Pakistan’s batting coach wants the team to develop greater depth, adaptability and match-winning consistency as preparations intensify for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Pakistan batting coach Michael Smith has outlined his strategy for strengthening the national team’s batting lineup ahead of a demanding year of One-Day International cricket, with the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup serving as the ultimate target.
Pakistan will compete across various venues and playing conditions during the next 12 months before the World Cup, scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November 2027. Smith believes exposure to different pitches and bowling attacks will be essential to preparing the squad for the tournament.
Pakistan Batters Face Crucial Preparation Period
Pakistan have several experienced batters available, including Babar Azam, who has registered 20 ODI centuries in 143 matches, and Salman Ali Agha, who has scored more than 1,000 ODI runs since the previous World Cup in 2023.
Fakhar Zaman also remains an important part of the batting setup. Pakistan’s only double centurion in ODIs, Fakhar has recorded three of the team’s four highest individual scores in the format, including impressive performances in Bulawayo and Johannesburg.
The squad also features emerging players such as Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig. All-rounders Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf and Arafat Minhas could provide valuable contributions in the lower order.
Michael Smith Emphasises Batting Adaptability
Speaking to PCB Digital during Pakistan’s training session, Smith highlighted the importance of playing on different surfaces. He said the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka provided useful experience on pitches offering additional pace and bounce, conditions the team could encounter during the World Cup.
Smith explained that successful batters must learn to solve problems during matches, make sensible decisions and adjust their approach according to the situation. He believes the best players understand what their team needs and can adapt their natural game accordingly.
The coach also stressed that Pakistan must develop alternatives in every batting position rather than depending on only two or three established performers.
Building Squad Depth and a Winning Mentality
Smith wants the upcoming ODI tri-series to mark the beginning of a sustained period of improvement. He acknowledged the challenge of providing opportunities to numerous talented players while maintaining competitive results.
According to the batting coach, a strong learning environment where senior players share their experience with younger teammates will help establish consistency and confidence.
Pakistan’s immediate objective is to win matches while identifying reliable options throughout the batting order. Smith believes consistent success over the coming year will strengthen the team’s confidence and improve its chances of delivering a competitive performance at the 2027 World Cup.
The ODI tri-series will therefore provide an important opportunity to assess Pakistan’s batting resources and build the foundations for the global tournament.