between them: 450

The Rest

However, the other 30 overs in each match will have to be delivered from a mixed bag of youngsters and surprisingly recalled veterans. And they are hardly in form.

Bilawal Bhatti returned the worst figures by a Pakistani bowler in ODI history when he finished with a confidence-shattering 0/93 in Napier. 

Ehsan Adil, has clearly struggled with the step up in class so far, going for 239 runs from four games on the current tour of New Zealand.

Sohail Khan hasn't played an ODI since 2011.

Spinner Yasir Shah—who has played just one ODI appearance—will act primarily in a back-up role to Afridi.

Wahab Riaz, who is undeniably fast, doesn't seem to be in the plans, having bowled just once so far on the tour of New Zealand.

And Harris Sohail, while a promising all-rounder, has taken just seven wickets in his career in professional cricket.

Total ODI wickets between them: 83

Conclusion

Given the lack of bowling resources and the dreadful recent form, Pakistan are in severe danger of an embarrassing World Cup.

In their group are India, South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland and the UAE.

But while the major nations are generally expected to beat the minnows would you back Misbah-ul-Haq's men to overcome Zimbabwe and Ireland at this moment in time? Didn't think so.