Pakistan's legendary fast bowler and former Head Coach, Waqar Younis, in remarks to PakPassion.net feels that Sri Lanka’s amazing performances in the recently concluded VB series in Australia makes them slight favourites for the Asia Cup.

By Amir Husain (9th March, 2012)

As the battle for supremacy for the Asia Cup looms ahead, the recent forms of the Pakistani, Indian and Sri Lankan teams in One Day Internationals provide a perfect backdrop for some interesting debate on which side will emerge as eventual victors.

Pakistan's legendary fast bowler and former Head Coach, Waqar Younis, in remarks to PakPassion.net feels that Sri Lanka’s amazing performances in the recently concluded VB series in Australia makes them slight favourites for the Asia Cup.

“We have seen both India and Pakistan struggle recently in one Day Internationals with Sri Lanka doing unexpectedly well in Australia. If you go by form alone, then Sri Lanka have to be considered slight favourites, but in the sub-continent, pitches and conditions are different and will be spin friendly – so really its down to the classic case of any team that plays well on that one day will win. After all, these are good Asian sides – they all know the pitches and they all know the conditions very well”

Whilst the big guns of Asian cricket are expected to dominate the headlines during the Asia Cup, tournament hosts Bangladesh are largely regarded as simple stepping stones for the progress of their much stronger opponents. Waqar, however, feels that those who underestimate tournament hosts, Bangladesh, do so at their own peril.

“One should not write off Bangladesh as well, they are a good side – they may not win the tournament but they have the ability to upset some of the bigger sides”

Given Pakistan’s dismal showing in the One Day format during the “home” series against England in the UAE, there were expectations that the Pakistani selectors may opt for wholesale changes but that did not materialize. The 15 man squad chosen for this tournament bears a striking resemblance to the one that faced England in UAE with the notable exceptions of Imran Farhat, Shoaib Malik and Adnan Akmal. In Waqar’s opinion, there is no cause for concern in regards to team selection but he is slightly apprehensive about the “burn out” factor confronting the team and would like new Coach Dav Whatmore to take note of this issue.

“I think the Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup is a balanced side – I just feel that the boys are getting a little tired - I could see the signs of wear and tear in them during the recently concluded ODI/T20 series against England. Given that we have series against Sri Lanka and Australia coming up this year, I am sure a rotation policy will be useful here. For that you do need a few more youngsters to come into the team. I am sure Dav Whatmore will look into this and get some younger players from the domestic circuit and try and implement a sensible rotation policy.”

Pakistan start their Asia cup campaign against Bangladesh on Sunday at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka, followed by 2 more games against Sri Lanka (15th March) and India (18th March). The Final game of the tournament, between the top 2 teams of the competition, will be played on the 22nd March at the same venue.