Why do you feel that Pakistan can win the 2019 World Cup?

[MenInG]

Ok lets cut to the chase; Pakistani opinions about their team have changed drastically since the Champions Trophy victory and you wont find too many fans willing to overlook Pakistan as SERIOUS contenders for their second World Cup title.

So what makes Pakistan a top contender? Will the team go from strength to strength in the lead up to the tournament Or is there too much time left for this team to decay into just another participant

[another drop catch]

will reach semis then suddenly they will collapse like no tomorrow

[MenInG]

will reach semis then suddenly they will collapse like no tomorrow

sure - similar things were said of us in CT 2017

[Rana]

I personally think this new format will not suit Pakistan. It will genuinely be the top 4 best teams that will reach the semis. Considering Pakistan's knack of being unpredictable and inconsistent, It is really too difficult to say that they should secure top 4 spots. This is not the champion's trophy in which they could avoid having to face New Zealand and Australia.

That being said, If Pakistan can scrape through to the top 4, I will back them to win the tournament.

[ToeCrusher2]

sure - similar things were said of us in CT 2017

Teams take world cup way more seriously than CT and the format of world cup won't be as ridiculous as CT that a top team like Australia gets knocked out in group stage

[another drop catch]

sure - similar things were said of us in CT 2017

but. . . but. . . but . . . Everyday is not friday

[Rana]

When playing in England, 3 teams have surreal home advantage due to the fans.
1)England obviously
2)India make every game a home game with 85% of the crowed Indian supporters
3) Pakistan fans are a very loud bunch attending in big numbers, but are overpowered when the clash is against India.

This has actually been one of the main reasons why Pakistan have done so well in the past in ICC trophies in England. If Pakistan can make 7 of their matches feel like home games due to the crowed and momentum, it can be stuff of dreams!

[babajee]

Batsmen win you games. Bowlers win you tournaments.

Whilst our batting is still a work in progress we finally seem to have a world class bowling unit:

Amir
Hasan
Junaid/Rumman
Shadab
Imad

Coupled with our confidence from the CT, we will go into WC 2019 as major contenders InshaAllah.

[DRsohail]

Teams take world cup way more seriously than CT and the format of world cup won't be as ridiculous as CT that a top team like Australia gets knocked out in group stage

everyone takes ct seriously but when we win it it is not taken like that......and yes world cup will be very tough but we will be not out of the contest....

[ahsanimtiaz53]

What are you talking about for the past icc trophies? Before the 2017 Champions Trophy, Pakistan did not win a single game in 2013, even with their "home conditions".

[Nil Dhumrojal]

Personally don't think as bowlers won't win matches all the time and there are many hacks.

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Because Sarfraz is captain and we have quality 'team' players (except for few obvious ones).
This young lot think big unlike the previous ones who were happy with quarter finals and semi finals.

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Ok lets cut to the chase; Pakistani opinions about their team have changed drastically since the Champions Trophy victory and you wont find too many fans willing to overlook Pakistan as SERIOUS contenders for their second World Cup title.

So what makes Pakistan a top contender? Will the team go from strength to strength in the lead up to the tournament Or is there too much time left for this team to decay into just another participant

Excellent opening partnership
Almost all the middle order has an average above 45 post 2015
Gun bowlers like Amir,Hasan who all average below 25 in ICC tournaments
Superb all rounders like Imad,Hafeez,Shadab and many more upcoming ones like Faheem and Amir Yameen
All players are excellent fielders apart from maybe Hafeez and Amir
BEST POINT:A Captain with an attacking mindset like Sarfi

This is our best chance to win since 1999!

[Kohli, The King of Chase]

Pakistan is surely one of the contender, but can't assure they'd win.

Your best bet is, with this 11

1.Sahibzada
2.Fakhar
3.Babar
4.Haris
5 Hafeez(Either he or Malik could be there, not both)(6th bowler)
6.Imad(He bats well in England)
7.Faheem/ Shadab
8.Sarfraz(He's a floater, comes when wickets are tumbling)
9.Amir
10.Hassan
11.Junaid

12.Shahzad
13.Tallat/ Amin
14.Shadab/ Faheem
15.Rumaan

[Dingolfy]

You guys played brilliantly in CT after the initial loss to India.But one think which didnt get tested much is your chasing ability against big scores.Need to get the part ready before WC19.

[MMHS]

I think, here a scenario is given that PAK has win 2019 WC - OP's question is why that can happen according to individuals. I wrote that in other thread - this is exactly why I think PAK can win the WC in 2019

Standing right now, that 2019 WC is probably the most open WC since 1975 (when ODI game was baby), because of absence of any outstanding team. Aussies & SAF are probably at their weakest in last 25 years (AUS since 1985), India isn't that exciting either, while Poms will need to do lot more on field to match their off-field hype. Kiwis, SRL, WI are in serious decline; therefore I do believe that at least 7 teams including BD has a chance to make the SF, may be all 9 in this format - after that, it's about 2 outstanding day outs by any of the top 5 teams; which means any of AUS, ENG, IND, PAK, SAF can win it.

Yes, PAK can be one of those; but don't think unless there are 5/6 changes in the squad, it'll do so.

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/sh...2019-World-Cup

[PakLFC]

We have the potential to win it. Players like Hasan Ali and Fakhar must continue growing and developing then hit their peak at the right time.This is what happened when Wasim, Aaqib and Inzi hit top form in 1992 winning us the tournament. Likes of Shoaib Malik will also have key roles like Miandad did when we won it. Only thing is I don't see any Imran Khan in the current side.

[Syed1]

If Pakistan has to do well Fakhar, Babar, Haris/Amin, Imad, Shadab, Amir and Hasan would have to have a HUGE say in it.

Think we have finally have a good bunch of players who are upto world standard and can challenge the best of the best.

[akki]

How many tournaments finals and semifinals pakistan have been part of since 2011 world cup semifinal. Or this was only rarest of the rare occassion in this champions trophy??? Jusk asking.. Underdogs dnt usually win......

[Syed1]

How many tournaments finals and semifinals pakistan have been part of since 2011 world cup semifinal. Or this was only rarest of the rare occassion in this champions trophy??? Jusk asking.. Underdogs dnt usually win......

Yes because the 2011-2017 period will define how Pakistan will continue to do for the rest of their history. For your info from 2007-2012ish Pakistan had the highest appearance amongst all teams in semi finals and beyond.

[Benchwarmer]

Their World class Bowling Attack won't concede more than 270 in the world cup.
They've got it covered.

[akki]

Yes because the 2011-2017 period will define how Pakistan will continue to do for the rest of their history. For your info from 2007-2012ish Pakistan had the highest appearance amongst all teams in semi finals and beyond.

Acha 2007 me toh dono bhai ek din bahar nikle the world cup se......or mene toh ustime beech mostly lanka or australia hi dekhe ...baki chlo mann lende hi je keh reha hai......

[Abdullah]

We got an odi series 5 match just before the world cup against england. That has to help!!

[Wasim_Waqar]

Even I after 25 years of watching thought that our ability in ODIs to beat any team on our day had gone.

The CT has reignited Pakistan's ability to turn over any side.

Most of the teams could reach the semi-finals.

From our POV, I want to see Faheem play all our matches until the World Cup as he will be key.

Haris, providing he becomes better in the field, could also be a great asset.

The fans are our 12th man; at times in CT 2017 we dragged our team into key breakthroughs or partnerships. You can see how the players enjoy our fan support in England.

[MMHS]

We got an odi series 5 match just before the world cup against england. That has to help!!

It doesn't work that way actually, rather sometimes make it counter productive. For example, IND had 4 months' tour in AUS before 1992 WC, PAK played for 2 months in SAF before 2003 WC; ENG played a triangular in AUS before 2015 WC. In fact, most of the winners didn't even tour the host country in prior years or so.

I think, what matters most is landing in the host country long before the WC, so that the WC squad can focus on the task ahead. Often, such series becomes and scouting audition & players become too cautious, which results in picking wrong (read selfish) players. It'll be more helpful, if PCB names 16 players for WC before the ENG series & keeps the players there till end of WC.

[Shutdown Corner]

If Pakistan has to do well Fakhar, Babar, Haris/Amin, Imad, Shadab, Amir and Hasan would have to have a HUGE say in it.

Think we have finally have a good bunch of players who are upto world standard and can challenge the best of the best.

Bangladesh also thought the same after a few series wins on flat batting tracks and they don't have to worry about key players getting suspended for match-fixing every other year and ball tampering in the other years. PAK will do well to make the semis in a long tournament that requries sustained consistency.

[Leo23]

pak,ind and aus are the 3 clear favs.

[CadPakFan]

I think we can as long as we can learn to chase big totals like 300+

[Syed1]

Bangladesh also thought the same after a few series wins on flat batting tracks and they don't have to worry about key players getting suspended for match-fixing every other year and ball tampering in the other years. PAK will do well to make the semis in a long tournament that requries sustained consistency.

Yeah the Champions trophy never happened

[Dingolfy]

Their World class Bowling Attack won't concede more than 270 in the world cup.
They've got it covered.

Conceded more than 400 against England, consecutive 350 plus scores against Australia in Australia and 319 against India with an out of form Yuvraj.So, a big NO.You gotta find strong middle order batsmen who run hard ,hit long and most importantly soak up the pressure in chasing.

[KingKhanWC]

Pakistan are generally slow starters to tournaments so this format gives us a better chance unlike the 2007 where one loss to a minnow means youre out.

The fitness of the players has been a massive improvement, we dont really have any chubby guys in the field now. Maybe another boot camp with the Pak army before coming to England will help again. Along with fitness we have some excellent fielders now with no real passangers.

Pakistan has the best bowling squad in the world, no other team can select a world class bowling attack for all conditions. England pitches will again vary, some slow, some quick etc... Not only is the bowling attack varied but the bowlers are amongst the best. Amir, Hasan, Junaid, Rumaan, Sohail are world class limited over pacers who can bowl at any stage of the innings with all the toys needed.

Batting well, it can now must 270+ regularly, this can be enough to defend against anyone.

[MMHS]

Bangladesh also thought the same after a few series wins on flat batting tracks and they don't have to worry about key players getting suspended for match-fixing every other year and ball tampering in the other years. PAK will do well to make the semis in a long tournament that requries sustained consistency.

But, the tournament format supports PAK team - the slowest starters of the lot. So far, in recent years, the format that supported slow starters most was 1992, while least was 2007 ........

PAK players don't get any support what so ever from their home preparation - biggest/longest preparation at home they took was 2013 CT .....................

In 2009, before that ill fated SRL series, someone involved in PAK cricket for 6 decades, threatened SRL team with fast & bouncy tracks, those 4.5 innings possible in that series brought scores like 644/6, 765/5, 170/4, 650, 115/0 ....... and that was in FEB/MAR - had it been Apr_MAY, you can easily add 100+ in every innings with 1/2 wickets less .......... imagine after that same players facing 2 white Kookaburra under May sky in UK!

So, at least till there is some passionate people empowered to work behind the strategy & structure in PCB, the best that players can hope is a long tournament where they can shape their game alone & have enough time to urinate the rubbish that is intoxicated in their domestic style. That 2019 format actually allows players exactly that - if team isn't out by 5th match (10 points is required), I back PAK to make SF & may be the Final, as of what it is there.

Here fixture is very critical - PAK should hope that 1st 3 matches has IND & AUS in it - doesn't matter if it's IND/AUS or ZIM/AFG - first couple of weeks PAK team'll play amateurish game, probably'll lose both matches. Then if it's a situation that 5 wins required out of last 6 against Poms, NZ, SAF, WI, BD & SRL - be sure that PAK'll be in SF. After that, it's open tournament for which ever other 3 makes it there.

[Buffet]

Aus, Eng or Ind has the most chance. SA, Pakistan and NZ can win as well. There is no standout team in ODI right now.

[Justcrazy]

Pakistan need to get more depth in there batting.

[KingKhanWC]

We have to also remember this is two years away. Two years ago there was no Shadab, Hasan or Fakhar.

Im sure Pak will find another 3/4 future stars by 2019, hopefully there are 2/3 batsmen in this.

[jnaveen1980]

It was a miraculous journey for Pakistan in the CT in the later half. If they can repeat that they can win. Pak bowling clicked big time.

[Surf]

If Shahibzada Farhan gets in the team as soon as possible he can fill in the hard hitting opening slot along with Fakhar. Hafeez and Shoiab need to go right away as they neither can bowl are too old and fire rarely and be worse two years from now so instead Hussain Talat and Fahim at 6, and 7 as regulars then Im sure our batting will do very well.

But there's too much corruption and senior culture this will never happen.

[Snow]

It rains a lot in England. Same Format as 1992 and Rain

[Eagle_Eye]

If Pakistan has to do well Fakhar, Babar, Haris/Amin, Imad, Shadab, Amir and Hasan would have to have a HUGE say in it.

Think we have finally have a good bunch of players who are upto world standard and can challenge the best of the best.

I see you don't rate Sarfraz .... 7 or 8 starters and no mention of him as a captain or player....

I have been saying that all along, it these bunch of players that delivered us the ICC trophy.

[shariqnoor]

Unless Pakistan can find a finisher who can hit sixes at will ala Razzaq, I wouldn't put Pakistan as favorites. Plus Pakistan still has the problem of chasing. Our batting lineup struggles to chase 240. What will happen when we get 300+ scores? The overwhelming favorites are India who finally have a great bowling attack to complement their batting. I'm backing India to win their 3rd world cup.

[Abdullah]

It doesn't work that way actually, rather sometimes make it counter productive. For example, IND had 4 months' tour in AUS before 1992 WC, PAK played for 2 months in SAF before 2003 WC; ENG played a triangular in AUS before 2015 WC. In fact, most of the winners didn't even tour the host country in prior years or so.

I think, what matters most is landing in the host country long before the WC, so that the WC squad can focus on the task ahead. Often, such series becomes and scouting audition & players become too cautious, which results in picking wrong (read selfish) players. It'll be more helpful, if PCB names 16 players for WC before the ENG series & keeps the players there till end of WC.

That was how i was envisaging. Select the wc squad for the series.
It should be pretty easy as the sqaud picks itself right now.and im hoping/expecting for some stability given what the group avlchieved give or take a couple of additions
Injuries permitting of course

[Syed1]

Aus, Eng or Ind has the most chance. SA, Pakistan and NZ can win as well. There is no standout team in ODI right now.

I think Aus team is a little over-rated outside of home. It's been a while since they performed to potential and this present Aussie side is no where close to what we expect from Australia of yester-years. A distinct lack of ruthlessness.

England and India are genuinely good and have most bases covered when it comes to ODI cricket. Amongst the second tier I would rank Pakistan as having the highest chance, maybe because both SA and NZ play a very mechanical type of cricket. They have set plans and if executed properly it is a spectacle to watch, but as with tournament cricket nothing goes to plan and this where sides like NZ/SA falter.

[pakistanigoneaussie]

If Pakistan can get another opener and hard hitting middle order batsmen than the balance of the team will improve greatly.

That's why I have high hopes for Farhan and Talat in particular

[ToeCrusher2]

On Second thought, all the major achievements of pakistan team in the last 2 decades have come in England. They reached the final of world cup in England in 1999, they became t20 champions in 2009 in england, they beat australia in a test match after 15 years in 2010 again in England, the only major test nation outside the subcontinent where they were not whitewashed in the last 3-4 years and managed to earn a respectable draw was again England, they also won the latest CT in england, England is also the only country where amir is not a mediocre bowler .

So, in conclusion, England is the best place to play for pakistan, so they have more than a decent chance in 2019 world cup

[Shutdown Corner]

Yeah the Champions trophy never happened

It was a good week out of 52 in the year. How reasonable is to expect the same level of performance again? The only teams that CAN win in 2019 are England, India, South Africa and Australia. Saffers are chokers, England will choke no matter how strong they are in the lead up, and India won't win overseas when it really matters.

That leaves the Aussies as the only team that has any realistic shot at winning the 2019 WC.

[ego-gambit]

Better for pakistan to play as underdogs if they want to win wc 19 they can't handle favourites tag and succumb to pressure of high expectations.

[Usman Chadda]

Teams take world cup way more seriously than CT and the format of world cup won't be as ridiculous as CT that a top team like Australia gets knocked out in group stage

The hypocrisy from Indians is shameful to say the least. Back in 2013, the CT was considered as good as gold and anyone looking down upon it was considered petty. Not sure how old you are, but I've been around this forum long enough to remember how we were reminded of India's trophy cabinet (specially the Champions Trophy) every single second of the day.

Suddenly when Pakistan beats the living daylights out of you in the final of the same tournament that your country romanticised to the zenith back then, its not so important anymore.

[ToeCrusher2]

The hypocrisy from Indians is shameful to say the least. Back in 2013, the CT was considered as good as gold and anyone looking down upon it was considered petty. Not sure how old you are, but I've been around this forum long enough to remember how we were reminded of India's trophy cabinet (specially the Champions Trophy) every single second of the day.

Suddenly when Pakistan beats the living daylights out of you in the final of the same tournament that your country romanticised to the zenith back then, its not so important anymore.

I don't represent all Indians, every Indian isn't the same, maybe its news to you but every Indian has a different thought process, we are not a monolith. Just because some Indians rubbed salt into your wounds by gloating over CT trophy doesn't mean I also consider CT to be as good as gold. There is no hypocrisy here, only stupidity on your part for attacking my view on CT just because some Indians in the past had a different view about CT.

[Mp812]

The hypocrisy from Indians is shameful to say the least. Back in 2013, the CT was considered as good as gold and anyone looking down upon it was considered petty. Not sure how old you are, but I've been around this forum long enough to remember how we were reminded of India's trophy cabinet (specially the Champions Trophy) every single second of the day.

Suddenly when Pakistan beats the living daylights out of you in the final of the same tournament that your country romanticised to the zenith back then, its not so important anymore.

It goes both ways buddy for fans of both countries. You seem to have a hard time copping up.
T20Worldcup was a useless tournament for most Pakistani fans till 2009. It was not considered a cricket cup but a pyjama cup. Suddenly 2009 onward it was prestigious cup. Even if you ask today, the bowl out in T20 2007 is considered a joke because Indian bowlers hit the stumps more....but I am pretty sure if Pakistani bowlers had managed to hit the stumps it would have been a benchmark for bowlers accuracy 2007 onwards.

Similar case has been observed in a way that test ranking is flawed when India is no 1 but if Pakistan has it for even a month ...its correct method of ranking

[Syed1]

On Second thought, all the major achievements of pakistan team in the last 2 decades have come in England. They reached the final of world cup in England in 1999, they became t20 champions in 2009 in england, they beat australia in a test match after 15 years in 2010 again in England, the only major test nation outside the subcontinent where they were not whitewashed in the last 3-4 years and managed to earn a respectable draw was again England, they also won the latest CT in england, England is also the only country where amir is not a mediocre bowler .

So, in conclusion, England is the best place to play for pakistan, so they have more than a decent chance in 2019 world cup

On top of that England is also the place where we dished out an epic phainti of 338 runs on an over-rated and mediocre Indian side and then dismissed them for 158 handing out a proper 180 run beat down. England is happy hunting ground for us.

[indianpanacea]

Shehzad is fluke... Faster u get rid of him better for Pakistan. He is destined to fail in big tournaments

[indianpanacea]

Get umar akmal at top with fakhar
3.babar
4.Haris
5.sarfaraz
6.shoaib malik
7.fahim
8.imad
9.amir
10.junaid
11.hassan ali

[Dingolfy]

On top of that England is also the place where we dished out an epic phainti of 338 runs on an over-rated and mediocre Indian side and then dismissed them for 158 handing out a proper 180 run beat down. England is happy hunting ground for us.

The same mediocre Indian team smoked your bowlers to make 319 in the same tournament.And you struggled to chase a measly 236 against SriLanka in the same tournament.The moment somebody makes excess of 250 as a target, your boys start to sweat.So If I was you, I wouldn't be gloating much.

[Syed1]

The same mediocre Indian team smoked your bowlers to make 319 in the same tournament.And you struggled to chase a measly 236 against SriLanka in the same tournament.The moment somebody makes excess of 250 as a target, your boys start to sweat.So If I was you, I wouldn't be gloating much.

The thing is we only let people score more than 250 only once in five matches.


#best bowling in the world

[ego-gambit]

The thing is we only let people score more than 250 only once in five matches.


#best bowling in the world

Everyday is not Sunday so better develop power hitters & mentality to chase or set score in excess of 300+ rather than banking on bowlers each time else forget 2019 WC ;
All Teams wary of Pakistan this time.

[Syed1]

Everyday is not Sunday so better develop power hitters & mentality to chase or set score in excess of 300+ rather than banking on bowlers each time else forget 2019 WC ;
All Teams wary of Pakistan this time.

We have along way to go before we are in top three contention for 2019 WC. So let us enjoy this CT victory while it lasts

[yasir]

Teams take world cup way more seriously than CT and the format of world cup won't be as ridiculous as CT that a top team like Australia gets knocked out in group stage

You should be thankful that AUS got knockout, easy SF to India, you will not get BD in SF that's for sure, but sometimes that happens too, like 2007 or 2003 WC, when Kenya was in SF...

WC format is not that different in knockout stages, its only three matches. Most difficult team to beat this time around and in 2019 probably will be ENG (maybe AUS, but Strac is not guarantee, he is so important to AUS chances), India's bowling quality is still not there outside of Asia, I am not convinced they can win a tournament outside Asia...

Reason for our success was powerous of our bowling, knocking down top 4 opposition to less than 230 is no joke...If we have to do well in 2019, bowling again will be the key, Pakistan has more variety then even most western nations forget about Asian...Amir and Hasan are top tier fast bowlers, Amir is very familiar with English conditions, he would have more experience by 2019, Hasan is getting county contract too, that is even better for us... Who knows we may sort out batting by 2019. Raees, Shadab, Junaid or others will get better, Pakistan has variety and quality, that plays vital role in winning tournaments in west...Azhar (our coach) is very experienced in English conditions, that's was and will be great help...

At the end bowlers win you tournaments, specially in West. Pakistan has won T20 WC, CT and WC finalist in England only, not to mention 3 test series wins and a drawn full test series just last year, where nobody was able to win or draw series in almost a decade...

All signs are there that we will be force in WC 2019...Obviously, no team in like AUS of 2000 to guarantee WC victory, but we are right up there with rest of the favorites ATM, 2 years is still a long time, but its hard to get a world class fast bowler or even a spinner(although they won't be as important) in two years, whatever teams got is most likely will be in 2019, that's another plus for us

[ToeCrusher2]

You should be thankful that AUS got knockout, easy SF to India, you will not get BD in SF that's for sure, but sometimes that happens too, like 2007 or 2003 WC, when Kenya was in SF...

WC format is not that different in knockout stages, its only three matches. Most difficult team to beat this time around and in 2019 probably will be ENG (maybe AUS, but Strac is not guarantee, he is so important to AUS chances), India's bowling quality is still not there outside of Asia, I am not convinced they can win a tournament outside Asia...

Reason for our success was powerous of our bowling, knocking down top 4 opposition to less than 230 is no joke...If we have to do well in 2019, bowling again will be the key, Pakistan has more variety then even most western nations forget about Asian...Amir and Hasan are top tier fast bowlers, Amir is very familiar with English conditions, he would have more experience by 2019, Hasan is getting county contract too, that is even better for us... Who knows we may sort out batting by 2019. Raees, Shadab, Junaid or others will get better, Pakistan has variety and quality, that plays vital role in winning tournaments in west...Azhar (our coach) is very experienced in English conditions, that's was and will be great help...

At the end bowlers win you tournaments, specially in West. Pakistan has won T20 WC, CT and WC finalist in England only, not to mention 3 test series wins and a drawn full test series just last year, where nobody was able to win or draw series in almost a decade...

All signs are there that we will be force in WC 2019...Obviously, no team in like AUS of 2000 to guarantee WC victory, but we are right up there with rest of the favorites ATM, 2 years is still a long time, but its hard to get a world class fast bowler or even a spinner(although they won't be as important) in two years, whatever teams got is most likely will be in 2019, that's another plus for us

You should go back and check the rankings table again, 3 good matches doesn't wipe away 10 years of mediocrity, We also got bangaldesh in 2015 world cup QF, the thing is when you top your group, you more often than not get a weaker opposition in the knockout stage. India has been one of the most consistent teams in World tournaments in the last decade where as this was the first good world tournament for pakistan in 8 years, it amazing how 1 good tournament wipes the memories of pak fans of their past mediocrity

[Hasan123]

The Mickey Arthur and Sarfraz Ahmed effect.

[MenInG]

You should go back and check the rankings table again, 3 good matches doesn't wipe away 10 years of mediocrity, We also got bangaldesh in 2015 world cup QF, the thing is when you top your group, you more often than not get a weaker opposition in the knockout stage. India has been one of the most consistent teams in World tournaments in the last decade where as this was the first good world tournament for pakistan in 8 years, it amazing how 1 good tournament wipes the memories of pak fans of their past mediocrity

Its called progress and what history is full of.

[Justcrazy]

Sarfaraz will give his 100 % , there is no doubt about that.

[Leo23]

You should go back and check the rankings table again, 3 good matches doesn't wipe away 10 years of mediocrity, We also got bangaldesh in 2015 world cup QF, the thing is when you top your group, you more often than not get a weaker opposition in the knockout stage. India has been one of the most consistent teams in World tournaments in the last decade where as this was the first good world tournament for pakistan in 8 years, it amazing how 1 good tournament wipes the memories of pak fans of their past mediocrity

pak winning the champions trophy was reminscent to india winning the wt20 2007

young team,new captain and weren't considered among the favorites before the tournament. we will have a golden period like india had from 2007 to 2013 with players like dhoni,yuvraj,kohli,gambhir,ashwin,raina,zaheer etc

our backbone of the team sarfraz,hasan,amir,babar,azhar,shadab,junaid,fakha r,imad,shehzad etc will only get better from here on while you will be left to remember our mediocrity of the past

it must be painful for you as an indian fan that the dark days of misbah era are over and the next 5-6 yrs are going to be great for the men in green

[Napa]

I feel they can win if they reproduce their CT performance. Their batting is still shaky and needs luck to put up a big total, but their bowling is very good.

[msb314]

will reach semis then suddenly they will collapse like no tomorrow

Batsmen win you games. Bowlers win you tournaments.

Whilst our batting is still a work in progress we finally seem to have a world class bowling unit:

Amir
Hasan
Junaid/Rumman
Shadab
Imad

Coupled with our confidence from the CT, we will go into WC 2019 as major contenders InshaAllah.

Because Sarfraz is captain and we have quality 'team' players (except for few obvious ones).
This young lot think big unlike the previous ones who were happy with quarter finals and semi finals.

Excellent opening partnership
Almost all the middle order has an average above 45 post 2015
Gun bowlers like Amir,Hasan who all average below 25 in ICC tournaments
Superb all rounders like Imad,Hafeez,Shadab and many more upcoming ones like Faheem and Amir Yameen
All players are excellent fielders apart from maybe Hafeez and Amir
BEST POINT:A Captain with an attacking mindset like Sarfi

This is our best chance to win since 1999!

Pakistan is surely one of the contender, but can't assure they'd win.

Your best bet is, with this 11

1.Sahibzada
2.Fakhar
3.Babar
4.Haris
5 Hafeez(Either he or Malik could be there, not both)(6th bowler)
6.Imad(He bats well in England)
7.Faheem/ Shadab
8.Sarfraz(He's a floater, comes when wickets are tumbling)
9.Amir
10.Hassan
11.Junaid

12.Shahzad
13.Tallat/ Amin
14.Shadab/ Faheem
15.Rumaan

We have the potential to win it. Players like Hasan Ali and Fakhar must continue growing and developing then hit their peak at the right time.This is what happened when Wasim, Aaqib and Inzi hit top form in 1992 winning us the tournament. Likes of Shoaib Malik will also have key roles like Miandad did when we won it. Only thing is I don't see any Imran Khan in the current side.

If Pakistan has to do well Fakhar, Babar, Haris/Amin, Imad, Shadab, Amir and Hasan would have to have a HUGE say in it.

Think we have finally have a good bunch of players who are upto world standard and can challenge the best of the best.

pak,ind and aus are the 3 clear favs.

We have to also remember this is two years away. Two years ago there was no Shadab, Hasan or Fakhar.

Im sure Pak will find another 3/4 future stars by 2019, hopefully there are 2/3 batsmen in this.

The Mickey Arthur and Sarfraz Ahmed effect.

Sarfaraz will give his 100 % , there is no doubt about that.

I feel they can win if they reproduce their CT performance. Their batting is still shaky and needs luck to put up a big total, but their bowling is very good.

Hate to bump this thread but these comments seem hilarious now lol

[msb314]

Their World class Bowling Attack won't concede more than 270 in the world cup.
They've got it covered.

I guess not...

[msb314]

The Mickey Arthur and Sarfraz Ahmed effect.

Sarfaraz will give his 100 % , there is no doubt about that.

The irony is that Sarfraz now is part of the problem rather than the solution

[Itachi]

We have to also remember this is two years away. Two years ago there was no Shadab, Hasan or Fakhar.

Im sure Pak will find another 3/4 future stars by 2019, hopefully there are 2/3 batsmen in this.

Well.... It took a 180 degree turn.

[Napa]

Hate to bump this thread but these comments seem hilarious now lol

Seems like there are 2 Pakistani teams. One which just beat the #1 ranked England, and another which crumbled against the #7 ranked WI.

[Hasan123]

The irony is that Sarfraz now is part of the problem rather than the solution

The funny thing is a few months later I realised Sarfraz was a rubbish captain.