Umar Amin says Pakistan among favorites to play World Cup semi-finals

KARACHI: Test cricketer Umar Amin has termed Pakistan as one of the favourite teams to play the semi-finals of this year’s World Cup.

Talking to Geo.tv in Karachi, Umar said that consistency displayed by Pakistan’s batting line is a positive sign for the team before the World Cup and hopefully they will carry on the momentum in cricket’s pinnacle.

“It’s a good sign that our batting is meeting the international requirement of scoring 350, consecutive scores are good before the World Cup, it’s a good sign and I hope it will be good,” he said.

When asked if he’s hopeful of good results from the team in the world cup, Umar replied with optimism by saying that the team can do good in the mega event.

“Pakistan, along with India, England and Australia can qualify for the semi-finals of the World Cup,” said the middle-order batsman who has represented Pakistan in 4 Tests and 16 ODIs.

“Hopes are high, batting is doing very good and scoring consistently which is a major boost,” he added.

The 29-year-old Test cricketer, however, added that bowling needs to be a bit smarter in world cup matches.

“Bowling has struggled, but I am sure they’ll bounce back. Everyone wants Pakistan team to do well and players will surely give their best,” he said.

“Skillful bowlers can do well here, you need to be mentally tough and execute plans properly then we can win comfortably,” the batsman highlighted.