Pakistan cannot take Sri Lanka lightly in Asia Cup final: Vijay Dahiya

Sri Lanka registered a comfortable win against Pakistan in the final Super 4 clash of the 2022 Asia Cup with five wickets and 18 balls to spare at the Dubi International Stadium. The win was set up by the Sri Lankan bowlers in the first innings as they restricted Pakistan to a modest total of 121 runs. Former Indian cricketers Vijay Dahiya and Nikkhil Chopra voiced their opinion on Pakistan's troubles ahead of the final on Sunday.

Former Indian wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya in conversation with CricTracker on 'BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti' show reckoned that Sri Lanka can not be taken lightly in the final. The Sri Lankan bowlers will be full of confidence after their impressive display and will have momentum on their side. They are a dangerous side and will be in the ascendancy if they win the toss in the final as well.

"It was a dominating performance by the Sri Lankan bowlers who will be heading into the final with confidence. It was a dress rehearsal for Pakistan, but they cannot take this Sri Lankan team lightly, especially if they win the toss in the final. With the roles assigned to the players, they have shown the kind of cricket they play and have momentum on their side," Vijay Dahiya said to CricTracker.

Pakistan need to improve their batting drastically to have a chance and compete in the final: Nikkhil Chopra

Nikkhil Chopra, who is also a part of the expert panel on the show, addressed Pakistan's batting woes when asked about the areas they would look to improve in the final. He insisted on the requirement of long innings from one of the top three Paksitani batters, which will allow the middle order batters more freedom, especially against bowlers like Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.

"The most important thing will be their batting, the top three Pakistani batters will try to play the most deliveries and play the sheet anchor role for the side. Because if the top-order does not perform, I feel the middle order is a bit inexperienced and struggles against quality spin. They need to improve their batting drastically to have a chance and compete in the final, with the top three taking more responsibility because it is not easy to be explosive for the middle-order batter against this spin attack," Nikkhil Chopra was quoted by CricTracker.