Cricket World Cup: Pakistan team profile & player to watch

Underestimate Pakistan at your peril. The Men in Green have a history of defying expectations on the most glamorous of stages, dating back to the 1992 World Cup final in Melbourne.

A 22-run triumph against three-time finalists England on that occasion proved to be the first, and so far only, time Pakistan have been crowned ODI world champions.

Two years ago they were at it again in the Champions Trophy in England and Wales. Having come into the tournament as the lowest-ranked side, little was expected of Pakistan, especially after they were hammered by India in their opener. Remarkably, they went on to win the trophy.

They proved their competence in testing conditions, swatting aside hosts England in a low-scoring semi-final in Cardiff before a stunning 180-run revenge victory over rivals India in the final.

They can take confidence from that whirlwind campaign and ten of the 15 players named in their 2019 World Cup squad featured in the 2017 Champions Trophy triumph.

Fakhar Zaman put in a man-of-the-match performance in the final against India, scoring 114, and he is part of an in-form top three alongside Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam.

Pakistan pose a threat with the ball as well and Hasan Ali was named player of the tournament two years ago after taking 13 wickets.

Hasan will be supported by vibrant left-arm bowler Shaheen Afridi and 19-year-old Mohammad Hasnain, who has reached speeds of over 93mph and, according to selector Inzamam-ul-Haq: "could win a match for Pakistan on his own".

Pakistan's build-up to the World Cup has not been without its concerning moments, however.

In March they suffered a 5-0 capitulation against Australia in the UAE before their bowlers crumbled against some irrepressible England batting displays in May's 4-0 series defeat to Eoin Morgan's men.

But they can take confidence from the fact they had the best possible preparation for the World Cup.

Coach Micky Arthur's men gained experience of England's challenging surfaces, as well as batting paradises such as Bristol and Trent Bridge, while testing themselves against the best ODI team in the world.

Bookmakers offer 14-1 about Pakistan taking home their second World Cup, with England, India, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand rated better equipped for this tournament.

But, as history demonstrates, Pakistan are at their most dangerous when they are underestimated and Sarfaraz Ahmed's side should not be taken lightly.

Player to watch
Babar Azam
Pakistan's World Cup hopes hinge on their top-order batsmen and the composure of Babar at number three will be crucial as the tournament unfolds. He impressed in the five-match series against England, posting scores of 51, 80 and 115.

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport