World Cup preview: Pakistan

The squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Haris Sohail, Hassan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Hasnain

Who are they missing: Junaid Khan and Abid Ali were in Pakistan's initial 15-man squad but were replaced by fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah also missed out to Shadab Khan.

Form line (most recent first): LLLLNrLLLLL

The 2015 result: Quarter-finals

Best finish: Winners (1992)

The big question: Can Pakistan repeat their 2017 Champions Trophy heroics? Two years ago, few experts gave Pakistan a chance in the Champions Trophy in England up against the likes of the formidable hosts and powerful Indian side captained by Virat Kohli. But after qualifying for the semi-finals with a tense win over Sri Lanka, Pakistan thumped both England (by eight wickets) and then India (by 180 runs) to shock the world and win the title. This 2019 Pakistan team is coming with a horrible recent record – they've lost their last 10 completed one-dayers – but have 10 players from the 2017 Champions League squad and thus the firepower and experience to spring another surprise.

Player to watch: Let's hope veteran Wahab Riaz can replicate his fiery form from the 2015 World Cup. Four years ago, the rapid left-arm quick tormented Australia's Shane Watson at the Adelaide Oval in their quarter-final clash, delivering a pulsating barrage of bouncers at the under-siege batsman. Riaz had Watson dropped at fine-leg after top-edging an uncontrolled hook shot, but that was the only chance the Australian offered as he saw off the brilliant, captivating spell. If it looks as though Riaz is one of those moods again be sure to turn stay tuned and watch the fireworks.

Don't be surprised if: Fakhar Zaman is near the top of the run-scorer's list by tournament end. The left-handed opener is ranked No.11 in the official ICC ODI batting rankings and owns an ODI double-century – 210no against Zimbabwe last year. He posted a century in the Champions Trophy final in 2017 and scored 138 against England at Southampton earlier this month. A quality player against seam, swing and spin, Zaman could be the surprise packed this tournament.

World Cup numbers

Team record: Matches: 71 | Won: 40 | Lost: 29 | Tied: 0 | NR: 2

Highest total: 349 v Zimbabwe, Kingston 2007

Lowest total: 74 v England, Adelaide 1992

Most runs: Veteran of six World Cups, Javed Miandad is Pakistan's leading run-scorer at the major one-day event. In 30 innings the right-hander scored 1083 runs at 43.32 with one century and eight fifties.

Most wickets: The 'white-ball wizard' himself, Wasim Akram, claimed 55 wickets at 23.83 in 38 matches to be Pakistan's most prolific fast bowler at World Cups. Akram was a dominant force in World Cups and was named player of the match for his 3-49 in the 1992 final victory over England at the MCG.

Most dismissals: Wicketkeeper Moin Khan collected 30 dismissals from 1992-1999 in just 20 matches, with 23 catches and seven batsmen out stumped.

The fixtures:

May 31 v West Indies, Nottingham, 7.30pm AEST

June 3 v England, Nottingham, 7.30pm AEST

June 7 v Sri Lanka, Bristol, 7.30pm AEST

June 12 v Australia, Taunton, 7.30pm AEST

June 16 v India, Manchester, 7.30pm AEST

June 23 v South Africa, Lord's, 7.30pm AEST

June 26 v New Zealand, Birmingham, 7.30pm AEST

June 29 v Afghanistan, Leeds, 7.30pm AEST

July 5 v Bangladesh, Lord's, 7.30pm AEST