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Pakistan cricket team defeated the mighty Austrailans in the final of the tri-nation series in Zimbabwe. After this historical victory Pakistan secure number one position in ICC T20 rankings. So the question arises, is Pakistan really the best T20 side in the world right now apart from the rankings? Let’s find out.
2016 world cup was a disappointing one for Pakistan T20 cricket. After a disappointing run in the ICC T20 world cup, the skipper Shahid Afridi and the coach Waqar Younis stepped down. Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed was announced the T20 captain of the national side, with Mickey Arther taking charge as the head coach.
A New Captain, A Young Team and a Positive Approach.
There was a wave of uncertainty about this team but they stunned the world with their sheer brilliance with the bat and the ball. The coaching staff along with the captain emphasized on a positive mindset, fitness, and fielding.
T20 Performance so far under Sarfaraz’s Leadership
Pakistan has won 23 matches out 27 under Sarfaraz’s leadership so far only losing 4 at a winning percentage of 85%. This makes him the most successful Pakistani captain in T20s. Sarfaraz has led the team from the front. From laughter to appreciation to anger to joy, the Karachi born skipper shows every emotion on the field, and this reflects on his entire team.
MINDSET
Pakistani batsmen were once associated with low strike rates in limited overs cricket. The former skipper Misbah ul Haq was often criticised for his defensive captaincy. When Micky Arthur took over, he realized that the modern day cricket has evolved an aggressive mindset is a way forward. This change in approach is clearly visible in the skipper’s body language.
Pakistan was famous for defending low totals, but with the inclusion of players like Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, and Faheem Ashraf in the lower order and Fakhar Zaman and Hussain Talat in the top order, Pakistan is now well-equipped to score big totals and chase down huge targets. This was seen in the home series against Windies where Pakistan scored two hundred plus runs twice and recently chased down a target of 180 plus against the Aussies.
FIELDING AND FITNESS
On the recommendation of Mickey Arthur, Steve Rixon was appointed as the fielding coach. Team management adopted a strict policy of not including players with below par fitness and fielding. The technology was brought in. Every player was required to pass the “yo-yo test” in order to get in the squad.
Big names like Umar Akmal, Sohail Khan, and Mohd Irfan were dropped because of low fitness levels. This policy had a mixed review from the pundits but turned out to be the right decision considering the drastic improvement in the Pakistani fielding. The inclusion of youth played a role in it too.
PSL
2016 will be remembered for another big milestone of Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Super League. The tournament has had three editions so far and it is nothing less than a success story. PSL played a vital role in Pakistan’s extraordinary performance in the t20is. Players like Shahdab Khan, Hasan Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, and Nawaz are the products of the PSL.
This inflow of talent has strengthened the playing eleven as well as the bench. Experienced campaigners like Wahab Riaz, Hafeez, Junaid Khan and Anwar Ali are unable to secure a place in the team which increases the overall competition. A strong bench is always beneficial for the team as everyone has to perform at their very best to retain their spots on the playing eleven.