Arthur overseeing a Pakistani revolution

Lahore – Pakistan have long been regarded as one of cricket’s most unpredictable sides, but now their long-suffering fans can finally enjoy the benefits of a new level of dependability, at least in the shortest format of the sport.

Consistency has never been a strong point for Pakistan, who, over the years, have built a formidable reputation as a side with a legendary ability to self-destruct.

Their penchant for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory has made supporting them a health hazard, but under Sarfraz Ahmed’s leadership, Pakistan have become a winning machine in Twenty20 internationals.

When they completed a 3-0 whitewash over New Zealand earlier this month, it marked a teamrecord 11th consecutive series victory and consolidated their position as the world’s top-ranked Twenty20 team.

“They have been outstanding for a long period of time and the ratings are fair. They are the number one,” New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said after losing the series in the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan impressed early in the format, finishing runners-up in the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 before winning the title two years later.

However, a failure to reach the knockout stages of the tournament in 2016 prompted important changes in personnel, with Sarfraz being elevated to the captaincy and South African Mickey Arthur replacing Waqar Younis as coach.

Since then, Pakistan have won 29 of 33 Twenty20 Internationals.

“The difference in this team is that we have a host of new faces, so the energy level is very high,” Sarfraz (right) told reporters prior to the series against New Zealand.

Paceman Shaheen Afridi (18) and all-rounder Shadab Khan (20) hold immense promise, while Babar Azam and Hasan Ali (both 24) as well as Fakhar Zaman (28) look at their prime.

Yet they can always turn to Mohammad Hafeez (38) and Shoaib Malik (36) when they need advice from an older head.

Arthur’s team have built a solid game based on their versatile bowling attack which is complemented by a consistent batting philosophy best illustrated by Babar, currently the top-ranked Twenty20 batsman in world cricket. – Reuters