Pakistan has unveiled their 18-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and Afghanistan series. This is a crucial step in their preparations for the ODI World Cup, as they are going to fine-tune their preparations and combinations. With a determined eye on securing their first World title since 1992, Pakistan is leaving no stone unturned to fine-tune their lineup.
The selected players will have a golden opportunity to showcase their skills and stake their claim for the marquee event. As the cricketing world anticipates a fiercely competitive battle in both the Asia Cup and the series against Afghanistan, Pakistan aims to build momentum and strategic cohesion in their pursuit of ODI glory. Ahead of that, let us have a look at Pakistan’s forgotten players who participated in the ODI World Cup 2019.
3. Sarfaraz Ahmed
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has faced a significant sidelining from the ODI squad after leading the team in the 2019 World Cup. Since the global tournament, his appearances have been limited, having played just three matches in the format. His performances in these games saw him accumulate 44 runs at an average of 14.7 and a strike rate of 75.90.
However, Sarfaraz recently made a noteworthy comeback to the Test team after a two-year absence, showcasing his determination and skill in the longer format of the game. As Pakistan navigates through squad selections and strategies for various formats, Sarfaraz’s journey and contributions continue to be a point of discussion and evaluation.
2. Junaid Khan
Junaid Khan, a name once associated with Pakistan’s cricketing hopes, has faced an unfortunate downturn in his international career. Despite being a part of Pakistan’s World Cup squad in 2019, Junaid has not donned the national jersey since that tournament. With a career spanning 76 ODIs and an impressive tally of 109 wickets, Junaid Khan’s record is a testament to his bowling prowess.
However, his fortunes have taken a different turn since 2019, with the left-arm pacer failing to make an appearance for the national team. Despite his promising performances earlier in his career, Junaid found himself on the sidelines as Pakistan explored other options. In a surprising twist, Junaid Khan recently made a notable move by joining the Portugal cricket team to play in T20Is.
1. Hasan Ali
Despite being a prominent figure in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape, pacer Hasan Ali has faced a notable absence from the limited-overs squad since his participation in the 2019 ODI World Cup. Following the tournament, Hasan Ali’s presence in ODIs has been limited, featuring in just seven games. Within these matches, he managed to secure nine wickets at an average of 42.4 and an economy rate of 6.68.
While his performances in Test cricket have allowed him to continue showcasing his skills, the absence of Hasan Ali from the ODI arena has left fans curious. His contributions on the field, both with the ball and his infectious energy, have been missed by the limited-overs team. As Pakistan navigates its cricketing journey, the question of Hasan Ali‘s return to the ODI format remains, with many hoping to witness his spirited performances once again in the upcoming ODI World Cup.