Former India coach Ravi Shastri and Australian captain Ricky Ponting has backed Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan to qualify for the knockouts of the Champions Trophy. Pakistan will enter the tournament as defending champions. They have defeated their arch-rivals India in the final in 2017. Pakistan will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against New Zealand in Karachi on Februrary 19 before taking on arch rivals India on February 23 in Dubai
“I think Pakistan are the kind of side that, with the exposure they’ve had in the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have put up some really strong performances, especially in South Africa,” Shastri said in The ICC Review.
“They’ve missed Ayub at the top, and he’s a crucial player. But Pakistan have enough depth to be dangerous, especially in home conditions. I would say they should qualify for the semi-finals and from there, it’s anyone’s game.
“Pakistan are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they’ll be doubly more dangerous.”
Ricky Ponting said the pace quartet of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain can be very lethal.
Pakistan’s fast bowling brigade is very, very good. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who’ve been terrific in recent series, they have the pace and skill to trouble any batting line-up,” he said.
“Babar has been a bit up and down in recent years, but if he and (Mohammad) Rizwan can bring their A-games, that’s when Pakistan becomes incredibly dangerous,” Ponting said.
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“They’ve still got enough high-quality players to beat any team on any given day. If they play well, they’ll be right in it
“The pressure of playing at home can work both ways. It can be a real motivator, especially with the home crowd behind you. That support can sometimes help you cross the line in big moments,” Ponting said.