Ramiz Raja says Pak's Champions Trophy chances depend on 'good, consistent' batting

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has said that Pakistan's chances in the ICC Champions Trophy will depend on good and consistent batting show, despite their emphatic win over South Africa in a warm-up game of the mega event.

Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Farhat scored fine half centuries as Pakistan eased to seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the warm-up fixture at the Oval, London, the Daily Times reports.

However, Raja, who is a cricket analyst now, said that even though Pakistan needs to maintain their momentum given their batting troubles in the South Africa tour, he is confident that the side can do better in England.

Expressing the hope that left handed opener Nasir Jamshed would do well in the Champions Trophy despite struggling in South Africa and on the tour of Scotland and Ireland, Raja gave a high rating to Pakistan's bowling attack, saying that he felt that they were capable of reaching the semi-finals with Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan and Saeed Ajmal in their fold.

Another former Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail said that conditions would play a very important role in Pakistan's chances for the premier eight-nation contest, adding with batting as key focus, the team has bright chances to reach the semi-final.

Stating that Pakistan is second favourites in Group B with West Indies, South Africa and India, Sohail however, said that pacers Asad Ali, Wahab Riaz and Junaid Khan lacked killer instinct.