Pakistan not concerned with underdog tag

Although Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq admits that hosts Australia are favourites for their World Cup quarterfinal clash in Adelaide on Friday, he is confident that his team have the capabilities to spring a surprise.
After starting the tournament with two losses, the Asian team go into the match against the Aussies on the back of four straight victories including wins against South Africa and Ireland in a do-or-die match.
Misbah insisted that in knock-out matches the favourites do not always come out on top, it is really about which side turns up on the day. The bowling attack of the 1992 champions has been one of the best in the tournament.
The Pakistan skipper said: "They (Australia) are favourites but there is no hard-and-fast rule that favourites are always going to win the match.
"It's which team performs better on the day, takes their chances and have some luck, they can really defeat any team. We are positive and hopeful. I think we've got a bowling line-up which can go through any (batting) line-up.
"When you have a goal of winning the World Cup, you have to beat any team on the way."
Latest
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
News
Jofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
News
England bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
News
Paul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.
-
News
Paul Collingwood ‘desperate to help out’ new England coaches, says Rob Key
Australia’s Matthew Mott has been appointed to lead the white-ball team, with Brendon McCullum the new man in charge of the Test side.