T20 World Cup 2024: Three things Pakistan must do to secure a place in Super 8

Pakistan's men's cricket team is facing a challenging situation in the T20 World Cup 2024 after consecutive losses to the USA and India. To advance to the Super 8, they need to win their remaining group matches against Canada and Ireland. Here are three crucial areas they must address to improve their chances:

### 1. **Utilisation of Powerplay**
The opening pair of skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan have struggled to provide strong starts. In the match against the USA, Pakistan lost three wickets and scored only 30 runs in the powerplay, with Babar contributing just 4 runs off 14 balls. Against India, Pakistan managed 35 runs for the loss of one wicket in the powerplay, compared to India's 50 runs, which set the tone for the match.

**Action Plan:**
- **Aggressive Approach:** The top order, particularly Babar and Rizwan, need to adopt a more aggressive approach in the first six overs, regardless of conditions.
- **Mindset Shift:** The team should aim for a minimum of 45-50 runs in the powerplay, even if it means risking a few wickets, to set a strong foundation.

### 2. **Rectifying Playing XI**
The team selection has raised questions, especially in the match against India where Pakistan went with one batter short and relied heavily on all-rounders. Imad Wasim batting at No.5 was a questionable decision, and Shadab Khan did not bowl a single over despite being primarily a bowler.

**Action Plan:**
- **Proper Balance:** Ensure a balanced team with a suitable mix of specialist batsmen and bowlers. Consider including Azam Khan in the middle order and pushing Iftikhar Ahmed higher up.
- **Utilize Spinners:** Include Abrar Khan in the playing XI, especially against Canada, to utilize his mystery spin. Shadab should be utilized for his bowling strength rather than just batting.

### 3. **Batting Order Adjustment**
Reverting to the Babar-Rizwan opening pair has not yielded the desired results. With Saim Ayub struggling and benched, there is a need to reconsider the batting order.

**Action Plan:**
- **Flexible Order:** Experiment with pushing Babar or Rizwan to No.3 to bring stability to the middle order.
- **Include Fakhar Zaman:** Consider opening with Fakhar Zaman, who has experience and success at the top order in ODIs and franchise leagues. His aggressive style could complement Rizwan's steadiness.

### Immediate Changes for Next Matches:
- **Revised Opening Pair:** Start with Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan to provide a right-left combination and aggressiveness.
- **Solid Middle Order:** Babar Azam at No.3, followed by Iftikhar Ahmed and Azam Khan, to ensure a strong middle order.
- **Effective Bowling Combination:** Include Abrar Khan and utilize Shadab Khan effectively as a bowler, alongside fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.

By making these adjustments, Pakistan can improve their performance and increase their chances of advancing in the T20 World Cup 2024.