Karachi, Jan 21: Former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan today said the team which was best equipped to handle pressure would win the forthcoming World Cup in South Africa. Khan, who captained Pakistan to their only cup win in 1992 said Australia had made a mistake by dropping their test captain Steve Waugh from the World Cup squad as he was a proven performer under pressure.
"For me it was a big mistake to drop Steve. Australia might win the cup but world cup is all about taking pressure and Steve was good at it," Khan said about the man who led the Aussies to victory at the last World Cup four years ago in England.
The eighth World Cup kicks off with a colourful opening ceremony in South Africa on February 8. The bulk of the matches will be held in South Africa with six in Zimbabwe and two in Kenya.
The 50-year-old Khan said Australia were favourites to retain the trophy under new skipper Ricky Ponting.
"For me Australia is top favourite, South Africa will be tough on home conditions, while England has come back well in Australia and New Zealand has fighting capability and have made a good combination", he said. Bureau Report