May 24 (CRICKETNMORE) - Pakistan may have been on the wrong end of a 4-0 ODI series against England but their impressive record in global tournaments in the country mean skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed remains full of confidence.
Hosts of the upcoming ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2019, England, swept Pakistan 4-0 earlier this month – the visitors only reprieve in the five-match series being a rained-off game at the Oval.
Yet in 2017, Sarfarazs men memorably won the ICC Champions Trophy on English soil and also lifted the ICC T20 World Cup at Lords back in 2009.
That enviable pedigree, combined with the lessons learned from the recent series that was closer than the scoreline suggests, means the skipper is quietly optimistic about making some serious noise this summer.
“Its a very balanced World Cup and there should be some great cricket,” said Sarfaraz. “Pakistan do very well in England traditionally, so we are confident of doing well again.
“Playing those five ODIs against England was very good practice and I thought it was a really high quality of cricket.
“Were hopeful of playing good cricket here. We learned a lot from those defeats and playing a top-quality side provides great lessons.
“Our batsmen especially performed really well, so were training hard now for the World Cup and hopefully well put in some good performances.”
Sarfaraz joined the nine other skippers on stage at the official captains media launch in east London, to answer questions from the assembled global media just seven days before the competition gets underway.
The 32-year-old is looking to join Imran Khan as the only man to captain Pakistan to ICC Mens Cricket World Cup glory.
Since achieving that feat back in 1992, Khan has gone on to become Prime Minister of Pakistan and when asked if he would follow in his predecessors political footsteps should he lift the trophy this summer, Sarfaraz jokingly refused to rule out the possibility.
“I dont know about my future, so I couldnt say,” smiled Sarfaraz.
Putting a potential political future to one side, Sarfarazs more immediate concern is getting Pakistan prepared for their World Cup opener against West Indies on Friday May 31.
And despite questions surrounding his bowlers in particular after they shipped more than 340 runs in each of Englands innings during the recent ODI series, the wicket-keeper is adamant theyll be ready.
“Im very confident in my bowling attack,” added a defiant Sarfaraz. “Were ready to play in this World Cup and excited for the challenge as a team.”
ICC Media Release