Saeed Ajmal: Pakistan unlikely to make it to World Cup semi-finals

Saeed Ajmal

Suspended Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has said that Pakistan will not make it to the semi-finals of the upcoming Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The 37-year-old had earlier opted out of the tournament after he couldn't rectify his bowling action in time before the mega event.

According to Ajmal, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and India will make it to the semi-finals as he feels that these are the four sides who are in from at the moment.

"I still don't think Pakistan can be counted among the favourites to make the semi-finals. I see Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India in the top four because they are the teams in form at the moment,” the off-spinner told Geo Super channel.

Ajmal feels Pakistan’s bowling is not good enough

Ajmal’s official bowling test is scheduled to be held in Chennai this Saturday and the off-spinner is of the opinion that without himself and Mohammad Hafeez, who also has been banned from bowling, the Men In Green will be weakened considerably.

"Pakistan's bowling is not strong for this tournament and if Mohammad Hafeez is also not cleared to bowl than our bowling is going to be tested a lot," he said.

He further said that Pakistan’s chances will depend on how Younis Khan and Misbah Ul-Haq fare with the bat.

"They (Younis and Misbah) will have to provide the way for the other players with some big scores," he added.

Ajmal praises de Villiers

He also praised AB de Villiers for his incredible century against the West Indies, stating that the South African ODI captain has the ability to play with no fear and that the knock on Sunday provided everyone a glimpse of what de Villiers was capable of.

"I regard de Villiers as a class act. The fastest fifty and century he scored against West Indies just shows the sort of talent he possesses. He is one batsman who plays his shots with complete assurance and power and after taking into count the strength of the opposition's bowling,” Ajmal said.