Whisper it quietly, but Pakistan – the most unpredictable team in world cricket – have a side more than capable of winning the World Cup.

Since their 1992 World Cup win, their limited-overs sides have been laden with mercurial talents and all-round cricketers who, although not blessed with consistency, have had the capacity to turn any game on its head. 

Most exciting of all, as always with Pakistan, is their seam attack. Mohammad Amir, dropped during their recent disappointing Asia Cup campaign and whose form has deteriorated of late, could conceivably be the Player of the Tournament in a competition where early wickets will be of paramount importance. Few bowlers are capable of the kind of spell he produced in the Champions Trophy final and if he regains full fitness and form – admittedly, that’s a big if – he could be a real weapon.

Shaheen Afridi, the giant teenager who made a name for himself during the Under 19 World Cup last year, has enjoyed a stellar start to his international career. Rapid and able to extract sharp bounce, he is likely to be one of the breakout stars of the summer. Add Hasan Ali to the attack, a champion death bowler even if he is a little inconsistent (there’s that word again), and Pakistan are a team jam-packed with match-winners from 1-11. 

Last month England captain Eoin Morgan name-checked Pakistan as one of England’s main challengers for the World Cup trophy, and while a Pakistan run to the final would not be at all unexpected, neither would a red-faced exit after the group stage. Either way, it’ll be entertaining.