LAHORE – The 15-player Pakistan squad has left for Bangladesh to take part in 10th ICC World Cup, which starts on February 19. Pakistan flew out to Dhaka early Friday to play warm-up matches against England and Bangladesh. Pakistan have been placed in Group A with Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya.
Group B includes India, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, West Indies, Netherlands and Ireland. Pakistan open their campaign against Kenya at the Sri Lankan town of Hambantota on February 23. Pakistan will play their second match against Sri Lanka on February 26 at Colombo and the third on March 3 against Canada at the same venue. In their fourth and fifth match, Pakistan take on New Zealand and Zimbabwe on March 8 and 14 at Kandy. Pakistan will play their last group match against Australia on March 19 at Colombo.
Imran Khan believes Pakistan can surprise, provided they play above their potential. “Pakistan are a very unpredictable side. They will have to play out of the ordinary to make a mark at the mega event,” he said. Former chief selector and spinner Iqbal Qasim also believes that Pakistan have the potential to exceed expectations. “Pakistan are the only team in the world who can do anything. They can shake up the tournament by beating any top side,” he remarked.
Wasim Akram said: “Pakistan are a very dangerous side. No one can write off Pakistan’s chances. After the first stage, it’s anybody’s game and when it comes to knock-out matches, they (Pakistan) can knock out any team.”
