India, South Africa biggest challengers: Inzimam

LAHORE India and South Africa likely to be the biggest threats to Pakistans bid to defend the World Twenty20 title in the West Indies, said former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. India and South Africa, I think, are the greatest threats to Pakistans ambition of winning the World Twenty20. I am impressed with the way the South Africans play, while the Indians have some dangerous players, Inzamam said. Inzamam, however, said that the Pakistan squad is a balanced one and have the wherewithal to defend the title. The way I see it this Pakistan team is well balanced and so strong for this format of the game. It shouldnt lose to any team unless they self-destruct with internal issues, said Inzamam, the countrys most capped player. The bowling is strong and has variety so that will be their strength but the batting has issues and the senior players will have to shoulder the responsibilities, he added. Inzamam, who has played 120 Tests and 318 one-dayers, feels that Misbah-ul-Haq should anchor the innings as he was capable of playing long innings but the others also have to play their natural game. Shahid Afridi is perfect for T20 cricket and he has lot of energy and enthusiasm as a captain. He will be vital to Pakistans success in the tournament. I see him turning out to be an inspirational leader for his team, he said. Sohail predicts fewer fireworks in World Twenty20 this time Former Pakistan captain and ex-chief selector Aamir Sohail predicted a more sedate World Cup this time than the previous two editions. I dont think we will see the high ratio of sixes and big totals this time mainly because of the pitches and the weather conditions in the West Indies, Sohail said. Sohail said initially when T20 cricket was launched, the bowlers were struggling but now they had read the format well and were making a comeback. The bowlers now try to take wickets, it is not just about big hitting. This edition will be all about the team that displays better skills and plays clinical and sensible cricket, he observed. The former opener pointed out that T20 cricket had also evolved over the last few years and the event would be different in nature from the Indian Premier League. Sohail said that the Pakistan team was-equipped for the event though he disagreed with the selection of left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman as a replacement for injured Yasir Arafat. We have enough spinners in the side and I dont think Rehman will get a chance to play in this tournament, he said.

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