Left to Right: Pakistan’s leading one day batsmen, bowler and all rounder.
1) Tournament Memories in England – 1999 World Cup finalists, 2004 Champions Trophy semi finalists and 2009 World T20 winners.
2) Tournament Success in ICC events since 2007 World T20 – 8 out of 9 ICC men’s events they have reached the semi final. The only exception was the 2012 U19 World Cup quarter final where they were defeated by their neighbours by only 1 wicket. They rise to the occasion and turn it on.
3) Preparation – Arriving in the UK 3 week before the tournament and playing matches against 2 of the stronger associates prior to the championship getting under way.
4) Form Guide – Since last ODI ICC senior team tournament they have won 9 series, lost 4 and won an Asia Cup title. Misbah has won 27 ODIs (assuming the beat Scotland and Ireland) as captain and only lost the 15 including series wins against Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.
5) Familiar Foes in Same Group – They have played West Indies, India and South Africa in away bilateral series since the last World Cup and have won two of them with the series defeat against the Proteas going down to a decider with the series poised at 2-2.
6) Support in UK – There is a strong Pakistan contingent in the stands for one day games in the UK and this tournament will be no exception to the rule with tickets for Pakistan’s games gone thick and fast. This can only help the players and inspire them to give something back.
7) Overcoming the semi final jinx is bound to occur with Pakistan’s inability to win knock out games at world events. If they keep putting themselves in such positions, they are going to be rewarded sooner than later. Under a mentally tough leader, they stand every chance of getting over this hurdle.
8) Left arm fast bowling – Junaid and Irfan have formed a mouth watering new ball pair. In England, expect them to cause havoc. Both are men who can be trusted to get the early breakthroughs and challenge the top order players.
9) Choice of venues – The more flatter pitches in the country. This will help the batters and the spinners.
10) Last but certainly not least, The Misbah factor.
Pakistan Cricket Team PCT 