Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi has termed co-hosts Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan as the favourites for the upcoming 2015 World Cup which will begin in February.

India will go into the mega event as defending champions after winning the title back on their soil in 2011 under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.

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Pakistan came out triumphant back in 1992 when the last World Cup was held in Australia to win their first major title.

“In my view Australia will be a very strong side in their backyard while New Zealand will be a big threat as well because if they can beat Pakistan like they did in the UAE, then they can trouble anyone in home conditions. Apart from them, Pakistan and South Africa will also be favourites to win the World Cup,” Afridi said while speaking to media at a private event in Karachi.

“Even if you recall 1992 World Cup, our team did not give any out-class performances and manage to win it after struggle and luck on their side. I feel this team is capable of lifting themselves in difficult situations.”

Pakistan will take on India in their first match of the World Cup with Pakistan yet to beat their arch-rivals in a World Cup match – whether in 50-over format or Twenty20.

India have been victorious on all nine occasion, beating Pakistan in ODI World Cup matches in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2011 while they won twice in 2007, 2012 and 2014 in World Twenty20 matches.

 But Afridi have vowed that enough is enough and it's time that history is changed in 2015.

“I think it’s enough now that India have been unbeaten against us in World Cup matches and history of Pak-India matches should be changed in 2015. It’ll be a really important match for both teams because it will define the course of both teams' World Cup campaigns,” he added.

“It’s my last World Cup and I want to fulfill my dream of winning the prestigious trophy and leave ODI cricket on a high as I’ve already announced my retirement and won’t take the decision back.”

Afridi further added that Pakistan need to improve their fielding and batting partnerships ahead of the World Cup and the team management is keen to work on grey areas.

When questioned whether Ajmal’s absence would hurt Pakistan in the competition, Afridi stated: “Obviously it is a big loss but the other players should up their game to make up for his absence.”