ICC World Cup 2019: Mohammad Yousuf names the favourites to win the tournament

ICC Cricket World Cup is all set to take place in England from 30th May next year as the 10 participating teams are gearing up for the mega event. Australia are the defending champions after winning the title for the fifth time in 2015 at home. The format of the tournament though has been changed this time around and every team will face the other 9 teams in group stage. However, the former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf is also excited for the even and has named the favourites to lift the title.

Yousuf, during his illustrious career, was one of the most reliable middle-order batsmen for his country. He played 288 One-Day Internationals for Pakistan and went on to score 9720 runs at a brilliant average of over 40. His 15 centuries and 64 half-centuries are the testimony of the fact that he was an exceptional middle-order batsman. Yousuf also represented his country in 90 Tests which is by no means a joke.

Who are the favourites?

Mohammad Yousuf, while speaking to Pak Passion, tipped Pakistan to win the World Cup next year and believed that their balanced bowling attack will make the difference on flat decks. He feels that it is important to take wickets in the middle overs and the Men in Green possess that ability.

“I think Pakistan are the favourites. I say that because I feel they have the best bowling attack, particularly on flat tracks. When I say best, I mean they have the best-balanced attack. An attack which can take wickets regularly and not let the opposition settle. On the sort of flat tracks that will be available in England at that time, the team with the best bowling attack will succeed. I believe that bowling attack belongs to Pakistan,” he said.

India and England also have a chance

The 43-year-old also backed India and England to turn the tables on other teams. However, he was also quick to address the issues of his neighbouring country in the pace department.

“India has a wonderful array of batting talent, but I think there are some doubts over their bowlers particularly their pace bowlers as was evident in the recent One-Day series against England. Coming to the hosts, I feel that England will have home advantage and they are looking formidable at the moment in One-Day cricket, and they will be a force at the World Cup,” Yousuf added.

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