Pakistan team was dealt a serious blow before the 2011 World Cup, after losing pace bowlers Muhammad Amir and Muhammad Asif. Fate dealt a similar blow to Pakistan just before the start of this World Cup as they lost pacer Junaid Khan due to injury and star spinners Saeed Ajmal and Muhammad Hafeez due to ICC ban.

This meant Pakistan pinned their hopes on the inexperienced Sohail Khan and Yasir Shah in their opening match against India, which they lost. Sohail delivered taking five Indian scalps that included key wickets of Virat Kohli and Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. His 55/5 return from ten overs against India have put added pressure on the pace bowler to spearhead the floundering Pakistan attack.

It remains to be seen whether Sohail can be the answer to Pakistan’s fast bowling woes despite high hopes.  The fast bowler no doubt delivered against India but his overall record suggests that depending on him to deliver every time could turn out to be a costly mistake. The rest of the Pakistan bowling attack needs to chip in with wickets if the team is to perform well.