Following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 fixture, cricket experts and fans are calling for changes in the Pakistani team. The match, held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, saw Pakistan suffer a comprehensive defeat to their arch-rivals India by seven wickets.
Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, were sent to bat first in favorable conditions and seemed on track to post a total of 300-plus with Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan at the crease. However, the tide turned in India’s favor after pacer Mohammed Siraj dismissed Babar Azam. This led to a collapse, and Pakistan was eventually dismissed for 191 runs in 42.5 overs.
India captain Rohit Sharma then led the successful chase with a stunning 86 runs, as they comfortably reached the target in 30.3 overs with seven wickets in hand, maintaining their unbeaten record against Pakistan in the tournament’s history.
Basit Ali, a former cricketer and cricketing expert, suggested some changes that Pakistan should consider. He emphasized the need for a batter who can score quick runs in the early stages of the game. Currently, the batters in the playing XI have a strategy of scoring run-a-ball. Basit Ali recommended that either Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, or Salman Ali Agha should open the innings, with Saud Shakeel batting at number three.
Basit Ali also highlighted the difference in bowling strategies between Pakistan and other teams in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. While other teams are playing with five pacers, Pakistan has only four fast bowlers. This suggests the need for a reevaluation of the bowling line-up.
It is evident that Pakistan needs to make some changes in their batting and bowling strategies to improve their performance in the upcoming matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.