Former English cricketer Nasser Hussain has shared his thoughts on Pakistan's unpredictable cricketing approach in anticipation of the 2023 ODI World Cup. He acknowledged Pakistan's potential to both triumph and endure unexpected setbacks.
During a discussion on a YouTube channel, Nasser specifically spotlighted Pakistan's inaugural match against the Netherlands in the upcoming tournament, recognising the possibility of Pakistan facing a potential defeat against the European side.
"I think they [Pakistan] are very good tournament side. They have got the Netherlands up from first game, they could lose that. That is Pakistan for you. But then they'll go on a run. You look at the last World T20. They were out of it and then suddenly they are in the final. They are mercurial because that is the brand and style of cricket they play. They are incredibly watchable side," Nasser commented.
Furthermore, Nasser said that Pakistan could become a formidable force if they manage to post above-average scores against any opponent in the World Cup.
"If they get an above par score against you, any team in the World Cup, you are in trouble," he concluded.
The Men in Green are gearing up for their second ICC World Cup 2023 warm-up match against Australia tomorrow.
It must be noted that the Pakistan team landed at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, India, on Wednesday from Dubai to participate in the mega event.
They have also played one warm-up match, which they lost against New Zealand by five wickets on Friday.
Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6.
Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.
Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan.
Pakistan's schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023
October 6 — vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
October 10 — vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
October 14 — vs India in Ahmedabad
October 20 — vs Australia in Bengaluru
October 23 — vs Afghanistan in Chennai
October 27 — vs South Africa in Chennai
October 31 — vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
November 4 — vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
November 11 — vs England in Kolkata
The day matches which will start at 10:00am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30pm (PST).
If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Kolkata.
If India qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Mumbai unless playing against Pakistan, in which case they will play in Kolkata.
