ICC World Twenty20 2016: Pakistan cricket team Preview – Shahid Afridi & Co need to silence critics by finding rhythm

New Delhi: In the ICC World Twenty20, Shahid Afridi is leading a young team that comprises four uncapped players and it remains to be seen whether they can deliver as a unit.

Pakistan looked a mere shadow of themselves in the recently concluded Asia Cup, and the team would want to fight back and silence the critics who have written them off for the prestigious tournament.

Afridi led them to their maiden World T20 title in 2009 and he will have to play a crucial role throughout the tournament being their most experienced campaigner.

Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Akmal are two names in the team who are expected to score plenty of runs in the series. While Hafeez role will be crucial at the top of the order, Akmal would be expected to provide the much-needed flourish in the middle-overs.

Sharjeel Khan showed a lot of promise in the inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL) and after a late inclusion in the 15-man squad, he has an excellent opportunity to impress the selectors by putting a good show in the tournament.

Pakistan boast of one of the best pace attacks in the tournament with Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Amir at their disposal.

In Saeed Ajmal's absence, their spin attack is not one of the best in the business and Afridi, along with Malik and Imad Wasim will lead the spin department.

ICC T20I ranking: 6

Coach: Waqar Younis

Pakistan ICC World Twenty20 2016 squad: Shahid Afridi (c), Anwar Ali, Imad Wasim, Khalid Latif, Ahmad Shehzad, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Sami, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Sharjeel Khan, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz.