Saeed Ajmal, a former off-spinner for Pakistan, believes that his country’s squad is the “favorite” to win the next Asia Cup, which will start on Wednesday, August 30. At the Multan Cricket Stadium, the ACC event will officially begin when Pakistan, under the leadership of Babar Azam, take on Nepal.
In light of the fact that Pakistan has acclimated to the circumstances in Sri Lanka, veteran cricketer Ajmal predicted that Pakistan will win the Asia Cup and advance to the ODI World Cup. A recent three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and the Men in Green in Sri Lanka ended with a 3-0 victory for the Men in Green.
Ajmal also discussed Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the Indian lineup and projected that Pakistan would join teams like Australia, India, and England in making it all the way to the ODI World Cup semifinals.
Since Pakistan recently played a few games in Sri Lanka, they are the favorites to win the Asia Cup.
They have already become accustomed to the surroundings. When it comes to rapid bowling, we have the advantage. Haris Rauf is skilled at death bowling, and Shaheen and Naseem are recognized for taking wickets with the new ball, according to Ajmal, who spoke to The New Indian Express.
With Ravindra Jadeja batting at No. 7, India’s confidence has increased as a result of Jasprit Bumrah’s comeback to the game. Hardik Pandya, Jadeja, and Axar Patel are capable all-around players for them. Kuldeep can bat as well. Pakistan’s middle order is a concern, but if they can handle it, they, along with India, Australia, and England, can advance to the World Cup semifinals, he continued.
A World Cup home crowd may be advantageous: Saeed Ajmal
Ajmal went on to express his opinion regarding the explosive match between India and Pakistan in the ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The former off-spinner explained that while India’s home field advantage would be important, they could find themselves in trouble if Pakistan takes the early wickets.
“Wickets in Asia are still the same, thus it is irrelevant. Due to their top-order hitters and pacers, Pakistan is currently the best ODI team. In Ahmedabad’s largest stadium, more than 1 lakh supporters will be rooting for you, which may be advantageous, according to Ajmal.
However, if Pakistan bats first, it won’t matter because they’ll have the advantage over the hosts; if not, it’ll be a 50/50 match for both teams. India will have difficulty right away if Shaheen and Naseem take wickets in the first few overs, he added.
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