Pakistan's Chances Of Winning 2020 T20 World Cup Are Very Good: Shoaib Malik
Published - 21 Jun 2020, 11:52 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:30 AM
Shoaib Malik believes Pakistan stand a very good chance of winning the 2020 T20 World Cup if the tournament goes ahead as scheduled. The marquee event is scheduled to take place in October-November in Australia. However, there are big question marks over the tournament due to the pandemic.
Cricket Australia have already made it clear that the chances of the tournament going ahead as planned are ‘unrealistic’. As of now, all eyes are on ICC who will announce the final decision on the tournament next month. And while only time will tell the fate of this year’s T20 World Cup, Shoaib Malik believes Pakistan could go all the way if the tournament takes place.
“I believe our chances are very good,” Shoaib Malik told PakPassion. “In order to win these kinds of events, you have to have a very strong bowling attack and I think we have that box ticked. In addition, we also have a good batting line-up to complement that strong bowling attack.”
“Not only that, but our fielding has also developed and improved over the years, which is important on big grounds.
“Our fitness is much improved and better than it was in previous years, so overall, I think we will be right up there as a team that stands a very good chance of winning this tournament if it goes ahead,” added Shoaib Malik who was part of the Pakistan team that won the T20 World Cup in 2009.
The former Pakistan batsman is currently gearing up for the tour of England. He is named in the 29-man squad for the Test and T20I series in England. While he has retired from Tests and ODIs, he is still an integral part of Pakistan’s T20I side. The series will be played in empty stadium due to the current situation and Shoaib Malik is hopeful it would not take long before the crowd returns to the ground.
“Of course, we all like to see packed stadiums and matches that have a buzz from the crowd, which all adds to the spectacle. But right now, the situation around the world is very concerning and we must do what is right for everyone’s health and safety,” he said.
“Hopefully one day and not too far into the future crowds will be back. But for now, cricket needs to be played and if this is what needs to be done to get cricket back on then we must support it and accept it,” he added.
