Pakistan have the benefit of playing at home conditions as the country is set to co-host a senior ICC event for the first time since the World Cup in 1996.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"There\u2019s always pressure when you play at home in the sub-continent \u2013 whether it\u2019s India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan \u2013 the expectations are massive,\" Shastri remarked when speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"But I think Pakistan are the kind of side that, with the exposure they\u2019ve had in the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have put up some really strong performances, especially in South Africa.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the absence of talented young opener Saim Ayub, who is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury, Shastri backed the home side to qualify for the semis and could become a \"very dangerous\" opponent in the knockout stages.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"They've missed Ayub at the top, and he\u2019s a crucial player. But Pakistan have enough depth to be dangerous, especially in home conditions. I would say they should qualify for the semifinals and from there, it\u2019s anyone\u2019s game. Pakistan are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they\u2019ll be doubly more dangerous,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting echoed Shastri's sentiments and said Pakistan\u2019s fast bowling unit could prove to be a game-changer at the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I agree with Ravi. Saim Ayub is a high-quality player, and his absence is a massive gap to fill,\" Ponting told The ICC Review.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"But Pakistan\u2019s fast bowling brigade is very, very good. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who\u2019ve been terrific in recent series, they have the pace and skill to trouble any batting line-up.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ponting also highlighted the importance of Babar Azam and Rizwan in anchoring Pakistan's batting. \"Babar has been a bit up and down in recent years, but if he and Rizwan can bring their A-games, that\u2019s when Pakistan becomes incredibly dangerous,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Aussie also acknowledged the added dimension that playing in front of a home crowd can bring. \"The pressure of playing at home can work both ways. It can be a real motivator, especially with the home crowd behind you. That support can sometimes help you cross the line in big moments.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ponting emphasised that if Pakistan's key players perform to their potential, they\u2019ll be a force to be reckoned with. \"They\u2019ve still got enough high-quality players to beat any team on any given day,\" he said. \"If they play well, they\u2019ll be right in it.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Aussie also acknowledged the added dimension that playing in front of a home crowd can bring. \"The pressure of playing at home can work both ways. It can be a real motivator, especially with the home crowd behind you. That support can sometimes help you cross the line in big moments.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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