ICC World Cup 2019 | Our youngsters are capable of beating any team in the world, says Shahid Afridi

After a dismal show in England that saw Pakistan suffer an embarrassing 4-0  series loss against the hosts, the decision of the selectors to replace out of form pacers Junaid Khan and Faheem Ashraf with experience veterans like Wahab Riaz and Mohammed Amir was a good call according to the Green Army legend.

"I think this team has the right combination. The best thing is (that) batting used to be a constant worry for us but our batsmen are now in good form,” he said in a Twitter video posted by the country’s cricketing board.

Even though the Pakistan squad is one of the strongest over the past couple of decades, their away form has been a bit of a concern with the pacers seeming innocuous at best against world class batting lineups. However, Afridi believes that it was not a result of lack of skill but a consequence of lack of experience on the international stage.

“We did quite a few experiments with the side. We rested the seniors in the series against Australia, giving chances to youngers. Our bowling struggled before the World Cup because they lacked experience there,” he quoted.

However, the inclusion of the long serving pacers in the team should effectively solve the problem according to him.

“Now Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan and Mohammed Amir are back and it’s a well balanced team. We should not have any excuse now,” he explained.

The team is eyeing success and he believes the team has a good chance of at least being a part of the top four, and even going on two steps further to lift the trophy, with the treasure of talent they have, especially in the youth.

“It’s very important to win the first couple of games to win momentum, our youngsters are capable of beating any team in the world. I see Pakistan as one of the teams in the semi-finals and, God willing, I’m confident they’ll play the final too,” he said.

“Pressure is inevitable in international cricket. It tests a player and his mental strength. But the World Cup is also a great opportunity to become a hero with the whole world looking at you,” e concluded.