The tempo has been set for the ICC Cricket World Cup in India with all teams arriving ahead of their warm-up matches. Pakistan team arrived in Hyderabad before their warm-up game against New Zealand, receiving the warmest welcomes from the Indian fans. Pakistan Vice-captain Shadab Khan was vocal about the support his team received upon arrival and said that it felt very much like home. Shadab Khan also analyzed the nature of the pitches in India and how the tournament would play out eventually.
The allrounder was all pumped up for the World Cup being held in India and the prospects of his team in the tournament, Shadab went on to say that his team had completely acclimatized to the conditions in India comparing Hyderabad to Rawalpindi. The player also gave his take on the conditions in the subcontinent and how it would benefit his team going forward in the tournament.
Shadab Khan notably is coming off the back of a poor run of form in the Asia Cup with the ball, however, the leg spinner is optimistic about reviving himself in the World Cup as the rest after the Asia Cup has helped him overcome the mental strain.
The conditions so far in India have felt similar to Pakistan. Even the last warm-up felt like we were playing in Rawalpindi – Shadab Khan
Shadab Khan opined that since the pitches to be played in the mega event would consist of plenty of flat tracks which would increase the chances of a team with a strong bowling lineup going on to win the tournament. This enhances Pakistan’s chances of winning the mega event owing to their strong bowling lineup.
“I feel the champion of this World Cup will be a good bowling side because the conditions here offer flat tracks and small boundaries. We have world-class bowlers, and I feel as a bowling unit, we have to perform really well to become champions” said Shadab Khan.
“You do get mentally down after playing a lot of cricket and not performing. Obviously, the skills are there, but the much-needed rest has helped me get over the mental barrier. The past is past now,” he added.
Pakistan will kickstart their campaign in the World Cup against the Netherlands on October 6.