ICC World Cup 2019: 5 reasons why Pakistan can win the tournament
Pakistan has always been the dark horse of cricket. On their day, they can beat anyone in world cricket. In the past, they have caused major upsets by beating teams who looked better than them on paper. The best example of it is the 2017 Champions Trophy final where they went on to beat the title-favorites, India. However, it is the lack of consistency which lets them down time and again.
The 2019 edition of the World Cup is scheduled to be held in England and Wales. England has always been a happy hunting ground for Pakistan and they have enjoyed great success in multilateral tournaments held there.
The current Pakistani team has many match-winners in their lineup and is fully capable of lifting the trophy on 14 July. Through this article, we will explain why Pakistan are strong favorites for the 2019 World Cup.
#1 Exciting young talent
Pakistan possesses some of the most talented youngsters in world cricket. With the bat, they have the solid Imam ul Haq at the top. Imam has shown great consistency with the bat of late. He is joined by the exciting Fakhar Zaman who smashed a brilliant double hundred last year against Zimbabwe in ODIs. Zaman is capable of giving the team fast starts at the top.
Then there is the ever reliable Babar Azam to guide the team home at the number 3 position. With the ball, the rise of Shaheen Shah Afridi as a genuine wicket-taking threat has added more teeth to the Pakistani pace attack. Shaheen Afridi was very impressive with the ball against South Africa in the Tests and has carried on his good form in the limited-overs leg of the tour.
Add to that the wrist spin of Shadab Khan and you have a complete bowling attack. Shadab is also very handy with the bat down the order.