Pakistan will start as one of the favorites for ODI World Cup 2023, says Wasim Akram

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram feels the Men in Green will start as one of the favorites for the ODI World Cup. Akram reckons Pakistan has the best bowling unit in the world and they can go all the way in the ODI showpiece.

Shaheen Shah Afridi is Pakistan’s pack leader whereas Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah are also doing a fine job for the national team. Afridi recently led Lahore Qalandars to glory in the Pakistan Super League for the second consecutive time.

The trio of Pakistan fast bowlers can bowl above 145 kmph and they will look to be at their best. There is a famous adage that batters win you games whereas the bowlers win you tournaments and Akram is hopeful that Pakistan pacers can prove their mettle in the Indian conditions.

“Our captain is a great player and we have one of the best fast-bowling lineups in the world. Shaheen Afridi is currently in prime form. He has led his team to victory in the PSL for the second time. He is developing pretty well as an all-rounder,” Akram told Sports Tak.

“Then there is Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Hasnain is there, Ihsanullah is an exciting young fast bowler. I think because the World Cup is happening in India, it is the team with the stronger bowling attack that will succeed because the pitches tend to be batter friendly,” Akram said.

Pakistan have been performing consistently in major events as they had recently qualified for the final of the T20 World Cup and they will be looking to go all the way in the upcoming ODI World Cup. But the Babar Azam-led lost the recent three-match ODI series against New Zealand by 2-1 while playing in the home conditions.

Pakistan will now play three T20Is against Afghanistan in Sharjah. The ODI World Cup is expected to begin on October 5 in India, with the schedule yet to be confirmed by the ICC.