CT 2017, TEAM PREVIEW: Bowlers winning games, Pakistan's only hope

PAKISTAN WILL enter the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy without too many expectations. Currently, they are ranked No.8 in the world (even below Bangladesh) and it will be nothing short of a surprise if the men in green make it to the semis in England. 

Pakistan have never won this prestigious tournament and will be led by the exuberant skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. With big guns Misbah and Younus Khan bidding adieu to the game, a few youngsters have made the trip to England. 

Although their warm-up game against the Aussies got rained off, they will take solace from the fact that their batting clicked while chasing a formidable total of 340 in their opening warm-up game match against Bangladesh. 

The men in green are placed in Group B alongside arch-rivals India, Sri Lanka and South Africa and will being their campaign against India on 4th June at Birmingham. 

Strength 

Bowling has always been Pakistan's strength. Regardless of the conditions, their seamers have won them many games over the years. On the responsive wickets in England, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz have all the class and skill to run through any opposition. Furthermore, there is no better bunch other than the Pakistanis who can exploit reverse swing. 

In this tournament, Pakistan will also unleash a few unknown quantities who could spring in a surprise. Barring the Windies, other teams haven't seen the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf. 

WEAKNESS 

Lack of unity, frequent arguments between the players and support staff are arguably Pakistan's biggest weakness. Although there is enough talent in their pool of players to succeed, ego clashes in the team often hurts them. 

While bowling remains Pakistan's biggest asset, batting has been their weakness. Given the bowler friendly conditions in England, their inexperienced batsmen will be exposed and will always remain vulnerable against quality bowling attacks. 

Their fielding too has always been under the scanner. Besides Shoaib Malik, it is difficult to expect other players to even get their basics right. 

TFG VERDICT 

Given the talent in the Pakistan dressing room, one certainly cannot rule out the fact that they can make it to the semis. However, the internal mess, coupled with lack of intent is more likely to cost them a place in the final 4. 

TEAM 

BAT- Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Azhar Ali, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Fakhar Zaman 
W/K- Sarfraz Ahmed (Captain) 
A/R- Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf 
BOWL- Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan 

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