Pakistan cricket coach Geoff Lawson believes that the battle in the inaugural
Twenty20 World Cup was open and no team was favourite to win the trophy in
South Africa next month.
Lawson also said any team, which wished to win the tournament would have to excel
in all departments of the game.
"Since this is the first time the Twenty20 World Cup is
being organised, it is premature to nominate any team as a favourite to win
the title. As far as Pakistan is concerned the guys have worked hard
and I have passed on some winning tips to them," he said.
"I am hopeful that the Pakistani players will not disappoint their countrymen
in the coming tournament," the Australian added.
Lawson said Pakistan's pace department was pretty strong and
balanced with the presence of Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and
Umar Gul and he also expected a good show from flamboyant all-rounder
Shahid Afridi.
"He (Afridi)is a very talented player and it is natural
to have high hopes from him as the format of the game was suited to his style
of play," he said.
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