KARACHI: One of Pakistan’s major grey areas at the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka is the lack of impact players which could severely hamper their prospects of winning their second global title, according to former skipper Ramiz Raja.

Pakistan, winners of the recent Twenty20 series against Australia in Dubai, have always been considered an unpredictable lot on the field. The latest example of this was in the final game against George Bailey’s team when they stumbled to their heaviest ever defeat — by 94 runs — in the shortest format after getting bowled out for 74 while chasing 169.

Ramiz, now a respected globe-trotting commentator/analyst on cricket, expressed concerns over fragility of Pakistan batting in the aftermath of that particular fixture while talking to Dawn on Sunday.

“May be it wasn’t that surprising a result for Pakistan fans who are becoming quite used to such jolts from nowhere! What was surprising, however, was the margin of defeat and the speed with which Pakistan nose-dived from sublime to ridiculous,” Ramiz commented.

“Pakistan’s biggest problem is their batting as it fires spasmodically. It lacks impact players that can change the flow of the game and snatch the initiative and tempo back from the opposition. This fallibility would obviously cost them dear at the World Twenty20 if they don’t overcome it quickly.”

Ramiz, however, backed Pakistan to do well at the mega event despite their batting shortcomings, while saying Mohammad Hafeez’s men biggest challenge would come from their Asian rivals.

“Despite all their batting limitations Pakistan still remain hot contenders to lift the trophy. Their rich World T20 history [runners-up in 2007, winners in 2009 and semi-finalists in 2010] plus spin bowling and good all-round talent in helpful conditions add strength to their chances,” he opined. “But the biggest threat to this dream will come from Asian sides such as India, Sri Lanka and even Bangladesh who are more adept at playing spin in subcontinent conditions. They [Pakistan] need consistency to threaten top teams.

“However, Pakistan’s winning of the T20 series in Dubai was extremely valuable as it would create a feel good factor and confidence leading to the World Tweny20. They were a better side than Australia and the results showed it too.”

When asked how he compared this side with the outfit that won the 2009 World Twenty20 in England, Ramiz said such a notion is pointless because of the changed outlook of the squad.

“It is extremely difficult to compare the current lot to the one that won the title as personnel have changed. Spin bowling is Pakistan’s main strength now but as I have said earlier the batting is a ‘big’ worry. T20 is now played with more planning than a few seasons back; there is science to it and there is more at stake as the format has taken off. Moreover, the competition and standard of teams both have improved. This is going to be one of the most open World Twenty20 in my opinion,” Ramiz, a one-time chief executive of the PCB, reasoned.

He singled out Nasir Jamshed as Pakistan’s biggest gain in the Australia series and praised Hafeez’s return to form and his captaincy.

“Undoubtedly Nasir Jamshed batted brilliantly. He appears to have extra time to play pace. Umar Gul looked to be in rhythm and Hafeez made a welcome return to form. Saeed Ajmal yet again confirmed his status as the best spinner in the world.

“A healthy cricket environment in the dressing room in fact has helped to introduce a separate captain for T20 cricket. In the past there used to be such a politically-charged atmosphere that such a concept was unfit to be entertained. Hafeez comes across as a captain who is keen to assign roles to the players. If he can pick the right players, identify young talent, is not insecure, and is allowed to be strong, he can be in the seat for a long time,” Ramiz remarked.

He feared that Umar Akmal’s time as a international cricketer is running out unless he produces big innings regularly.

“Umar Akmal is loaded with potential. However, he has to manage this talent cleverly and translate this potential into consistent performances. Time to walk him by holding his hand is running out,” Ramiz said.

In the end, he hoped that Javed Miandad’s induction as the batting consultant before the event starts could help change the team’s way of thinking. “His greatest value would be describing a winning mindset to the team, how to win battles mentally. Javed was very good at that.”