Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan says India has the best chance to win the World Cup this time.
Speaking at a function here on Saturday, Imran said: “If ever India has a chance to lift the World Cup this is the best one. The Indian side is a balanced one; it is playing at home and has a good track record.''
He said it was a golden opportunity and this chance might not come in the next World Cup.
“Favourites not always win the World Cup and the home team never. But then there is always a first time,'' Imran said.
On the upcoming India-Pakistan semifinals at Mohali on Wednesday, Imran said, “it is going to be a very even match.''
Imran, who captained Pakistan to the World Cup title triumph in 1992 Down Under, said he obviously wanted Pakistan to win the semifinal clash. “But here obviously India is the favourite,'' he said.
Dew factor
He was very much concerned about the dew factor. “Dew could make a big difference. In that case toss becomes vital. If a team is bowling second in close run chase, bowling second has a huge disadvantage,'' he said. He said Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi spoke to him and expressed his concern about the dew factor.
To another question, Imran said the x-factor for Pakistan was it could come up with some surprise. “It can be Afridi. If he gets a golden moment with the bat for 10 overs he can make the difference,'' he said.
Former captain felt Pakistan's batting was inconsistent and unpredictable. “Pakistan's bowling attack is stronger than India's and India's batting is stronger than Pakistan. So it depends on the team that handles pressure better has a real chance of winning the encounter,'' he said.
Dhoni's advantage
Imran said M.S. Dhoni had a big advantage over his Pakistan counterpart because he captained India in all the three forms of the game. “Afridi made a mistake by not agreeing to lead the side in Tests. Test match pressure is more than in any form. If one does not lead a side in Test cricket, it is difficult to handle pressure in ODI. So Dhoni has a big advantage here,'' he said.
Imran said West Indies pace spearhead Michael Holding and batsman Viv Richards were his all-time greats.
