Sunil Gavaskar predicts the winner of the Asia Cup 2018

With the Asia Cup 2018 knocking right on our doors, the frenzy among fans is gradually reaching a crescendo. From predicting the winning combinations to evaluating the valuable players, fans and cricketing experts have been putting forth their opinions. Recently, in a write-up, Sunil Gavaskar named the team that is most likely to emerge victorious in the tournament.

The Asia Cup for this year will kick off in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 15, with the first match to be played between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Pakistan will face Hong Kong in their first encounter of the tournament, followed by the much-awaited match against India on September 19 (Wednesday). Veteran cricketer, Gavaskar named Pakistan as his personal favourites for the trophy this time.

Sunil Gavaskar backs Pakistan to win Asia Cup 2018

Writing for the Times of India (TOI), Gavaskar opined that Pakistan has the best shot at winning the Asia Cup 2018. “Pakistan, the ICC Champions Trophy winners, start as favourites because not only have they got a well-balanced team, but they will be playing on their ‘home’ ground. The familiarity with the pitches and the weather conditions is always a plus and Pakistan will want to add the Asia Cup to their trophy cabinet. With their former charismatic captain as their country’s Prime Minister now, they will undoubtedly be inspired to give him the Asia Cup as a gift,” wrote Gavaskar.

Currently the fifth-ranked ODI side in the world according to ICC rankings, Pakistan already have have won the tournament twice, back in 2002 and 2012. They’ve played extensively in the UAE, with their T20 games against the World XI side back in 2017 being one of the major tournaments. This time around, the Asia Cup will be missing the presence of the regular Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who’s been rested for the series. Dinesh Chandimal will also have to sit out the Asia Cup owing to a finger injury.

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