KARACHI: Former skipper Wasim Bari firmly believed that Pakistan's chances in the Cricket World Cup hugely depends on their rapid adaptability to the conditions in Down Under.
"Acclimatizing to conditions in Australia and New Zealand holds the key for their performances in the premier 14-nation one-day contest", he told APP in an interview on Friday.
He said there was a huge difference in tracks and conditions in Australia,New Zealand and adapting varying conditions will be of vital importance for Pakistani team.
Wasim Bari, who featured in first three editions of the World Cup in England in 1975, 1979 and 1983, however considered that real test of team's skill starts from the quarter-final stage.
"Pakistan is almost certainty for the last eight stage. However from that stage team cannot afford even a small mistake," he pointed out.
Wasim Bari said while pitches in New Zealand will have more swing Australian tracks are more bouncy across the Tasman sea.
He said the team may face some difficulties in matches against India, West Indies and South Africa.
"Despite keeping in view the unpredictability of cricket, Pakistan should win their matches against Ireland, UAE and Zimbabwe," he said.
Veteran of 81 Test matches, Wasim Bari opined that Pakistan should easily go through the quarter final.
However for going beyond Pakistan team must play their best cricket to reach the final and repeat history of 1992.
"We must play innovative, attacking and quality cricket to repeat history. Because nothing can be achieved by stereotype game," he maintained.
"But that will not be easy from the quarterfinals because best eight will be in the fray," Pakistan greatest gloveman remarked.
He wanted Misbah to adopt a attacking mindset as a captain and fearless approach which he demonstrated during the record-breaking fastest Test century against Australia .
"Pakistan team needed that kind of approach in all areas of the game with Misbah leading the from the front," he stressed.
He said young guns like Ahmed Shahzad, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed are capable of performing the role of match changer with Shahid Afridi to play main role as legspinner. However taking singles, doubles and threes on long boundaries will be very important for building a good totals.
He said performance of top order batting will be of great significance.
"Role of Ahmed Shahzad, Hafeez, Younis and Misbah will be vital. We cannot build a good total without good start," he said.
"Losing quick wickets at the top will put Pakistan middle order under pressure. Pakistan must overcome this problem, he added.
Pakistan team besides consistent batting and bowling must above all be top class in fielding and catching.
"Keeping super-fitness throughout the 6-week competition will be very challenging," he said.
He said losing Junaid Khan before flying to New Zealand is a big setback for Pakistan bowling. He hoped that Junaid will get fit as he is Pakistan's strike bowler. He said Pakistan got a formidable bowling attack if they showed their true potential on favorable tracks.
Wasim Bari, who played his last ODI at Adelaide Oval in January 1984 said that pitch at this ground is good for batting. Pakistan will clash old foes India in their opening match of the World Cup on February 15.
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