Champions Trophy: Hopefully Pakistan cricket team will play exactly the way PCB has worked to renovate all stadiums, says Muhammad Yousuf

“If Pakistan reaches the final, then they will play at home. I wish Pakistan cricket would play exactly the way the PCB has worked to renovate the stadiums.

“Kudos to the PCB for the way they renovated all the stadiums in six months.”

For Yousuf, New Zealand and India are the most balanced sides, but he feels Pakistan will have an edge as they are playing at home. 
 
“It’s tough to pick. It’s a big tournament. Momentum might swing with anyone. For me, New Zealand looks like the most balanced side,” he said.

“They have a good side as per the subcontinent conditions. They have three quality fast bowlers and good spinners. They have a solid top six in batting. The wicketkeeper is an all-rounder; they have two spin-bowling all-rounders.

“India, too, has a balanced side.

“Pakistan has the edge because they are playing in home conditions. But they have to play calculated cricket in the tournament.”

Yousuf also has one piece of advice for the Pakistan cricket team ahead of the marquee event.

“We have played on turning wickets recently. We need to play in the gaps against the spinners. Rotate the strike and play fewer dots.

“We got exposed in the tri-series final against New Zealand. We failed to dominate their spinners in the middle overs.

“You have five fielders in the 30-yard circle; there are too many gaps.”

On the predicted scores during the tournament, Yousuf said: “If it is a double-paced track, then 300 will be a good total. But if it’s a flat track, then teams should be looking to score between 350 and 400.”