Can the ‘unpredictables’ find consistency at home?

Can the 'unpredictables' find consistency at home?

An ICC event has come to Pakistan for the first time since 1996, and the hosts, in their renewed avatar, would love to defend the Champions Trophy title in front of their home crowd. Unfortunately, like every other ICC tournament they walk into, they continue to carry the badge of 'unpredictables', a tag they would desperately want to shed for all the talent they possess, even if repeatedly mismanaged.

Key Points:

• Form Guide: L, W, L, W, W (last five ODIs)
• Since their disastrous World Cup campaign in 2023, Pakistan have played 12 ODIs, winning eight of those. They have been in superb form away from home, winning 2-1 in Australia and registering a 3-0 clean sweep against South Africa. At home, however, they've lost their last two games against New Zealand, their first opponent in the upcoming tournament.
• Injury Concerns: Haris Rauf's fitness is a worry, as his absence would weaken their pace attack.
• Batting Order Shuffle: Babar Azam has been pushed to open the innings.

Squad Highlights:

• Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
• Spin Department: Abrar Ahmed is the only frontline spinner, with part-time options available in Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah.

Match Schedule:

1. Feb 19: vs New Zealand, Karachi
2. Feb 27: vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi

The hosts will have ample time between games for rest and recovery. All three opponents present a tricky challenge, with no significant upper hand for Pakistan, but also no easy wins expected.