Pakistan look to attain automatic qualification for the ICC World Cup 2019
As Pakistan continue to break records and reach new heights in Test cricket, their record in the shorter format of the game is quite dismal. After a poor showing in the last few months, things have finally begun to click for the sub-continent side.
It looks like they have turned over a new leaf as they demolished the 2 time World Champions West Indies in the T20 series, and are currently leading 2-0 in the ODI series as well. As we look forward to the 3rd and final ODI, Pakistan would not be looking to take things lightly and would give it their all to induce another whitewash on the Carribean outfit.
West Indies have not looked the same team since Phil Simmons’s unfortunate sacking. Their batsmen have looked out of place and have had no answer to the precision and skill of the Pakistani bowlers. Marlon Samuels’s batting performances have been the lone high point for the West Indies team.
Unfortunately, he has had no support from the rest of the team. The low point for the team has been Johson Charles’s performances. He came to the UAE on the back of some impressive T20 form and the experience of 42 ODIs but was unable to deliver. The West Indies bowlers, too have had nothing to say for over the course of the series.
Also Read: 'Hurting' Bravo says Simmons sacking has left West Indies demoralised
Pakistan desperate for a score of substance.have found a gem in the form of Babur Azam. The 21-year-old youngster has been in superb form off late and has scored two magnificent centuries in the two ODIs that took place.
The role of Pakistan’s captain Azhar Ali has been questioned off late, mainly due to his poor batting performances. He will be desperate for a score of substance in the final ODI. Pakistan will miss the services of Mohammed Amir as he has travelled back to Pakistan to be with his ailing mother
Will Pakistan qualify for the 2019 World Cup?
Currently, the Pakistan cricket team is ranked number 9 in the ODI rankings. This means that, as it stands, they would not attain automatic qualification for the ICC World Cup in 2019. The 2019 World Cup will feature 10 teams, a decrease from previous World Cups in 2011 and 2015 which featured 14 teams. In order to improve their ranking, they would have to rank up their wins and they could start by winning the final match in the ODI series against West Indies.
If the rankings remain the same, Pakistan would have to take on Afganistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland in the qualification tournament which will take place in 2018 at Bangladesh. Although it might be an easy route for them, they would look to qualify automatically and avoid this tedious route.
Afghanistan are looking an extremely strong and motivated unit and they would be the favourites to qualify as well. They recently registered a hard fought victory against Bangladesh in the 2nd ODI of the 3 match series which they eventually lost.
With the 3rd and final ODI between West Indies and Pakistan set to take place on Friday at Sharjah, all eyes will be on Pakistan as they look to remind the world of what they’re truly made of.