Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Yousuf has expressed his optimism about Pakistan's chances in the upcoming World Cup and has identified six potential pacers who could be part of the squad.
Yousuf, while talking to media in Lahore on Thursday, highlighted the depth and variety in Pakistan's fast bowling department, emphasizing the country's abundance of options in white-ball cricket.
“In fast-bowling, we have Shaheen Shah [Afridi], Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Wasim [Jnr]. Then we have new pacers like Ihsanullah and Zaman Khan, so Pakistan has a lot of options in white-ball cricket," Mohammad Yousuf told media in Lahore.
While discussing Pakistan's overall team combination, Yousuf expressed satisfaction with the team's strength in white-ball cricket.
“Our combination in white-ball cricket is really good. Our three batters are among top-ten ranked ICC ODI batters. Imad Wasim has made a comeback. Then, Shadab [Khan] and Mohammad Nawaz are really good. We have three top-class all-rounders, who are also good fielders," he said.
“I think we have a very good chance of winning the World Cup," he further added.
Umar Gul, who served as Pakistan’s interim bowling coach for recent Afghanistan and New Zealand series, also emphasized the importance of retaining the pace attack that was successful during ODI series against the Kiwis.
"If you talk about our bowling, the pace attack that we had during the New Zealand series should be retained and these are our best bowlers for the World Cup. They are Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Ihsanullah and Mohammad Wasim Jr," Gul said.