So, do Pakistan fans think that they can win the World Cup now?

Before people start thinking that I've gone crazy.....I am talking about the World Twenty20 taking place in June (and not the one taking place in two years time). Those of you who know me, are probably already aware that I don't think of the twenty20 format of the tournament as an actual world cup. This is also in line with the official ICC stand that the tournament is actually not ...well...a world cup. But then again, who cares about what the ICC, being the most incompetent sports administration body, says anyway.

But that is not what this blog is about, that can be discussed somewhere else (I am sure some of my Indian friends are jumping up and down while advocating that I do not consider the tournament worthy of having world cup status because Pakistan lost to India in the final in 2007. I assure you all that my opinion will not change even after Pakistan beats India on its way to the final this time round).

Anyway.....what this blog is actually about is whether Pakistani fans think that the tournament in June can actually be won by the men in green. Cricinfo's headline today read "Gul and Afridi demolish Australia".....demolish them they did. Should we start to believe that we will win, after all.....this is Pakistan we are talking about. A friend of mine told me recently that Pakistan is ranked number one in the world in twenty20 rankings to win the tournament (this according to an Indian website). Lets face it, the team played well today even if it was against an Australian side that was considerably short of full strength. After all, Australia is... well.... Australia, the best side in world cricket for the last decade and a half. And after the last 2 years of absolute cricketing hell that we as a nation have been through, I am willing to rejoice and celebrate any win (there is some silverware coming home guys.....how many times have we said that in the last two years).

Pakistan played well today. I am one of the harshest critics of Pakistan cricket and even I was pleased. It takes a lot to bounce back from an onslaught like the one that Shane Watson inflicted on Pakistan today and the manner in which the Pakistan bowling performed today is commendable (take a bow Umar Gul - the best bowler in the shortest form of the game?!).

Not much cricket in the last 18 months and decent performances have been put up against the Australians over the last couple of weeks. Pakistan may have lost the ODI series but they were certainly not disgraced and actually could have won, in all seriousness (bar a couple of horrific batting collapses like the one where 10 wickets were lost for 76 runs).

So, we are less than a month away from the torunament that I honestly think we should have won the first time round, two years ago. What do you guys think? Can Pakistan go one better? Should the ICL players have been called back to increase our chances or do we have enough strength and depth in the squad as it is?

And please, nothing like we are the most unpredictable side in the world, so ofcourse we can.....I've heard that a zillion times before and quite honestly guys....its getting a bit old.