5 reasons why Pakistan can win ICC World T20 2016

Pakistan team can win the World T20 if they play to their potentialWhen all the odds are stacked up against a particular entity, more often the not they come out punching back. Pakistan cricket currently is facing one such situation when nothing seems to be falling into place, and all experiments or the lack of it seems to be backfiring big time.Few are giving the team even an iota of a chance to even qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC WorldT20. Leave aside them clinching the trophy. But if Pakistan cricket is observed more closely and their history is tracked, one common denomination will surface- they can suddenly turn everything around and embark on a golden run to eventually lift the trophy. The 1992 World Cup is a shining example, where a cornered Pakistan side led by the inspirational Imran Khan defied all odds to emerge as World Champions.Hence, even if they are struggling there is no reason why they cannot turn the corner and play to the potential we know they are capable of.

#1 The Mercurial nature of Pakistan

The most mercurial cricket side can get on a run

Pakistan historically have always surpassed odds and have overcome great adversity and have surged at a time when even the most ardent supporters have given up all hope. The 1992 World Cup and the 2009 World T20 shine as prominent examples and are a beacon for triumphing over greater adversity than a general inability to inspire confidence in their supporters.

Moreover, when there are not many expectations attached there is a ‘nothing to lose’ approach that more often than not translates into inspired performances. Very often the weight of expectations can suppress teams, and Pakistan currently has no such expectations. Expect them to come out firing and if they are off to a positive start watch out for the underdogs.

#2 The form of Mohammad Amir

The progress of Pakistan depends on the form of Mohammad Amir

If Mohammad Amir had not been banned or 5 years, he might be giving Dale Steyn and James Anderson stiff competition for the tag of the best swing bowler. Ever since his return, Amir has proved that the spark he had shown 6 years ago is alive and kicking.

His spell against India in the Asia Cup is a testament to the fact that he remains one of the trump cards of Pakistan. Probably the wickets during the tournament will not suit him as much as they did during the World T20, but then watch out for his searing pace and menacing late swing.

Just as Wasim Akram inspired Pakistan in 1992, Amir might just emerge as the fulcrum around which the entire team rotates. And then there is the added incentive to prove his naysayers wrong, the progress of Amir is very much synonymous with the progress of Pakistan.

#3 The Afridi swansong

A carefree Afridi is needed by Pakistan, once again

An Afridi retirement is usually accompanied by the announcement that he is mulling a comeback. However, the recent performances of his side in the Asia Cup and his own personal form have pushed him to the brink, and hence, this tournament by all means will be his farewell series.

The maverick that is Afridi no doubt will want to prove a point for the final time. He need not look too far for inspiration. His performances in the semi-final and the finals of the 2009 World T20 in England should act as a catalyst for one final inspirational push.

Often a struggling captain results in a struggling team, and if Shahid Afridi can conjure up even half his potential the match winner will no doubt drag the entire team along with him. If the mind is clogged with poor personal form, the tactics on the field too becomes lacklustre. Hence, the performance of the captain is all the more important. Expect Afridi to finally take-off.

#4 The lethal bowling attack

The left-arm trio can have the potential to create havoc

The reason why Pakistan on many occasions in the recent past is capable enough to stage any sort of a comeback is primarily because of their bowling attack. The trio of left-arm seamers of Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz have established themselves as one of the nest fast-bowling attacks in the world currently.

The variety that these left-armers provide is quite unique. Where on one hand Amir swings the ball at pace, Irfan can trouble the batsman with the steep bounce he generates, and then there is the aggression of Wahab Riaz.

And then there is Shahid Afridi with his mixed bag and the bowling attack resembles a balanced look. No team with such a menacing bowling attack should ever be counted out.

#5 Afridi-Waqar combination

The same leadership duo oversaw Pakistan during 2011 World Cup

Pakistan reached the semi-finals of the 2011 Cricket World Cup held in India, under the guidance of Waqar Younis (coach) and Shahid Afridi (Captain). The same duo is in charge of the team once again and they are in India once again. A sterling resurgence cannot be ruled out considering the fact that the conditions and the thinktank are the same.

They reached the semi-finals in 2011, and if they manage to reach that stage this time around, anything can happen. Both Waqar and Afridi have come under intense scrutiny following the dismal Asia Cup outing and they must believe that they have the requisite potential to stage a comeback.

With a dynamic bowling attack at their disposal, if only the batting order is given a more settled look, watch out for Pakistan.