Pakistan stand a good chance to win the T20 World Cup: Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik, the Pakistan all-rounder, reckons that Pakistan have more than a decent chance to win the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. In the last year or so, the Men in Green haven’t had a great run in the format, losing quite a few series. Earlier this year, Pakistan lost their number one T20I rankings and have slipped to four below Australia, England and India.

To back his comments of keeping Pakistan ahead, he said how the team has a strong batting lineup to complement a potent bowling attack. The 38-year-old also mentioned how the players have improved in fitness and it has shown in the increasing levels of fielding standards.

I think we will be right up there: Shoaib Malik

“I believe our chances are very good. In order to win these kinds of events, you have to have a very strong bowling attack and I think we have that box ticked. In addition, we also have a good batting line-up to complement that strong bowling attack,” Malik was quoted as saying in Pak Passion.

“Not only that, but our fielding has also developed and improved over the years, which is important on big grounds. Our fitness is much improved and better than it was in previous years, so overall, I think we will be right up there as a team that stands a very good chance of winning this tournament if it goes ahead,” he stated.

Pakistan has Babar Azam, the number one T20I batsman, in their ranks. At the present point in time, he is 56 rating points above India’s KL Rahul, who’s placed second. On the back of some impressive shows with the bat, Babar was also appointed as the ODI and T20I skipper.

In the meantime, Malik also sounded confident that jam-packed stadiums should be back in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the who’s who of cricket thinking that cricket could be played behind closed doors.

“Hopefully one day and not too far into the future crowds will be back. But for now, cricket needs to be played and if this is what needs to be done to get cricket back on then we must support it and accept it,” Malik added.

Pakistan are set to mark their return to cricket with the tour of England that starts June 30 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. They will be playing three Tests and as many T20Is.