KARACHI, March 7: Having won all their three World Cup matches with a sizzling bowling attack led by their skipper Shahid Afridi, Pakistan are favourites to win the fourth match against New Zealand on Tuesday, feels former Test cricketer and chief selector Iqbal Qasim.
“Pakistan have been in brilliant form so far in the World Cup. Especially the captain has been leading from the front. So keeping their performance in view so far in the World Cup and their series triumph against New Zealand recently, they become favourites for tomorrow’s match,” Iqbal said.
However, the former spinner said despite Pakistan would have an upper hand against the New Zealanders, the green-shirts should not take the match lightly as any team could stun any side, giving the example of minnow Ireland’s astonishing triumph against formidable English side in Bangalore.
Cricket is unpredictable and even a series of victories could not assure you another win. Especially, when the teams come in the tournament like the World Cup, which is followed throughout the world, each and every team try to give their best to make their presence felt,” stressed Iqbal.
“So I think that Afridi should tell his boys not to take the match lightly and deliver their best to win the match,” added Iqbal.
The 50-Test veteran further said that in the last match, Pakistan took a few hiccups before eventually registering a 46-run win over Canada.“At one stage it looked as if Canada would stun Pakistan, especially in the backdrop of Ireland’s win over England. It was Afridi’s heroics that Pakistan eventually recovered to win.
“So they must also ascertain the facts which made them have such a close encounter with minnows.”
