The 2019 ICC World Cup is just around the corner and it is expected to be an evenly contested tournament especially given the fact that all the teams will square up against each other at least once during the tournament which won’t allow any teams to complain about their particular group is an easy one or the group of death.
Despite Pakistan not being one of the top contenders to lift the coveted title, they have the ability to beat any team on their day and it was quite evident from the way they performed in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. After losing the group game against India by 124 runs, the Men in Green bounced back strongly to lift the title.
In the process, they defeated tough oppositions including England and India in the semi-final and the final respectively. They put up a sensational performance against India in the final and thrashed them by 180 runs to lift their maiden Champions Trophy title. During an interview with Gaurav Kalra, the Group Editor of Cricket Next, former India head coach and the leading wicket-taker for India in Tests, Anil Kumble stated that Pakistan on their day can make any team look foolish.
“That’s the ability they have. They surprise a lot of teams when they gel together. Pakistan has always done well in England so that will be a mantra. Pakistan has a good bowling line-up but needs batsmen to perform well. Experienced players like Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik will make the difference,” Anil Kumble said.
Pakistan has a pretty good side without a doubt but has failed against India in the World Cup on all 6 occasions previously. However, they have a good side and will look to better their record this time around. Meanwhile, they have 3 matches in the ongoing 5 match series against England so far despite putting up 340+ total on all 3 occasions.