Former India head coach Ravi Shastri and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting have backed the Pakistan side for a good show in the Champions Trophy. Pakistan has played three bilateral series against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, winning all of them. However, question marks still persist on the team given the absence of opener Saim Ayub and the fact that they have not played full-strength sides.
Pakistan is grouped with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy and will shuttle between their home and Dubai to play matches. Pakistan found the vote of confidence from Shastri and Ponting, who spoke about the team’s fast bowling prowess.
Speaking on the ICC Review podcast, Shastri said that Pakistan has the depth to shine in their home conditions and would be even more dangerous if they reach the semi-finals of the tournament. Pakistan had a torrid time in the last 2 ICC trophies – the ODI and T20 World Cups and would be looking to make a strong comeback, which returns after a hiatus of seven and a half years.
“I think Pakistan is the kind of side that, with the exposure they’ve had in the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, has put up some really strong performances, especially in South Africa,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.
Despite the absence of the injured Ayub, who has become a vital cog in the Pakistan side, Shastri remains confident in the team’s depth.
“They’ve missed Ayub at the top, and he’s a crucial player. But Pakistan has enough depth to be dangerous, especially in home conditions. I would say they should qualify for the semi-finals, and from there, it’s anyone’s game,” he added.
Shastri is certain that, should Pakistan make it to the knockout stages, they will be a formidable threat to any team.
“Pakistan is still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they’ll be doubly more dangerous.”
