ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Power Rankings 4 months from the tournament

#7 Pakistan

Key players: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Amir

Fakhar Zaman has been an absolute gem for Pakistan since bursting onto the scene a few years ago. He averages 53 in ODI cricket and his contributions at the top of the order will be key to Pakistan getting off to consistent and solid starts. Mohammad Amir is a huge talent and has proven before that he can swing the ball and rip through teams in English conditions. In a format where teams like to push the pace early, Amir is going to be presented with opportunities to take bags of wickets. This could be the catalyst to Pakistan advancing to the semifinals or finals of this World Cup.

Keys to success: Finishing off games and bringing the heat.

Finishing off games is always an issue for Pakistan. It is the only reason they aren’t ranked higher on this list. They need to get over their inability to win games at the death if they want to be a real challenger for this World Cup. Bringing their natural aggression is also key. Pakistan needs to bring the fire that so often unsettles their opposition and gets themselves playing at another level.

#6 West Indies

Key Players: Chris Gayle, Jason Holder

What more can you say about Chris Gayle other than ‘Universe Boss’. Approaching his last World Cup, Gayle will be a key player if the West Indies are to stop underachieving at the longest white ball format. Jason Holder is somewhat of a saviour of West Indies cricket. Ever since Holder took on the captaincy at such a young age, he has improved with both bat and ball. His leadership, along with his heavy length bowling, and powerful ball striking holds the key to West Indies success at the World Cup.

Keys to Success: Believe they are a competitor, middle order batting and bowling.

I was present at the last World Cup playoff the West Indies played in, and it wasn’t pretty. They conceded 380 against a rampant New Zealand side and never fired a shot in return. They lacked the belief that they could win. This needs to change. They have enough talent and experience, that all they need is belief and a desire to win and they could be a dangerous prospect. Middle order batting and bowling will also be key. Far too often, the Windies have taken early wickets or got off to a flyer, only to let the opposition catch up through the middle stages and eventually win the game.