Azhar Ali says Pakistan needs ‘top-order’ to perform in World Cup 2019

Pakistan former captain and senior batsman Azhar Ali has said that his side has a ‘very good chance’ of winning the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019, provided the batting top order delivers in the tournament.

"Pakistan is strong in all areas, but the key will be getting a solid base from the top-order batsmen and getting runs on the board for the bowlers to work with. Pakistan's bowlers are always strong, and this time is no different,” said Azhar, quoted Sky Sports.

Azhar, who was part of the 2017 Pakistan side that won the Champions Trophy, was of the view that its all about ‘clicking’ at the right time for the

“I think Pakistan has a very good chance, providing the team clicks. The combination for Pakistan is very good, but it's all about clicking and peaking at the right time, as we did in 2017 [Champions Trophy]. The World Cup this time around is a long tournament, so you have a bit of time to find your feet and peak,” he said.

Pakistan will announce its much awaited 15-man squad on April 18 (Thursday), which will participate in the upcoming tournament.

The cricket board named some 23 players that have been invited for fitness tests ahead of the World Cup, which will be held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore on April 15 and 16. The cricket team will depart for England on April 23 to participate in the World Cup one day cricket tournament, being played in England and Wales from May 31.