Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
While the cricketing fraternity is glued to the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 edition, the primary focus still remains on the forthcoming ICC World Cup 2019 to be held in England and Wales. The tournament will commence from May 30 and many former cricketers have already made their predictions on the likely semifinalists. Former West Indies great, Brian Lara, went a step ahead and hoped for an India-Pakistan summit clash on July 14 at Lord's.
Meanwhile, the former left-hander didn't rule out the chances of the West Indies. Lately, the Caribbean team has sprung in a few surprises by giving top contender, England, a run for their money in the home ODI series in February-March. The series was tied at 2-2 with one game being abandoned due to persistent rain.
Speaking to media at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai on Sunday, Lara said, "The World Cup is going to be very dependent on weather. The English weather, you never know what it is going to be like. England in England are a tough opposition but they are also a team that knows how to lose important matches.
I was not surprised when Pakistan won the Champions Trophy. I felt that even though they are a team that are inconsistent, they do have players that can win any tournament. The West Indies are similar. Very inconsistent, but on their day they can beat any team," he added.
In addition, Lara lavished praise on Virat Kohli-led Team India who seem to be a well-oiled lineup in recent times despite their 2-3 home series defeat versus Australia. "They are capable of playing all around the world. India start as favourites," added the 49-year-old.
"The Champions Trophy final a couple of years ago, Pakistan versus India… that would be a wonderful final to see again," opined the veteran.
Talking about the Champions Trophy final in 2017, India were favourites as they took on an unpredictable Pakistan lineup. However, riding on a century from Fakhar Zaman and a half-century from Azhar Ali, Pakistan posted a mammoth 338 for 4. In reply, India folded for a paltry 158 and lost by a whopping 180-run margin.
Since then, the two Asian giants have met only twice during the Asia Cup 2018 edition in UAE. In both the clashes, it was India who had the last laugh by convincing margins.
https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...an-lara-hopes-for-india-pakistan-final/388022
Meanwhile, the former left-hander didn't rule out the chances of the West Indies. Lately, the Caribbean team has sprung in a few surprises by giving top contender, England, a run for their money in the home ODI series in February-March. The series was tied at 2-2 with one game being abandoned due to persistent rain.
Speaking to media at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai on Sunday, Lara said, "The World Cup is going to be very dependent on weather. The English weather, you never know what it is going to be like. England in England are a tough opposition but they are also a team that knows how to lose important matches.
I was not surprised when Pakistan won the Champions Trophy. I felt that even though they are a team that are inconsistent, they do have players that can win any tournament. The West Indies are similar. Very inconsistent, but on their day they can beat any team," he added.
In addition, Lara lavished praise on Virat Kohli-led Team India who seem to be a well-oiled lineup in recent times despite their 2-3 home series defeat versus Australia. "They are capable of playing all around the world. India start as favourites," added the 49-year-old.
"The Champions Trophy final a couple of years ago, Pakistan versus India… that would be a wonderful final to see again," opined the veteran.
Talking about the Champions Trophy final in 2017, India were favourites as they took on an unpredictable Pakistan lineup. However, riding on a century from Fakhar Zaman and a half-century from Azhar Ali, Pakistan posted a mammoth 338 for 4. In reply, India folded for a paltry 158 and lost by a whopping 180-run margin.
Since then, the two Asian giants have met only twice during the Asia Cup 2018 edition in UAE. In both the clashes, it was India who had the last laugh by convincing margins.
https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...an-lara-hopes-for-india-pakistan-final/388022
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