Pakistan will open their campaign against co-hosts USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Thursday.
The Men in Green have faced challenges in finding the right team balance and combination.
Several players are working hard to regain their form before the tournament begins. Shadab and Azam, key middle-order players for Pakistan, are particularly focused on improving their performance.
Ahead of the opening match, Amir expressed confidence in the duo, believing they are close to returning to form.
“I always say that a player who has proven himself never doubts his ability. Yes, there are bad patches in cricket, and this happens to every cricketer. Even legends have faced such times,” Amir stated in the pre-match press conference.
In Pakistan’s recent series against England, Azam scored only 11 runs in two matches, averaging 5.50. Shadab managed just three runs in two matches and struggled with his bowling, recording his worst T20I figures in the second game, going wicketless and conceding 75 runs over seven overs.
“There is no doubt about the ability and quality of Shadab and Azam. They perform worldwide. They are just one game away from regaining form – they are the kind of players who can win a match single-handedly,” Amir added.
Amir will join four pacers to lead Pakistan’s bowling attack. To participate in the World Cup, Amir reversed his retirement and played in the preparatory series against Ireland and England.
Pakistan T20 WC Squad: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.
USA T20 WC Squad: Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Nethralvakar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor, Shayan Jahangir. Reserve Players: Gajanand Singh, Juanoy Drysdale, Yasir Mohammad.