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Karachi: Pakistan's former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has tipped Pakistan to successfully defend its title and win the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies that starts from Friday.
"The way I see it this Pakistan team is well balanced and so strong for this format of the game that it shouldnt lose to any team unless they self-destruct with internal issues," Inzamam, the countrys most capped player said.
Inzamam said that Pakistan had a very strong bowling line-up but they needed to be consistent in their batting. "The bowling is strong and has variety so that will be their strength but the batting has issues and the senior players will have to shoulder the main responsibility," he said.
Inzamam who played 120 Tests and 318 one-day internationals said that Pakistan needed to play sensible cricket and keep their head to do well. South Africa and India to me are the greatest threats to Pakistans ambitions to win the ICC World Twenty20.
"I am very impressed with the disciplined way South Africans play while the Indians have some dangerous players with plenty of flair," he said. Inzamam said that Misbah-ul-Haq would have to anchor the innings as he was capable of playing long innings but the others must play their natural game.
Shahid Afridi is perfect for T20 cricket and he has lot of energy and enthusiasm as a captain. He will be vital to Pakistans success in the tournament.
"I see him turning out to be an inspirational leader for his team." Former Pakistan captain and ex-chief selector, Aamir Sohail, predicted a more sedate ICC World Twenty20 this time.
I dont think we will see the high ratio of sixes and big totals this time in this tournament. Mainly because of the pitches and the weather conditions in the West Indies would also test the teams.
Sohail said initially when T20 cricket was launched the bowlers were running away scared of taking a hiding but now they had read the format well and were not running away. "The bowlers now try to take wickets it is not just about big hitting.
This ICC World Twenty20 will be all about which team displays better skills and plays clinical and sensible cricket," he said. He pointed out that T20 cricket had also evolved over the last few years and the World Cup would be different in nature from the IPL.
The former opener said that the Pakistan team was well suited and equipped for the ICC World Twenty20 but he disagreed with the selection of left arm spinner Abdul Rehman as a replacement for the injured Yasir Arafat. "We have enough spinners in the side and I dont think Rehman will get a chance to play in this tournament," he added.
