New Delhi : India look favourites to win the Asia Cup final, says former England spinner Monty Panesar, but he warns that Pakistan remains a “highly emotional team” in any crucial match. The Men in Blue will face their arch-rivals in the tournament’s final for the first time in 41 years at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Excitement surrounds the upcoming summit clash due to how the previous two matches between the sides unfolded. From India’s handshake snub in the group stage game to Pakistan players’ controversial gestures and celebrations in the Super 4s match, both teams created considerable drama.
“India look like the favourites to win the Asia Cup final against Pakistan because they’ve shown great bowling performances, and their batting has also been going well. There’s just one issue: if opener Abhishek Sharma gets out early, the middle order may face exposure in the powerplay,” Panesar told IANS.
“This situation can cause damage because Pakistan plays rigorously as a highly emotional team in any final. They’ll need early wickets, and India’s fast bowlers must perform well in the powerplay,” he added.
Panesar, who has closely followed India-Pakistan encounters, stated that the Men in Blue hold the advantage as they prepare for their match against arch-rivals Pakistan, eyeing their ninth Asia Cup title.
“However, the Indian team appears very strong, and I believe India will win. If they bat well in the powerplay and protect their wickets, they’re most likely to secure victory,” Panesar said.
After India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their group stage match, the Men in Blue claimed another confident six-wicket victory in the Super Fours game.
Both teams enter the final with previous wins and remain hungry for victory in the ultimate showdown.
— IANS
