ICC World Cup 2019: Four reasons why Pakistan can win the trophy

As the cricket’s grand stage, the World Cup 2019, is approaching near, all the teams have started to find the right combination of eleven players they are going to field in the tournament. The aim of every team should be to find the best players from the bench strength and give them maximum game practice so that they get used to their position and responsibility in the team.

While the above procedure is proving fruitful to some teams, some teams are still finding it difficult to determine what their best combination could be for the next few months. One of the teams from the lot is India which is still finding it tough to solve their middle order batting conundrum even after trying every possible player from the bench.

On the other hand, neighbours Pakistan, after having a disgraceful Asia Cup 2018 decided to prepare its team for the World Cup and all of a sudden were successful in finding players who can win them the trophy second time in the history of cricket. The team has shown the unprecedented improvement in their way of playing by finding the right combination at every position. Recently, they gave tough competition to South Africa in their backyard although the team lost 3-2 but gained respect from cricket fraternity.

Here let’s list few reasons why Sarfaraz Ahmed’s team can be the contender to win the World Cup this year.

Good record in major tournaments in England

The venue for this year’s World Cup would be England and Wales which seem to be quite tempting for the Pakistan team as history shows that their performances have been exceptional in major tournaments held there. As soon as they get to play in English conditions, the team’s morale goes up and fans start to witness the performances none have ever imagined from the Men in Green.

It is noteworthy to mention that Pakistan have always performed exceptionally well in the major tournaments held in England: WC 1999 (Runners-up), T20 WC 2009 (Winners), ICC Champions Trophy 2017 (Winners). The team was unbeatable in 1999 World Cup until the final against the mighty Steve Waugh’s Australian team. So if we go by history, Sarfaraz’s team has the potential and players who can repeat the heroics of the 1992 World Cup.

Potent bowling attack for any condition

Pakistan is known to produce the best pace bowlers in the cricket’s history with bowlers like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Imran Khan coming from the nation. So, the green’s bowling attack has never been a concern as they are always rich in pace attack which is capable of demolishing even the best batting sides in the world.

Similarly, the current team under skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed also has a potent bowling attack which can be devastating and give nightmares to any batting unit in any conditions especially England where overcast conditions can make the ball move initially. Alongside a fiery pace battery, the team has competent spinners like Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim who can play a decisive part in the middle overs by picking crucial wickets.

The bowlers showed what they are capable of in the Champions Trophy 2017 where the likes of Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, and Imad Wasim destroyed the Indian batting attack, known as the best, in the final. However, the tough task in front of the team management would be to pick the best four or five bowlers from so many quality bowlers available.

Team’s Unpredictability

Pakistan team would be entering the World Cup as underdogs with no one expecting them to win the esteemed trophy. However, if we see the history of the team it has the reputation to surprise everyone with its unexpected performances where on its day it can take the opposition by surprise, outperforming them, an example can be the Champions Trophy 2017 in England.

With no one expecting them to win the World Cup, Sarfaraz’s team would be entering the tournament with very less pressure on them. So given the strength of the team, it can produce some unpredictable performances and can upset the best teams in the tournament and ultimately win the title. Their unpredictability would be their biggest strength in the extravaganza that can lead them to the trophy.

Sarfaraz Ahmed’s record of winning big trophies as Captain

Skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed’s record as captain in the ICC tournaments is phenomenal as he has lifted the major trophies twice: U-19 World Cup (2006) and Champions Trophy (2017) and both times they beat arch-rivals India in the final. The 31-year-old would be entering as the skipper for the first time in 50-overs World Cup for the men’s senior team and may even have the luck factor under his belt.

The Pakistan skipper has done so much hard work in re-building the team and also its confidence after taking the reins of the struggling team. Under his captaincy, the team has built a reputation of beating any team in the world. Also if his captain’s luck comes in handy in England then nobody can stop the team to win the trophy at the renowned Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

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