5 Reasons Pakistan Will Fail to Win the World Cup 2023

image-ll6a8l8ePakistan last won the ODI World Cup in the year 1992, under the leadership of Former captain, Imran Khan. (Twitter)

As cricket enthusiasts around the globe gear up for the highly anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, all eyes are on the teams that are vying for cricketing glory. Among these contenders, Pakistan stands as a team with immense potential, but there are several factors that could potentially hinder their journey to clinching the coveted title. While the team undoubtedly possesses the talent and potential to shine on the global stage, addressing these concerns will be pivotal in realising their World Cup aspirations. 

Here, we delve into five critical reasons why Pakistan might struggle to win the World Cup this year.


1. Bowling Suited for Seaming Conditions

Pakistan's bowling prowess has historically thrived in conditions that offer movement for seam bowlers. However, the World Cup 2023 is slated to be hosted by India, a country known for its flat tracks that generally offer less assistance to seam bowlers. 

image-ll6ahq6vBack in 2021, Pakistan lost the semi-final against Australia due to poor bowling and fielding. (Twitter)

This mismatch between Pakistan's bowling strengths and the playing conditions in India could pose a significant challenge. Bowlers who are accustomed to swing and seam might struggle to generate the same level of effectiveness on flat, slow tracks, potentially leading to inflated bowling figures and difficulties in containing opposition batters.

Pakistan's bowling attack, might find it challenging to adapt to the relatively less conducive pitches in India. The team's prime bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf will need to adjust their strategies to succeed on pitches that favour batters. 

A very famous phrase in cricket states, 'Batters win you matches, however a good bowling line-up wins you tournaments'. This statement is true to its core, as at present its not just the Pakistan seamers that cause a big trouble for the team but also their spinners. Now you might question as to why? For a simple reason that their spinners, Shadab Khan and Mohd. Nawaz are too inexperienced, having played less than even 60 ODIs


2. Over dependence on players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman

While having star players is undoubtedly an advantage, over-reliance on a few individuals can become a weakness, especially in high-pressure tournaments much like the upcoming World Cup. 

Players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman have been the backbone of Pakistan's batting lineup, but if they fail to perform or encounter injuries, the team could find itself struggling to put up competitive totals or chasing challenging targets.

image-ll6bfga6Babar Azam and Mohd. Rizwan have stitched up some commendable partnerships in numerous games. (Twitter)

In a tournament as competitive as this, if these star players fail to deliver or face off-days, Pakistan's middle order might struggle to fill the void. Opposition teams could devise strategies to target these key players and disrupt Pakistan's batting stability, making it crucial for the team to develop a more well-rounded and resilient batting lineup.


3. Inexperience of playing in India

One of the significant challenges for any cricket team visiting India is adapting to the unique playing conditions, massive crowds, and pressure-packed matches. 

image-ll6c667kPakistan opener and wicketkeeper, Mohd. Rizwan. (Twitter)

Pakistan's players might face difficulties adjusting to the Indian pitches, the spin-friendly environment, and the expectations that come with playing in front of passionate Indian fans. Inexperience in Indian conditions could potentially impact their overall performance and confidence. Moreover, it could also lead to misjudgments in shot selection, difficulties in reading the spinners, and a general discomfort that could impact their overall gameplay.


4. No ODIs scheduled between Asia Cup and World Cup

The absence of One Day Internationals (ODIs) between the Asia Cup and the World Cup could result in Pakistan entering the tournament with a lack of match practice. Cricket is a sport where momentum and rhythm play a crucial role, especially in big tournaments. 

A rusty start due to insufficient match practice might hinder might Pakistan's ability to hit the ground running, potentially affecting their confidence and morale early in the tournament.

Momentum and form gained from recent matches can play a crucial role in tournaments like the World Cup. A slow start due to lack of match practice could be detrimental to Pakistan's chances of progressing far in the tournament.


5. Lack in Shadab's Khan consistency to deliver impactful performances

Shadab Khan has been a linchpin in Pakistan's success in recent years, contributing with both bat and ball. However, his recent form has raised concerns. 

image-ll6cj761Pakistan's all-rounder, Shadab Khan (Twitter)

His inability to consistently deliver impactful performances with either the bat or the ball could weaken Pakistan's middle-order stability and bowling options. 

Shadab's ability to provide breakthroughs with the ball and be a powerful finisher for the team with the bat has been integral to Pakistan's recent successes. In a high-stakes tournament like the World Cup, consistency and form become paramount, and his struggles might hinder the team's balance and overall performance.