'Misbah must be fearless despite Pakistan's limitations'

Published January 29, 2015
Pakistan must win one of their first two matches -- against arch-rivals India and the West Indies -- in order to have easier passage into the last eight. — AFP
Pakistan must win one of their first two matches -- against arch-rivals India and the West Indies -- in order to have easier passage into the last eight. — AFP

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has urged Misbah-ul-Haq to lead the side with Imran Khan's fearless spirit of 1992 to overcome the loss of key players at the World Cup.

Inzamam, who played a vital role in Pakistan's success at the 1992 World Cup, advised Pakistan to not let up if they suffer early defeats at the upcoming tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

"I speak from experience. In the 1992 World Cup despite losing six matches, Imran Khan never allowed us to lose hope or hang our heads. We remained positive and the end result was we emerged as upset winners of the competition," Inzamam said.

"Nowadays cricket has changed a lot and it is difficult for the bowlers and we have some issues to resolve in this department. But I would still advise our players not to fear defeat and to remain positive even if they lose a few matches," he said.

"If we remain positive and play without fear of defeat I am sure this team, like the one in 1992, can surprise many people," the 44-year-old, who played veteran of 120 Tests and 378 ODIs, said.

Despite Misbah ul-Haq and Umar Akmal showing some batting form ahead of next month's World Cup, Pakistan have suffered back-to-back losses to a President's XI at the start of its New Zealand tour which is being largely seen as an opportunity by both sides to fine tune their squads.

If there is one team among the top eight at the World Cup which could either crash out embarrassingly in the first round or romp to the title, it's Pakistan.

The talented yet unpredictable side are haunted by injuries to their fast bowlers, the suspension of match-winning spinner Saeed Ajmal and a now settled tussle for the captaincy.

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