April 27, 2021
Pakistan's recent defeat to Zimbabwe in T20I cricket has effectively highlighted some problems ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year.
The sub-continental giants had never lost to the African minnows in the shortest format of the international game before late April 2021's 19-run defeat in Harare.
Regardless of the outcome of the series, whether they win or lose, Pakistan will need to address certain troubles before attempting another T20 World Cup title.
They won the tournament in 2009, having lost the 2007 final to India, and are backed by certain bookies that offer online betting in Pakistan to do so again. For example, bet365 have Babar Azam's men priced at 8.0 for the outright title. Betfair have them offered at 14.0 in the same market.
Former captain Shoaib Malik has been chief among Pakistan's critics of late - and doesn't seem to be a big fan of current head coach Misbah-ul-Haq.
"Unacquainted decision-makers need to take a step back; Babar and chief selector need to call the shots. In my opinion, we need an international white-ball coach who understands cricket inside out and grooms our captain whilst giving clarity to our players for coming time," said Malik.
"When your management relies on likes and dislikes especially when your cricket is just in surviving mode, then what else do expect as a nation? On top of that, when you don't let your captain take decisions this is bound to happen."
Pakistan fans will expect a lot of Azam when the T20 World Cup commences later this year. He currently holds the second position in the International Cricket Council's rankings for T20I batsman.
"I think we are on track for our preparations for the T20 World Cup, by which time we will have our squad ready for the big event," said Azam.
"The more you are successful against good opposition and in different conditions, it helps you to develop and become better. Our preparation is in full steam. We'll look to get everything finalised by the World Cup."
Pakistan have one of the best ratio of victories to defeats at the T20 World Cup. They have won 19 of their 34 tournament matches. That's a win percentage of 57.35. The reigning champions West Indies, who have the performances of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will remain in focus in the months, building up to the T20 World Cup.
Afridi is among the best left-arm seamers in world cricket at the moment, while Rauf's outright paces has caught several batsmen off guard recently. Rauf, too, has global experience with the Melbourne Stars in Australia's Big Bash League. The 2022 World Cup is scheduled to be played in Australia. Rauf, who will likely feature in the 2021 squad, is already looking forward to the next T20 World Cup.
"Every moment in the field is enjoyable and the enthusiasm from the crowd really intensifies your passion in Australia. I know I have proved my potential and my next goal is to play for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, which is also in Australia," said Rauf.