Pakistan confident of doing well in tough group

“The win against South Africa has set the platform," says Pakistan team manager.

KARACHI:

It’s never easy to foresee Pakistan’s chances at any event due to their unpredictable and inconsistent nature — traits that have become trademarks of the mercurial side.

On a given day, they can conquer the mightiest and then go down without a fight the next.

But for many, Pakistan have a good chance of winning this ICC Champions Trophy considering the preparations Misbahul Haq’s men got ahead of the eight-nation tournament. While some term the squad inexperienced with the absence of Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul and Younus Khan touted as drawbacks, others say the team combination is a balance of youth and skill that can favour the side.

After being slammed for their below-par show during the South Africa tour, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the team management gave their best to prepare the team in the run-up to the event.



The One-Day Internationals against Scotland and Ireland were also crucial but their form left a lot to be desired. But a convincing win over South Africa in the warm-up game has raised the nation’s hopes once again.

Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema said the team was ready for the event.

“The team is focused on winning the title,” Pakistan manager Naveed Akram Cheema told The Express Tribune from London. “The win against South Africa has set the platform. There will be no easy games and we’ll play every match as the final. Our first challenge is to beat the West Indies in our opening game.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2013.