Former Pakistan ODI captain Azhar Ali feels annoying with Pakistan’s unpredictable cricket but still believes that Pakistan can achieve success in the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
In their recent English tours, Pakistan has achieved some great successes in international cricket. They remarkably won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy in England under Sarfraz Ahmed‘s captaincy.
However, many cricket experts are not putting Pakistan national cricket team in the favourite seats for the upcoming Cricket World Cup in England and Wales. In recent times, the no.6-ranked ODI side Pakistan has failed to maintain their consistent performances in international cricket. But many experts have also added that Pakistan has enough potential to surprise in the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
Azhar Ali also believes that Pakistan can bounce back from anywhere and achieve success in the upcoming tournament.
The former ODI cricketer Azhar recently told ICC, “It’s annoying for us to keep being unpredictable, but it’s true. We know we can bounce back from anywhere and that makes us dangerous. Pakistan have done well in World Cups, even though no-one rates us that highly in the build-up. We always produce good performances so hopefully this will be a special one.”
These five ODIs will help us as well – Azhar Ali
Ahead of their upcoming Cricket World Cup campaign, Pakistan is currently busy to play five-match ODI series against the host side England. Before these ODI matches, Pakistan also played a T20I on this tour and England won that match by seven wickets in the last over. Azhar believes that these latest experiences can provide the benefit to Pakistan for the forthcoming Cricket World Cup.
Azhar added, “We always enjoy playing in England and have played a lot of cricket in England in the recent past. These five ODIs will help us as well. I’m looking forward to the summer, hopefully we can lift the cup.
“Wherever you’re playing, if you have information and experience of playing in the conditions. It will benefit Pakistan a lot. But all ten teams have potential to win games and we’ll have to see what kind of capability they have.”
After the ongoing ODI series, Pakistan will play two pre-World Cup warm-up matches and then they will begin their new Cricket World Cup journey.
The 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will run from 30th May to 14th July in England and Wales. The 1992 Cricket World Cup winners Pakistan will participate in this tournament along with nine other top teams. Pakistan will begin their upcoming Cricket World Cup journey on 31st May when they will face Windies at Trent Bridge.
Azhar Ali spoke about Mohammad Amir’s non-inclusion in the World Cup squad
Due to very much inconsistent performance in recent times, Pakistan selectors haven’t included Mohammad Amir in the initial 15-member World Cup squad. In the last 10 ODIs, the left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir managed to pick up only two wickets.
However, Amir is featuring in the ongoing ODI series in England. Azhar believes that Amir’s good performances in the ongoing series can open a chance for him to earn a call-up in the World Cup squad.
Azhar said, “It’s up to the selectors but Amir is definitely a very good bowler. He’s lacked form in a few ODIs and didn’t perform up to his potential, but we all know he’s world-class. It’s up to the management and selectors to decide whether he’s up to it or not. If he performs well against England, he might just get in the squad.”
Recently, the experienced all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has wished to return to the top-order batting. However, Azhar is happy with the openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman‘s performances as well as Mohammad Hafeez’s recent middle-order performances.
Azhar added, “I think Imam and Fakhar have been doing well up front. I’m sure they’ll go for the same combination at the top of the order. Hafeez wants to open but he has been doing very well in the middle-order. That’s the way it is right now but I’m sure the management are weighing up the combination right now.”
Mickey has done really well with the team – Azhar Ali
Under Mickey Arthur‘s ongoing coaching term, Pakistan has achieved massive success. Azhar has praised the South African for his high-level efforts which have helped Pakistan to grow up in international cricket.
Azhar claimed, “Mickey has done really well with the team. He has earned a lot of respect, so hopefully he can help us lift the World Cup, which is very important for all of us. He was with us when we won the Champions Trophy, when we won the No. 1 spot at Test level and became the No. 1 side in T20. He’s done a lot and he’ll be looking forward to cross another hurdle.”
Azhar Ali retired from the ODI cricket in last November. At present, he is playing only Test cricket for Pakistan.