Pakistan, Scotland clash beyond the clamour for net run rates

The 2021 T20 World Cup may have reached a stage where the result of every contest seems to have a bearing on not only the teams playing the match, but also the rest in the group. Those with the calculators are working overtime, and amidst all the chaotic calculations, comes a rather innocuous contest between Group 2 table toppers Pakistan and an inspired Scotland, who have punched above their weight.

Irrespective of who wins the contest, Pakistan have a ticket to the semifinal while Namibia stand no chance of qualifying. Yet, for whatever its worth, there will be a few boxes to tick for both the teams.

For Pakistan, it will be the form of Fakhar Zaman. The southpaw had come into the competition on the back of a couple of good knocks in the warm-ups. Still, he is yet to give the in-form openers the cushion at No 3. The veteran duo of Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik may have made an impact in the limited deliveries they have faced so far, but would want to spend more time in the middle.

Even as none of Pakistan's bowlers have disappointed, only Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have delivered match-turning spells so far in the tournament. Hasan Ali bowled a miserly spell in the previous game, but is yet to stamp his authority - much like the spin duo of Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim. Their good form though has ensured that Pakistan haven't had to rely much on their sixth bowling option - which can be split by Hafeez, Malik and Asif Ali.

Scotland don't have as many corrections to make, but a win in the Super 12s to end the campaign wouldn't be such a bad thing for a bunch of players who wished to be noticed by the member nations, a larger cricket-watching public and T20 franchises around the world.

When: Sunday, November 7, 2021, 6:00 PM (Local Time)

Where: Pakistan vs Scotland, Super 12 Group 2, Sharjah Cricket Stadium

What to expect: Pakistan, who had elected to bat against Namibia, would want to