Pakistan and Lanka favourites for Toronto tourney: Misbah

Lahore, Oct 9 (UNI) Vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq today asserted that Zimbabwe and Canada were only touring parties in the four-nation T20 tournament to be held at Toronto as Pakistan and Sri Lanka were hot contenders for the title.

''The real competition will be between us and Sri Lanka because these are the two teams who can win the tournament,'' Misbah said yesterday.

Earlier, skipper Shoaib Malik had said Pakistan were not favorites in the Toronto event as in Twenty20 cricket any team can cause an upset and Zimbabwe and Canada cannot be taken lightly.

However, his deputy was not convinced and stated that apart from Sri Lanka none other team has the capacity to challenge us and Pakistan have to work hard to defeat them.

''Sri Lanka is the only team which we will have to work hard and play well to beat,'' he said.

The right-handed batsman further added that as the Pakistan team has not played international cricket this year due to the postponement of the Chamipons Trophy and the home series against Australia, this tournament will give the players much needed exposure.

''The postponement of the Australians Test tour and the Champions Trophy has really been frustrating for all of us so in Toronto we finally have a chance to get back into action and try to win the tournament and bring some joy to our people,'' he said.

UNI XC RKM AB BD1715