Pakistan got good chance of winning World Cup 2019, says Shoaib Malik

They haven’t tasted the same success again after that historic final in Melbourne in 1992. The recent performance of the team hasn’t also been exciting and many have even considered their second-best success of lifting the Champions Trophy more as a fluke. However, Pakistan team’s win in the first of the five ODIs against South Africa in Port Elizabeth after the 0-3 rout in the Tests seems to have restored the confidence somewhat.

The visitors led by Sarfraz Ahmed won the game by 5 wickets, thanks to the top order’s runs. While opener Imam-ul-Haq scored 86, Mohammed Hafeez’s 63-ball 71 at No.4 ensured that Pakistan overhauled the target of 267 with five balls to spare. Hafeez was adjudged the Man of the Match. Earlier, the Proteas captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and SA posted 266 runs in 50 overs, losing just 2 wickets.

‘Good chance’ though doesn’t mean much, Shoaib Malik

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik feels his side has a “good chance” of winning the World Cup scheduled in England and Wales in May-July. Malik, who will turn 37 on February 1 and look to make what could be his final World Cup memorable, told Sky Sports: “I feel we have a very good chance to win the tournament. But then having a ‘good chance’ doesn’t mean much. How we play each game and how we perform against the rest of the world will define how far we go.”

Malik though did not have a good match at Port Elizabeth as he could manage just 12 off 17 balls during the chase with one boundary.

“Yes, we have the ability to win the World Cup hands-down, but abilities don’t win you anything, performances do. Our capabilities include having top ODI bowlers and batsmen in our line-up and personally I’m looking forward to a memorable World Cup 2019.”

Malik, who has over 7,000 runs and 150 wickets in ODIs, showered special praise on Babar Azam saying the latter has the potential to become a world-class batsman. He said the batsman not only has all the shots in the book but he also values his wicket, works on his mental strength and has the hunger for more. Babar, 24, is one of the few Pakistani batsmen who have done well on the tour of South Africa. He hit a crucial 49 in the first ODI.

On his own retirement, Malik said his decision to quit is not necessarily related to his fitness levels but it is one of the factors he would take into account. Pakistan had played the final of the 1999 World Cup held in England but was walloped by Australia in the title clash.

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