World Cup 2019: Misbah-ul-Haq predicts semi-finalists, best batsman of the tournament

The ICC World Cup 2019 started with a bang on Thursday with hosts England handing South Africa a heavy defeat by 104 runs. Batting first, Eoin Morgan’s side registered 311 for 8 in 50 overs, thanks to four half-centuries, and then they bowled the Proteas out for 207 to pick the first points. Former champions Pakistan will play two-time champions West Indies in the second match of the tournament at Trent Bridge on Friday and the match promises to be an absorbing one.

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, like all other experts, expressed his takes on various issues related to the World Cup. The former batsman, who recently turned 45, was the captain of the Pakistan squad in the last World Cup in 2015 and led his side to the quarter-finals where they lost to eventual champions Australia.

In a video posted by ESPNcricinfo, Misbah predicted the four semi-finalists of this World Cup and while he named the top three as England, India and Australia, he rather took the name of Pakistan as the fourth out of his nationalist zeal. Pakistan made the finals the last time the World Cup was held in England in 1999 but lost to Australia in the title clash.

Jason Roy could be the batsman of World Cup 2019, feels Misbah

When asked to name the batsman who could make this World Cup his own, Misbah named England opener Jason Roy. “The kind of form he is,” Misbah said about Roy who hit 54 off 53 balls against the Proteas on Thursday.

About the teams he thought could spring a surprise in the tournament, Misbah said Pakistan could be one if they get momentum at the start. “The other team is West Indies,” he said. Misbah also felt that the batsmen will have a happy time in this World Cup and predicted that the record of the highest team total will be bettered in this edition.