World Cup 2019: Pakistan will be unstoppable if they find early momentum, feels Javed Miandad

Pakistan might have been made to bite the dust in the two ODIs by England despite scoring over 350 runs but former captain Javed Miandad still believes that the Men in Green will be a force in the upcoming World Cup. A member of Pakistan’s World Cup-winning squad of 1992, Miandad said it would be difficult for the opponents to stop Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men if they could find some early form in the event. Pakistan will be playing their first match of the tournament against the Windies at Trent Bridge on May 31.

The 61-year-old former cricketer who had played in six World Cups between 1975 and 1996, told Sky Sports: “Let’s be clear about the fact that Pakistan, despite recent setbacks, is a good side with some excellent players.”

Pakistan arrived in England for some crucial practice ahead of the World Cup but although they won the side games, they have failed to beat England so far despite showing a good batting performance. Pakistan’s bowlers have been found wanting as a result of which the selectors and team management have included the experienced Mohammad Amir into the WC squad although he was ignored previously.

No one gave Pakistan a chance in 1992, says Miandad

“One thing about Pakistan that everyone should be wary is that when they get going, it’s difficult to stop this team from winning. No one gave us a chance to win the 1992 World Cup but we were victorious then, and the same happened at the Champions Trophy in 2017 as well. Once they get some momentum, Pakistan is a very difficult team to stop for any opponent.”

Imran Khan’s side was not given much chance in the 1992 edition but they eventually made it to the semi-final, also aided by luck and then there was no looking back for them.

Miandad also spoke in favour of Sarfaraz as a captain saying if there was a better leader or wicket-keeper than him then that player would have been selected by now. He felt Sarfaraz Ahmed, despite all the criticism he faced, would do well as the captain for Pakistan in the World Cup as he had proved during the Champions Trophy in 2017.

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