Will Pakistan win Asia Cup this time? This is a question, which 
evoked mixed responses from followers of cricket atleast until match-by-match position became clear, of which Asian team is going to be there for the finals. Most surprising development has been Bangladesh getting into the finals making it Pakistan vs Bangladesh by knocking off favorites of the bookies- India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan was the dark horse when it came to Asia cup. This tournament has brought many historic moments for India like 100th ton of Sachin Tendulkar, India chasing down their highest total on the board and Virat Kohli consolidating his position as an ace player with his spell-bounding performance but the. Now saying that Pakistan will win Asia Cup does not seem to be a risky proportion for me. Here are four reasons why Pakistan is looking every bit that strong contender for winning the trophy.
History: Bangladeshi’s fans don’t hold your breath, as this is what history is asking you to! 30 games have been played between Pakistan and Bangladesh and out of 30 Pakistan has won 29 and Bangladesh has won just 1 match and that was long back in 1999 world cup by 68 runs. That’s not all; Bangladesh has a tendency to cramp under pressure. In 2011 world cup, Bangladesh won it against T20 champs England and Dutchman Netherlands but as soon as pressure of qualifying hit their boats they lost against South Africa by 206 runs and were knocked out. It will be really hard for them to pass through the expectations of a jam-packed ground with their supporters and they might just cramp under the pressure.
Form: Form is a bigger factor that defines a winner. As far as it’s a matter of the current form, Bangladesh has an upper hand but their form against Pakistan is worse than ever. They have not won a single game yet against Pakistan for the last 12 years. They lost their first match against Pakistan in Asia cup this year too. Will the fortunes turn this time? Well the chances are very low. So it is safe to say that in the contest between Pakistan’s history and Bangladesh’s form, Pakistan will win Asia Cup.
Technique: Pakistan is termed as a bowling unit right from the days of Wasim, Waqar and the legend Imran khan. It would be really hard for Bangladesh to Bat for 50 overs against such a bowling unit which has Pace bowlers like Umar gul, Wahab Riaz, Aizaz cheema and quality spinners like Ajmal, Afridi and Hafeez. It would be a tough test for their temperament, technique and mindset while playing such a great bowling unit.
Bookies: We as fans don’t put our money on cricket but those who bet have a lot on stake. Mostly the odds decides how even the match is going to be! If Pakistan looses tomorrow than a person who has put his bet on Bangladesh will get double the amount.
This shows lack of confidence for Bangladesh. Bangladesh team lacks consistency, which is a key asset to win such big games. It seems even bookies believe that Pakistan will win Asia Cup.
By our calculations, it seems tough that Bangladesh will spring up a surprise for Pakistan but lets just hope that the best side wins!
No comments yet... Be the first to leave a reply!