By Divy Tripathi

With an almost never-ending supply of pace resources at its disposal, Pakistan will look to settle onto their best possible combinations before the global mega event in the United States and West Indies.

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While Shaheen Afridi is all set to take the new ball, there’s competition aplenty for the remaining spots. 

Alook at the prime candidates for Pakistan’s fast bowling lineup ahead of the T20 World Cup:

Naseem Shah

The highly-touted Naseem Shah’s absence was deeply felt during Pakistan’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, where Pakistan failed to reach the knockout stage. He should be among the first to join the team sheet along with Shaheen in the pace department. An ability to move the ball at a high pace regularly throughout the innings made Naseem a prized possession in the setup.

Having recovered from the shoulder injury he incurred during last year’s Asia Cup, Naseem will be raring to compensate for the lost time and deliver for Pakistan in the white-ball format.

After making his comeback he picked up from where he’d left getting 15 wickets at 22.2 in the PSL, and has been among wickets against New Zealand at home too. Pakistan selectors would hope that the pacer gets ample match practice over the next few weeks.

Mohammad Amir

Once considered the heir apparent to the legacy of swing kings Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, Mohammad Amir suffered from a start-stop career, which has left him with merely 52 T20Is to his credit in a 15-year journey as an international cricketer.

However, his whippy pace and nippy swing are still quite a daunting prospect as witnessed by the batters in T20 leagues around the world, and more recently the New Zealand batters during their tour of Pakistan.

An international return at 32 isn’t easy, but Amir is no stranger to comebacks. And with his propensity to shine in ICC tournaments, as evidenced by his presence in Pakistan’s last two ICC title-winning squads, the left-arm pacer can boost his side towards another successful title run.

Haris Rauf

Counted among Pakistan’s premium fast bowlers not long back, Haris Rauf has suffered from injury and form issues in recent times. While he has always been among wickets, his expensive economy has become a cause of concern.

A dislocated shoulder in February means that the pacer needs to achieve full fitness before he can make a comeback to the Pakistan setup.

However, Rauf’s extra pace is highly valued despite his recent absence. At his best, Rauf can provide the much-needed support to the new-ball bowlers by operating effectively in the middle and death overs.

Abbas Afridi

While Pakistan’s express pacers run away with the headlines, their medium pacers have often provided much-needed stability and control to the side. Much like his uncle Umar Gul, Abbas Afridi banks on accuracy and variations to succeed as a bowler.

Since making his international debut in New Zealand, Abbas has shown the uncanny ability to pick wickets at key stages of the game. His 13 wickets at an average of 19 in the recently concluded PSL, bolster his credentials further.

With Shahnawaz Dahani and Hasan Ali not a part of the present T20I setup, Abbas can fill in the medium pacer role in the Pakistan side in June.

Mohammad Wasim

The lanky all-rounder might lack in express pace of some of his compatriots, but can nevertheless be a tricky prospect in the shortest format of the game courtesy of the extra zip that his excess height yields.

Despite a lackluster PSL 2024 with merely nine wickets at an average of 33 with an economy closing in on 10, Wasim is still dangerous on surfaces that allow a bit of carry. This was well and truly on display during the last T20 World Cup, wherein he picked six scalps in Perth at an average of 6.5.

Zaman Khan

With a slinging action reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s legendary pacer Lasith Malinga, Zaman Khan’s unique bowling style makes him a prized possession in the Pakistan ranks.

His raw pace mixed with a difficult-to-read action can trouble the batters. With just nine T20Is under his belt, Zaman is inexperienced but can prove to be the X-factor should Pakistan consider him for the T20 World Cup.

Hasan Ali

Though Hasan Ali last featured in the Pakistan T20I colours, all the way back in 2022 and is presently trading his wares in the English county setup, a surprise comeback can never be ruled out.

A valuable medium pacer who can be handy with the willow and on the field, Hasan has the added advantage of having featured in a number of ICC events. The last of these came in the Men’s Cricket World Cup last year, where Hasan was recalled after an year’s absence from ODI cricket.