Led by the terrible ones Babar Azam, Pakistan will be one of the powerful forces in the future ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Green, under Azam’s astute leadership, have performed commendably in previous editions of the tournament, even if they did not achieve ultimate glory.
Pakistan’s search for redemption at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
In 2021, Pakistan made it to the semi-finals, but suffered a significant defeat against the eventual winners Australia. Their resilience continued into 2022, securing a place in the final for the first time since 2009 but losing England in the title showdown. With the aim of making amends, Pakistan will be determined to surpass previous successes and make their name in history as the third team, alongside the West Indies and England, to win the prestigious trophy twice.
Virat Kohli: Pakistan’s eternal nemesis
Pakistan will try to start its election campaign with a robust start to gain momentum, but it faces a formidable obstacle in the form of strong Indian power Virat Kohli. Kohli has been considered Pakistan’s perennial nemesis in ICC tournaments over the last decade and poses a formidable threat to their ambitions. With a penchant for memorable performances against Pakistan, the former Indian captain poses a major challenge for the Men in Green and would do so this year hope for another memorable blow against them.
Kohli had an impressive track record against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, scoring 308 runs at a staggering average of 308 in five matches. His remarkable consistency is highlighted by three half-centuries he scored against the Men in Green in the tournament. In the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, Kohli etched himself into the annals of cricket history with a stunning unbeaten 82-run performance, helping India to a sensational victory over Pakistan.
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Babar Azam’s approach to Kohli
Pakistan will face Kohli on June 9 when they take on India. In the run-up to the World Cup duel, in a press conference before Pakistan’s tour IrelandBabar was asked if Pakistan are planning specifically for Kohli ahead of their T20 World Cup.
In response, Babar stressed that Pakistan does not base its plans on individual players. However, he acknowledged Kohli’s skills as one of the best in the game and assured that the team would have strategies in place to counter him effectively. Azam also highlighted the unfamiliar conditions in the United States and emphasized the need for adaptability and preparation for the unique challenges presented by the tournament environment
“As a team, you always plan against different teams and according to their strengths. We don’t plan anything against just one player. We are planning for all eleven players. We don’t know much about the conditions in New York and will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will also plan against him,” Babar said.
Before leaving for the T20 World Cup, Pakistan will visit Ireland and England for two T20I assignments. They will play three T20Is against Ireland and four against England before the main event in the year West Indies and that United States of America (USA).