Exactly a year on from Pakistan clinching the ICC Champions Trophy in England with a thumping win over India, former skipper Waqar Younis has claimed that the team has a ‘fair chance’ of winning the 50-over World Cup when it is held at the same venue next year.
The Champions Trophy victory had come against all odds with Sarfraz Ahmed’s new-look side stunning favourites and arch-rivals India by 180 runs in the final. Waqar believes that the Champions Trophy victory win has given the side the confidence they need to go on and win the World Cup.
“Looking back at the Champions Trophy, the team is building confidence, the faith is coming,” Waqar was quoted as saying by the ICC.
“I’ll give a fair chance to Pakistan winning this World Cup. Pressure is going to be there. Expectation from the entire country.
Waqar feels Pakistan’s Champions Trophy win can help the side.
“There’s so many Pakistanis living in this county so they’re going to travel around, there’s going to be a lot of support for Pakistan.
“There will be pressure because supporters bring it but they will enjoy it hopefully and do well.”
Pakistan have won the World Cup once in their history with legendary skipper Imran Khan leading the side to a fairytale win in the 1992 edition held in Australia and New Zealand.
With England playing host to the 2019 World Cup, Waqar believes that Eoin Morgan’s No1 ranked side will be under extreme pressure to deliver in front of their own fans.
“There’s always pressure for the hosting side,” the former Pakistan pacer stated.
“Last two World Cups, the host team has won it, so that creates even more pressure. England know their game very well when they’re playing on their home ground. But the other teams are going to come very prepared.”