LONDON, eFb 1: Former captains Asif Iqbal and Mushtaq Mohammed insist Pakistan can “go close” in the World Cup — if they improve their fielding.

Pakistan have a good record in the tournament, winning in Australia in 1992 and reaching the 1999 final in England, only to lose to Australia.

But Waqar Younis’ side have struggled recently, suffering heavy defeats by Australia and World Cup hosts South Africa.

However, both Asif and Mushtaq insist Pakistan will still be “a major force” once the World Cup starts on 9 February.

“Pakistan’s chances area as good as any of the top seven or eight teams, and I would put them in the top three,” Asif told BBC Sport Online.

“They have shown in the past they can come from nowhere to win the World Cup.

“I would be very surprised and disappointed if Pakistan do not get into the Super Six. They are definitely capable and good enough.”

Mushtaq, coach of the 1999 side, added: “When the World Cup starts Pakistan will be a different side.”

Pakistan lost two Tests in South Africa and went down 4-1 in the one-day series, sparking calls for Waqar to stand down.

But Mushtaq insisted that Pakistan must put the past behind them.

“The application wasn’t there in the last six months. Nobody committed themselves to the job,” he said.

“They are a very hot and cold team but they have got the talent and they need to get themselves together and be a fighting force.”—PPI