World Cup 2019: Shahid Afridi asks Pakistan team to play aggressive and positive cricket

The Pakistan team is in England playing the ODI series against the hosts before they finalize their squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. They now have four games to finalize their best combination for the upcoming event and former captain Shahid Afridi believes that they can make it into the semi-finals at least.

Pakistan will also believe that they can do great in the tournament, as they last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, beating India in the finals under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed. The team has been under fire recently, losing the five-match ODI series in the UAE to Australia 5-0, thanks to the selectors choosing to rest the six of their best players. But the team has bounced back in the practice matches in England with Imad Wasim scoring a hundred and bowlers showing some great skills.

Shahid Afridi says Pakistan should play positive cricket

As the countdown to the start of the World Cup begins, the Men in Green have the best chance to adapt to the conditions given that they are playing in England at the moment. Therefore, former captain, Afridi feels that the players should play positive and aggressive cricket with all seriousness.

“My advice to the boys is to play positive and aggressive cricket. [The] players will have to play each game as if it is their last game, seriousness should be there in every game. I have no doubts that this team can be among top four teams of the World Cup if boys play according to their potential,” Afridi was quoted as saying by Geo.tv.

The retired all-rounder pointed out that the format of the tournament suits the Pakistani team well, as they are known to start a bit shakily. Having 9 games in hand given them a chance to bounce back later in the tournament as well. Also, he reminded that the batting has to click during the mega ICC event, as the modern-day game has transformed a lot from his days.

Sarfaraz Ahmed should bat higher, advice Afridi

Afridi also called for the captain to bat higher up the order to make use of the majority of deliveries. “I have always said that Sarfaraz batting at the top will always be beneficial for Pakistan cricket team,” he said.

The former skipper also said that Pakistan should utilize the remaining four ODIs against England wisely and test out as many playing combinations as they want to be sure of the best XI which will step into the field in the World Cup.

“We now have four games left before World Cup commences … do as many as experiments you want, test as much as combinations you want, but enter the World Cup with [your] chin high and confidence and give your best,” Afridi signed off.

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