New Delhi,UPDATED: October 5, 2023 20:12 IST
Legendary India player Harbhajan Singh has said that he does not think Pakistan will go very far in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Pakistan will face Netherlands in their first match of the World Cup 2023 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 6.
ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023: Complete coverage
Speaking at an interaction organized by ESPNcricinfo, Harbhajan said that Pakistan bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan has not been at his best, adding that he is happy to take 50-60 runs and not pick any wickets. Shadab has picked two wickets in his last four ODI matches for Pakistan.
“Of course, they used to have big spinners like Saqlain Mushtaq, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Mushtaq Ahmed in their team. Now, Shadab looked very good, but recently he is not bowling at his best, he is not looking to take those wickets. He is quite happy with 50-60 runs and no wickets,” Harbhajan said.
He went on to say that Pakistan’s spin attack is not as strong as it used to be and their batting seems very fragile. Pakistan had a disappointing exit in the 2023 Asia Cup, failing to reach the final.
“I think his spin is not as strong as it used to be and his batting seems very fragile. To be honest, when the ball turned, they had no idea; When the ball turned, they had no idea. So you won’t get those flat tracks where you just step and hit. This will happen, but maybe only in a couple of places,” Harbhajan added.
Harbhajan said he doesn’t think Pakistan will go that far in the World Cup, although he chose India, England and Australia as the three semi-finalists, along with one each from South Africa and New Zealand.
“I don’t see them going that far. The first three teams are safe for me: England, India and Australia. So the fourth team for me is New Zealand or South Africa. I will not pick Pakistan as the fourth team,” Harbhajan said.
Pakistan are hoping to win their second World Cup title and their first in India.
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