Waqar Younis discusses about Pakistan's chances in World Cup 2019

Pakistan entered the Champions Trophy 2017 as underdogs. No one expected them to achieve big in the tournament but they stunned the cricketing world by defeating many title favourite teams to clinch the title. They played the final against their arch-rivals and crushed them to win the game by 180-run margin.

With Champions Trophy memories still afresh, former Pakistan bowler Waqar Younis feels the team has a fair chance of lifting the upcoming World Cup in the same country where Pakistan won the Champions Trophy. Waqar Younis played three World Cups and picked 22 wickets in the process.

Waqar backs Pakistan to win the World Cup 2019

“Pakistan won the Champions Trophy last year, so they know how to play here, and they won the first test match at Lord’s also,” said Waqar as quoted by the ICC official website. “Look back at the Champions Trophy and the team is building the confidence. The faith is coming. I will give fair chance to this Pakistan team for winning the World Cup.”

Pakistan has a good fan-base in England and there will be a good amount of pressure on the Asian side when they play the mega event next year. Pace legend went on to add that the hosting side will face the utmost pressure. The last two World Cups were won by the hosting sides – 2011 by India and 2015 by Australia. So, the pacer feels England will be prepared to have their hands on the trophy.

“Pressure is going to be there,” he further added. “Expectation comes from the entire country and there’s so many Pakistanis living in this country, so they’re going to travel around and there’ll be a lot of support for Pakistan. So there will be pressure, because supporters bring pressure with it, but they will enjoy it, hopefully, and do well.”

“It’s always a pressure for the hosting side,” added the former pacer. “The last couple of World Cups the host teams have won it, so that creates even more pressure. England know their game very well, they’re playing on their home ground but other teams are going to come prepared. I feel it’s going to be a good, hard-fought World Cup.”

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