World Cup: Hafeez feels Pakistan are one of the favorites
The ICC World Cup 2019 is less than two months away and with each passing day the excitement level is taking shape. India and England are two strong favorites to lift the trophy and Australia with their latest resurgence are a threat as well. But what about Pakistan? Mohammad Hafeez feels that his side is also in the mix. Here's more.
Pakistan haven't enjoyed a strong run in ODIs
Pakistan have lost two successive ODI series against the likes of South Africa (3-2) and Australia (5-0) in recent times. Prior to that, they drew the ODI series against New Zealand (1-1). They had also exited the Asia Cup 2018 in the UAE. The phase has been a difficult one for the side and despite that Hafeez feels that Pakistan are among the favorites.
Hafeez bullish about Pakistan's chances
Speaking to GTV News network, Hafeez sounded bullish about Pakistan's chances. "Even from a critical point of view I think we are among the top three favorites for the World Cup. England is always favorites given the brand of cricket they are playing while India has developed a very good ODI side and have some great spinners in their line-up."
'I have a feeling we will do very well'
Hafeez sounded confident regarding his side doing well. "We have been playing together as a unit for a while now and we try to support each other a lot. I have a feeling we will do very well in the World Cup."
Pakistan will be looking for the support in England
Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 after beating arch-rivals India in the final in England. The Men in Green will be looking to stake a claim in a big tournament. They had also won the World T20 in 2009 in England. "Whenever we have played there the support has been immense and it also encourages the players to give their best."
Do Pakistan go in as one of the favorites?
The latest drubbing against Australia showed the weakness of Pakistan. They didn't field a strong side as well, but that is no excuse. The Asian side was outplayed across all departments and they never got past the line. Apart from a few individual shows, Pakistan lagged behind as a team. They do not have the momentum with them and that could be costly.
