Dallas, Babar Azam leads Pakistan into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, starting their campaign on Thursday against the United States at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas. The 2009 champions aim for a strong opening in the tournament, which commenced on June 1 in the United States and the Caribbean.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan’s schedule after the opening match includes a key game against India in New York on June 9, followed by matches against Canada and Ireland. The team’s performance in these matches will determine their advancement to the Super-Eight stage, with potential matches in Antigua and Barbados. Babar, ranked No. 4 in the world, leads a squad that includes seasoned players like Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan, alongside newcomers like Abrar Ahmed and Azam Khan.

Pakistan has a robust record in the T20 World Cup, having reached the finals in 2007 and 2022 and winning the tournament in 2009. With a success rate of 60.63% in World Cup matches, they are one of the top-performing teams historically. The squad is boosted by the return of Mohammad Amir, part of the 2009 winning team, and Imad Wasim, although Imad will miss the opening match due to a medical advisory.

The team’s strategy includes adapting to the diverse conditions in the USA and leveraging the flexibility of their player roles, aiming to overcome challenges from both familiar and new competitors in the tournament. Babar Azam expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and their commitment to representing Pakistan with distinction on the international stage.

As the tournament progresses, Pakistan looks to rekindle the triumphs of past victories while embracing the evolving dynamics of T20 cricket.