Why Pakistan will lift the World Cup for the second time since 1992
Pakistan was not looking in great form at the start of the World Cup 2019 but they came back stronger against South Africa at Lord’s on Sunday. Pakistan lost the opener of the campaign against West Indies by 7 wickets and then went on to defeat England and lost against their arch-rival England.
Pakistan can win the World Cup this year because they are following the exact same pattern as they did in 1992 World Cup. The World Cup in 1992 followed the round-robin format as 2019 World Cup. Pakistan lost their first game against West Indies in both the editions. Won their second, the third was washed out due to rain, lost two consecutive matches and won the next two games. The pattern says it all and the tournament in 1992 was also held in England.
Pakistan will lift the coveted cup for the second time since 1992 if the pattern is to be believed. But the chances are very minimal as they will have to watch India matches as well. If India loses against Bangladesh or England, chances of Pakistan reaching semi-final will come under threat.
Pakistan is playing against New Zealand today and the bowlers did a good job to restrict the black caps under 238. Shaheen Afridi took three wickets from 10 overs and gave away just 28 runs at an economy of 2.80.
Also read: Chris Gayle shocks the world again with change of plan, will play ODIs against India
First published: 26 June 2019, 21:47 IST