Pakistan batsman-allrounder Shoaib Malik believes his side will start as favourites when they face arch-rival India in the Asia Cup Twenty20 tomorrow.
India have already opened their campaign with a crushing 45-run win over hosts Bangladesh in the tournament opener last Wednesday and the fans are now bracing themselves for the blockbuster India-Pakistan tie which will be held at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
The Pakistan cricketers will not be short of match practice as they played in the just-concluded Pakistan Super League Twenty20 and Malik is of the opinion that the recent experience will give them the edge over their eternal rival.
“As a Pakistani, I will call my team favourite in the match even though India have been playing good cricket lately. If you see their performance, they are really playing well,” Malik told the media yesterday.
“We have been in action and just came off the PSL where we played competitive cricket. I think the match between the two sides will be exciting. Everyone knows it’s a big match. People from both countries want and pray for their team to win. The cricketers also get excited about the match and everybody wants to perform.”
Malik added that he is not yet aware over what the team combination might be for the all-important clash against India.
“It’s up to the captain (Shahid Afridi). I don’t know what the combination will be. Perhaps after watching the pitch, the decision will be taken.”