‘Clinical’ Pakistan: An unstoppable force of intimidation

Pakistan's skilful all-round display against New Zealand on Tuesday, their 14th consecutive win at UAE, was no coincidence for the cricketing fraternity who are aware of what Pakistan historically brings to the game.

Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson had described Pakistan's latest performance as being 'clinical' -- a performance which was preceded by a devastating sandstorm that blew hot-favourites India away in the sides' first match of the Super 12 stage of the Men's ICC T20 World Cup.

"They played in the right spirit, I believe, and a great spirit," Williamson said post-match. "They're a very competitive, proud cricketing nation, and they showed that tonight." Even though the majority of critics were reluctant to count Pakistan as favourites leading into the tournament, at the same time very few could have placed a heavy bet against them.

With New Zealand having had hampered Pakistan's preparation -- by backing off from the series in Pakistan prior to world cup – and considering Pakistan's tough initial fixtures – against India and New Zealand -- to kick-start their world cup campaign were among many reasons why Pakistan was neither in or out as a serious contender for the tournament they had won in the 2009 edition.

So far in the marquee tournament, a menacing fast-bowling display of their three frontline pacers -- the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali – have continued Pakistan's defining legacy in the game. And combining the performances of their openers – Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan- against India, that broke the men in green's world cup jinx against their archrivals since 1992, has re-installed their reputation as a deadly force to be reckoned with.

And further considering their composed batting display at the death against the Kiwis from their middle-order batters – the likes of Asif Ali and experienced Shoaib Malik -- any side now up against Pakistan in the upcoming games, starting from Afghanistan on Friday, will suffer from serious intimidation, no doubt.