Armed with a fearsome tempo assault and enjoying in residence situations, hosts Pakistan could possibly be a drive to reckon with in the Champions Trophy although they are going to miss opener Saim Ayub, reckons former India coach Ravi Shastri.
Defending champions Pakistan head into the Champions Trophy driving excessive on three consecutive ODI sequence victories over South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australia.
“I believe Pakistan are the type of aspect that, with the publicity they’ve had within the final six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have put up some actually sturdy performances, particularly in South Africa,” Shastri informed The ICC Overview.
Regardless of the absence of the injured Ayub, who has grow to be an important cog within the Pakistan aspect, Shastri stays assured within the workforce’s depth.
“They’ve missed Ayub on the high, and he is a vital participant. However Pakistan have sufficient depth to be harmful, particularly in residence situations. I’d say they need to qualify for the semi-finals and from there, it is anybody’s recreation.” Shastri is definite that, ought to Pakistan make it to the knockout levels, they are going to be a formidable risk to any workforce.
“Pakistan are nonetheless very, very harmful, and in the event that they qualify, they’re going to be doubly extra harmful.” Echoing Shastri’s ideas, Australian legend Ricky Ponting targeted on Pakistan’s deadly tempo assault that features Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.
“I agree with Ravi. Saim Ayub is a high-quality participant, and his absence is a large hole to fill,” Ponting mentioned.
“However Pakistan’s quick bowling brigade could be very, excellent. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who’ve been terrific in latest sequence, they’ve the tempo and talent to hassle any batting line-up.” Since coming back from South Africa, the place he notched three consecutive fifties, former skipper Babar Azam’s type has dipped. Ponting mentioned his type might be essential for Pakistan.
“Babar has been a bit up and down lately, but when he and (Mohammad) Rizwan can convey their A-games, that’s when Pakistan turns into extremely harmful,” Ponting mentioned.
“They’ve nonetheless received sufficient high-quality gamers to beat any workforce on any given day. In the event that they play effectively, they’ll be proper in it.” Ponting additionally acknowledged the added dimension that enjoying in entrance of a house crowd can convey. “The stress of enjoying at residence can work each methods. It may be an actual motivator, particularly with the house crowd behind you. That help can typically aid you cross the road in large moments,” Ponting mentioned.
Pakistan will start their Champions Trophy marketing campaign towards New Zealand in Karachi on Februrary 19 earlier than taking over archrivals India on February 23 in Dubai.
Printed – February 10, 2025 01:20 pm IST
