“I see Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India in the top four because they are the teams in form at the moment”
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal believes that the national team will not make it to the semi-finals in the upcoming World Cup.
Ajmal’s comments have sparked a lot of controversy, especially since he was included in Pakistan’s World Cup squad despite being banned from bowling due to an illegal action.
“Pakistan’s bowling is not strong for this tournament and if Mohammad Hafeez is also not cleared to bowl then our bowling is going to be tested a lot,” Pakistan told Geo Super. “I still don’t think Pakistan can be counted among the favorites to make the semi-finals. I see Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India in the top four because they are the teams in form at the moment.”
When asked which batsman will pose the biggest threat during the World Cup, Ajmal had no hesitation in naming South Africa captain AB de Villiers.
“I regard de Villiers as a class act,” he said. “The fastest fifty and century he scored against West Indies just shows the sort of talent he possesses. He is one batsman who plays his shots with complete assurance and power and after taking into count the strength of the opposition’s bowling.”