Former skipper Shahid Afridi considers the returns of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz as a major boost to Pakistan's bowling attack at the World Cup 2019. Afridi believes this has definitely added the right mix of experience and youth in the team across both departments and the move shall see Sarfaraz Ahmed's men go a long way in the tournament, beginning May 30.
"I think this team has the right combination," Afridi could be heard saying in a video posted by Pakistan Cricket Board’s official Twitter handle on Thursday (May 23). "The best thing is (that) batting used to be a constant worry for us but our batsmen are now in good form."
While Pakistan's bowling struggled to restrict a rampaging England batting line-up in the just-concluded ODI series in UK, its batting made 340-plus totals in three of the four games which were completed.
But the team eventually lost the five-match contest 4-0, continuing a disastrous run of results after the 5-0 series whitewash at the hands of Australia in UAE this March.
"We did quite a few experiments with the side. We rested the seniors in the series against Australia, giving chance to youngsters," Afridi insisted. "Our bowling struggled before the World Cup I think because they lacked experience there."
"Now Wahab Riaz, (leg-spinner) Shadab Khan and Mohammad Amir are back and it’s a well-balanced team. We should not have any excuse now."
Pakistan begins its World Cup campaign on May 31 at Trent Bridge against the West Indies, and the consistency will definitely be key if this team is to repeat the historic triumph of Imran Khan's men in 1992.
"It’s very important to win the first couple of matches to build momentum. Our youngsters are capable of beating any team in the world. I see Pakistan as one of the teams in the semi-finals and, God willing, I’m confident they’ll play the final too," Afridi added.
"Pressure is inevitable in international cricket. It tests a player and his mental strength. But the World Cup is also a great opportunity to become a hero with the whole world looking at you."
(Inputs from Reuters)
