Imran backs Australian

Entertainment Cricket and Other Sports
1

**Imran backs Aussies to retain World Cup **

KARACHI, Jan 21: Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan on Tuesday said the team which was best equipped to handle pressure would win the forthcoming World Cup in southern Africa.

Imran, who captained Pakistan to their only Cup win in 1992, said Australia had made a mistake by dropping their Test captain Steve Waugh from the World Cup squad as he was a proven performer under pressure.

“For me it was a big mistake to drop Steve. Australia might win the cup but World Cup is all about taking pressure and Steve was good at it,” Imran said about the man who led the Aussies to victory at the last World Cup four years ago in England.

Imran, 50, said Australia were favourites to retain the trophy under new skipper Ricky Ponting.

“For me Australia is top favourite, South Africa will be tough on home conditions, while England has come back well in Australia and New Zealand has fighting capability and have made a good combination.”

**Imran said Pakistan appeared to lack self-belief and the ability to scrap their way out of trouble. **

“There was a lack of fighting spirit in Pakistan’s series in South Africa last month but I hope that with one win they can regroup and there would be no lack of motivation in the World Cup,” he said.

Imran said the form of all-rounder Wasim Akram, opener Saeed Anwar and speedster Shoaib Akhtar were vital for Pakistan to have any hope of success.

“They have the firepower and should adopt an attacking mind set,” said Imran who has carved out a new career as a politician since his retirement. He also suggested that star batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq should bat at number three to strengthen the early batting order.-AFP

Here @ Dawn Newspaper

Here Imran is backing up the Australians!!

2

Well what else you can expect from PAK team when their performance is so down. Ofcourse he won't say PAK will win the WC just to make us happy, quit dreaming ;)

3

I thought he backed a British named Aunt Jamima

4

Its not about "dreaming". There is something called "motivation", "support" etc.

I am not "dreaming" of Pak winning the world cup, but I really wish so. We have a good mix of talent and experience, all we need from our players is that they get themselves together, form a team and play as a team.

5

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Changez_like: *
Its not about "dreaming". There is something called "motivation", "support" etc.

I am not "dreaming" of Pak winning the world cup, but I really wish so. We have a good mix of talent and experience, all we need from our players is that they get themselves together, form a team and play as a team.
[/QUOTE]

I doubt they will get together specially Waqar being captain, I wish and hope they could put everything behind and play like a team, then only PAK has a chance to win.

6

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by teaser: *

I doubt they will get together specially Waqar being captain, I wish and hope they could put everything behind and play like a team, then only PAK has a chance to win.
[/QUOTE]

Salam QUESTION bhai
I totally agree.

There is so much hype of Ausralia's win that somehow I feel that they will stumble.
Infact Pakistan has a very good chance to have a great start as they did in 99 by beating AUS in first match. By the time Aussies setlle and regroup after Lehman's ban and Warne and Macgrath's injury.If they can win this one that will virtually gurantee a place in SEMIS.there is nothing like going with 2- or 4 points in super six.

7

You couldn't be more correct AQ bhai - If pak wins its first match against Australia and assuming both Pak and Aus will advance to the Super Six - Pakistan has a place almost gauranteed in Semi Finals. They will need to win only one match (or at the most 2) against either of these SA,SL,WI or NZ and I think except SA none of these teams can beat pak.

8

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by andha_qanoon: *

Salam QUESTION bhai
I totally agree.

There is so much hype of Ausralia's win that somehow I feel that they will stumble.
Infact Pakistan has a very good chance to have a great start as they did in 99 by beating AUS in first match. By the time Aussies setlle and regroup after Lehman's ban and Warne and Macgrath's injury.If they can win this one that will virtually gurantee a place in SEMIS.there is nothing like going with 2- or 4 points in super six.
[/QUOTE]

Walaikum-Aslam

So finally you noticed I am baned :) BTW I read your post before you came back and edited to say Salam QUESTION bhai :)

I know there is so much hype of Australia but I think there should be because they deserve it, they play like a team and beat the hell of anyone who stands in their way but when they lose doesn't mean they are not doing good. Ofcourse its cricket you win and lose but atleast they try to put 101% :)

9

dammit Imran! you know he is normally on the money with these picks. in '96 he backed SL and in '99 he said the winner of the India-Aus Super Six match would win the WC (at that point both teams were in dire straits and this seemed a long shot).

I have a darkhorse: New Zealand (don't laugh)

10

Why is everyone forgetting about South Africa. I admit Australia has played well of late, but South Africa has demolished both pakistan and sri lanka. I really think any team that can beat either of these teams can win the world cup. Both teams play together and seem united. I simply don't think England, Sri Lanka, West Indies, or even India have the capability to work under pressure. Pakistan can work under pressure only if their team stays united, which we are all hoping.

i really hope pakistan plays south africa in the final, which will be totally ideal and a time for revenge for pakistan who got humiliatied recently against s.a.

salam

11

south africa is the best team but don't you know--home teams never win the world cup, too much pressure.

12

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by TUMS: *
home teams never win the world cup, too much pressure.
[/QUOTE]

And which team won the world cup in 1996 ??

13

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Asif_k: *

And which team won the world cup in 1996 ??
[/QUOTE]

Well Srilankan were not playing crucial mathces like SEMI and FINAL on their home ground.So Tehcnially you cant call that home team won 1996.