5 reasons why Pakistan can win the 2019 World Cup 

Less than a week ago, England batsman Ian Bell handpicked India, Pakistan, and England as his favorites for the 2019 World Cup. A few years ago, this seemed a distant dream with Pakistan slipping to ninth in ICC ODI Rankings. Since then, it has almost been a fairy tale story.

Pakistan shocked everyone by motoring their way to the 2017 Champions Trophy title. They stunned England in the semi-final and went on to dismantle an in-form Indian side in the final.

They always had this uncanny unpredictability but quite a few better Pakistani sides have failed to lift the World Cup. We may never know what inspires Pakistan to victory but we do know that they haven't been the same side since the Champions Trophy.

Despite their recent string of below-par performances, they are still one of the contenders for lifting the 2019 World Cup. Here are five reasons why Pakistan can win the tournament.

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#5 Potent pace attack

Muhammad Amir is set to make a comeback into the Pakistan team in the South Africa tour

Pakistan has always been known to produce quality pacers. They have to their name an unending procession of quality pacers, beginning with the legendary Fazal Mahmood. This side is no different.

While Mohammad Amir can single-handedly win matches, Hasan Ali can be lethal in his own right. Rumman Raees has the skill and nerves to operate of suitable pitches. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan Shinwari have made strong cases for themselves in more recent times. After his incredible Test success, Mohammad Abbas deserves a ODI debut as well.

Pakistan have the variety, firepower and versatility in their pace attack that other teams can only dream of. Plus, the World Cup is in England where pacers are going to play an indispensable part.

As bowling coach Azhar Mahmood rightly said, 'batsmen win you games, bowlers win you tournaments'. In today's era where batsmen dominate and 350 feels an insecure total, Pakistan have the bowling line-up to restrict opposition sides to manageable totals.

#4 Fakhar Zaman's presence at the top of the order

Fakhar Zaman has proven his ability to perform on the big stage

Few have replicated the sort of impact Fakhar Zaman has had on the Pakistani team. When he plays well, his team generally does well. The left-hander averages a staggering 57.95 in ODIs at a strike rate of 97.70.

Fakhar, though, hasn't been the most consistent batsman over the last few months but that has to do with the conditions he has played in. A player who likes the ball to come onto his bat, he has never felt at home in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

The tide, however, turns when we head to England. With the ball coming onto the bat on better paced pitches, Fakhar can become a lethal threat once again. Since the 2015 World Cup, England has been home to record-shattering totals. Pakistan will hope that their star opener is in sparkling form for the big tournament.

#3 Solid Middle-order

Babar Azam is one of the most consistent batsmen in current ODI cricket

Pakistan's middle-order comprises Babar Azam, Haris Sohail and Shoaib Malik. These are batsmen who can play the modern game by rotating strike and can also hit big when required. A side like Pakistan, which has struggled mostly due to the fragility of its batting line, will depend heavily on these three batsmen.

Babar Azam has been a revelation over the last couple of years. He has been scoring runs against all opposition teams and in all types of pitches. Earlier this year, he became the joint second fastest to 2000 ODI runs. Needless to say, he is the backbone of Pakistan's batting lineup.

The way he times the ball, Haris Sohail never looks out of control. He rotates the strike against any type of bowling. Babar may be Pakistan's best batsman but Haris is not too far behind.

Unlike any other Pakistani batsman, Shoaib Malik has gotten better with age. He has been in solid form since the 2015 World Cup. He can provide stability in middle overs and also slog big if needed. The 2019 World Cup is set to be his last 50-over tournament. He will be determined to end his ODI career on a high note.

#2 Pakistan's schedule before the World Cup

Pakistan tour England for a 5-match ODI series before the World Cup

Pakistan isn’t always the most well-represented side when cricket schedules are announced. However, before the World Cup, they play 5 ODIs against hosts and tournament favorites England. This gives them ample time to familiarize themselves with England pitches and weather conditions.

Pakistan are also slated to play 5 ODIs against Australia during March/April in the UAE. The quality of their opponents could bring the best out of their players and help prepare them for the challenging World Cup. If they utilise these two series properly, Pakistan can have a set unit before the World Cup begins.

#1 Sarfraz Ahmed's knack of winning global tournaments

Pakistan won the 2017 Champions Trophy under Sarfraz Ahmed's leadership

Back in 2006, Sarfraz Ahmed led Pakistan to their second Under-19 World Cup title. Almost a decade later, he led his country to their first Champions Trophy title. Both of these triumphs came with not so strong Pakistan teams.

Sarfraz won the Champions Trophy with a side that had taken a 1-4 beating against Australia and England and had fallen to as low as 9th in the ICC ODI Rankings.

Whatever may be the circumstances, Sarfraz has found a way to inspire his team in the limited-overs formats. As a wicket-keeper, he is always involved in the game. We have heard him tear apart his own teammates over the slightest of mistakes. His passion for Pakistan cricket and experience of winning tournaments should augur well in the World Cup.