Pakistan are Favourites to Win 2019 World Cup - Mohammad Yousuf

The former skipper of Pakistan, Mohammad Yousuf feels Pakistan are hot favourites to win 2019 World Cup in England and Wales. Further, he predicts Pakistan as a next dominant force in world cricket.

Apart from picking Pakistan as a strong contender of 2019 World Cup, the Test legend pulled India and England as other two teams who can clinch the title.

While asserting that India had won the Champions Trophy title in 2013, Mohammad Yousuf says India would benefit from the past results.

Similarly, Yousuf believes Pakistan would be confident after clinching Champions Trophy 2017 in England. However, due to the hot form, England is displaying consistently, the former skipper feels they can turn the tables this time too.

In an interview with a Pakistani based website Pakpassion, Mohammad Yousuf said,

“Three teams are genuine contenders in my opinion. The last two Champions Trophy tournaments have been won by India and Pakistan respectively, and I believe that both of these teams can win the World Cup. I think spinners will play a key role and both India and Pakistan have fantastic spin options.”

Mohammad Yousuf take on India and England

He also shed light on the Men in Blue and felt quizzical regarding India’s bowling line-up. However, Yousuf lauded Indian batting line up and shared high praises on the stature of India skipper, Virat Kohli.

“India has a wonderful array of batting talent, but I think there are some doubts over their bowlers particularly their pace bowlers as was evident in the recent One-Day series against England. Coming to the hosts, I feel that England will have home advantage and they are looking formidable at the moment in One-Day cricket, and they will be a force at the World Cup.”

Mohammad Yousuf on Australia

Keeping in view the suspension of Steven Smith and David Warner, the 43-year-old Yousuf feels Australia has fewer chances this time.

Though both the batsmen will be available for the 2019 World Cup, Yousuf thinks due to lack of match practice there are low expectations from Australia. From the bowling perspective, he said the main seamers are out of the team due to different rehabilitation programmes. Following all these things, Yousuf feels five times winners are looking cascading this time.

“I think Pakistan are the favorites. I say that because I feel they have the best bowling attack particularly on flat tracks. When I say best, I mean they have the best-balanced attack. An attack which can take wickets regularly and not let the opposition settle. On the sort of flat tracks that will be available in England at that time, the team with the best bowling attack will succeed. I believe that bowling attack belongs to Pakistan.”