‘Every team prepares pitches that suit them’ – Shaheen defends Pakistan pitches | Cricket Analysis

The recent three-match One-Day International (ODI) series between Pakistan and Australia was largely overshadowed by extensive discussions regarding the nature of the pitches. Throughout the series, contested across Rawalpindi and Lahore, Pakistan strategically employed slow, turning wickets to maximize their inherent advantages against an Australian side that was already under-strength due to the absence of several key players.

Pakistan ultimately secured a convincing 2-1 series victory after a thrilling low-scoring contest at the Gaddafi Stadium. However, this success sparked a considerable debate within the country: did this triumph genuinely contribute to Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in southern Africa next year, where conditions are widely expected to favor fast bowling?

Shaheen Afridi’s Robust Defense of Home Pitches

Addressing the criticisms head-on, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi strongly defended his team’s approach to pitch curation. He asserted that preparing conditions to suit the home side’s strengths is a common and legitimate strategy in international cricket.

“There are 15 months to the World Cup,” Afridi stated. “Every team prepares pitches that suit them when they play in their backyard to win.”

He further elaborated on Pakistan’s long-term vision, highlighting that players would gain crucial experience on varying surfaces through upcoming Test series in places like the West Indies and England. Afridi also referenced past tours, noting, “We played on green and bouncy pitches when we went to Australia under [Mohammad] Rizwan’s captaincy and we won that series. You cannot offer them green wickets when they come here because we have to win.”

Acknowledging the challenging nature of the surfaces, Afridi remarked, “These were tough wickets, and scoring runs or spending time on them was not easy. We have time on our hands before the World Cup and we will prepare pitches of different characteristics as well in the build-up.” This indicates a planned and adaptive approach to future preparations, not a static reliance on spin-friendly tracks.

The World Cup Preparation Debate

The strategic choice of pitches ignited a broader discussion about its implications for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Prior to the second ODI, Mike Hesson, a prominent figure in cricket analysis, had already weighed in on the Rawalpindi pitch debate. In a post on X, he contended that not all venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia possess surfaces with inherent pace and bounce. Hesson reassured fans that the team would be preparing for “a variety of conditions” in the lead-up to the quadrennial event, emphasizing a holistic approach rather than focusing solely on one type of surface.

The underlying concern was whether playing predominantly on turners would adequately prepare Pakistani batsmen and bowlers for the faster, bouncier tracks typically encountered in southern Africa. Afridi’s defense, however, underscores a philosophy of securing immediate victory at home while planning for diverse conditions in the future.

Experimentation and Emerging Talent

Beyond the pitch discourse, Pakistan’s think-tank has been keen on experimenting with youngsters in bilateral series this year, aiming to deepen their player pool before the 2027 World Cup. This strategy was evident even before the Australia series, with Pakistan handing six debuts across three ODIs in Bangladesh.

In the series against Australia, left-arm orthodox spinner Arafat Minhas made his ODI debut in the opening match in Rawalpindi. Minhas started his ODI career in spectacular fashion, securing a record five-wicket haul and becoming the first Pakistani to achieve such a feat in his maiden appearance in the format. His all-round contributions throughout the series also earned him the player of the series award, highlighting the success of the team’s youth policy.

Despite the initial debuts, no further fresh faces were introduced in the second and third ODIs, as Pakistan opted to play the same side across all three matches. This decision, while perhaps limiting opportunities for uncapped players like Ahmed Daniyal and Rohail Nazir who warmed the bench, suggested a desire for continuity and cohesion within the playing XI.

Shadab Khan‘s Crucial Return and Performance

The recall of Shadab Khan to the squad for these matches generated significant discussion, marking his first appearances in the format since the 2023 World Cup. Initially, Shadab struggled with the ball in the first two matches, emerging as the most expensive bowler across both teams. However, he showcased commendable discipline in the final match, demonstrating his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.

Crucially, Shadab’s maturity with the bat proved to be a game-changer. In the second ODI, he crafted a resilient 71 runs off 104 balls, keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive after Australia had dismantled the hosts’ batting lineup to successfully defend a target of 231 runs by 41 runs. His composed 29 not out off 42 balls in the crunch chase of 158 in the decisive third match was instrumental in guiding Pakistan over the line. This half-century in the second match was his first in four years, with his last notable batting performance being against West Indies in Multan in June 2022. This return to form with the bat underscored his value as a seasoned all-rounder.

Afridi acknowledged the positive impact of senior players, stating, “But the biggest positive was Shadab Khan’s performance. Everyone questioned why he was getting opportunities regularly. But, I feel, it is only mature players who can win you such [close] matches in tough conditions. He bowled with control and took two wickets.”

Looking Ahead: Pakistan’s Future Engagements

Pakistan now enjoys a rare break of approximately a month and a half before embarking on their Test tour of the West Indies. Following this, they are scheduled to travel to England for a three-Test series. Later in the year, likely in October-November, Pakistan is set to host Sri Lanka for a full tour, which is expected to include white-ball matches. These upcoming fixtures will provide further opportunities for the team to continue their preparations, experiment with strategies, and develop their squad depth, all while aiming for consistent success on the international stage.