India will be weak without Kohli; Pak favourites to win Asia Cup, feels Rashid Latif

With the momentum for Asia Cup starting to gain pace, the focus is getting more intense on the India-Pakistan clash of September 19 and a few former cricketers have already started do what is done at this time: Incite. Ex Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif is of the opinion that his country has a team strong enough to lift the trophy this time.

The fourteenth edition of the tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 15 and 28 and the Men in Green have been clubbed with arch-rivals India along with the Qualifying team Hong Kong in Group ‘A’ of the competition.

To substantiate his point of seeing Pakistan as favourites to win the title, 49-year-old Latif told Pakistan-based The Nation: “As United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home for Pakistan cricket for last decade and green caps are fully aware of the conditions, they have very bright chances of winning the Cup. India is much weaker in the absence of Virat Kohli, but green caps have to be very professional in approach and shouldn’t take them easy.”

Pak batting highly balanced

“Pakistan batting is highly balanced and delivering for last few matches consistently. For me, Fakhar Zaman holds the key as he is in traffic form and producing wonders with the willow. He can provide Pakistan perfect start and he will remain instrumental throughout the Cup and upcoming series.”

India will be led by opener Rohit Sharma in the absence of regular captain Kohli who has been rested keeping in mind the gruelling series against Australia later this year. India and Pakistan are likely to play a minimum of two matches since both are favourites to qualify from the group.

Pakistan, who have won Asia Cup twice as against India’s six titles, will be led by Sarfraz Ahmed. The side will also feature Junaid Khan who will benefit the former champions’ bowling attack, feels Latif.

“Return of Junaid Khan will boost fast bowling department, as he has formed a formidable pair with M Aamir and Fahim Ashraf while Shahdab Khan will definitely add strength to bowling,” Latif said, adding the presence of veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik will add more meat to the batting order. Malik has scored two centuries against India in Asia Cup.

India and Pakistan have met each other 11 times in the Asia Cup since 1984 when it was first held, while one game has been abandoned. In their last meeting which took place more than a year ago in England, Pakistan walloped India by 180 runs to lift their maiden Champions Trophy.

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