Dubai: Speaking to media at the Asia Cup trophy unveiling ceremony here, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said that Pakistan would have to get their top 5 ready before heading into the Asia Cup which begins later this week.
When asked by the Upcut what he thought of Pakistan’s middle order, Akram said that Pakistan should stick to the formula of playing Mohammad Rizwan at number 4. He also expressed concern on Fakhar Zaman’s current batting form, who is struggling for runs. “To me, Fakhar looks out of form because he didn’t perform in Lanka Premier League and he didn’t perform in the last three matches too. I hope he regains his form.”
Responding to a question as to who he sees favourites for the Asia Cup title, he said: “Last time, when we predicted India and Pakistan, Sri Lanka won it. So, all these teams are dangerous and on the day, anybody can win.”
Appreciating the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Akram said that the body had done the right thing by organising a 50-over Asia Cup right before the World Cup. He also said that fitness of bowlers from India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will be tested to the hilt since they are used to bowling 4-over spells in T20s.
When asked to pick one winner in the all-important India-Pakistan game, he reiterated that others are also there to play the tournament. “Yeah, India vs Pakistan is very important. We know there will be a lot of support for both teams. A lot of eyeballs on the game. But all the other teams are there to play. So, you can’t minus Sri Lanka, Bangladesh or any other side for that matter.”
He cautioned Pakistan to be ready to face tough competition from other sides since every team would look to exert pressure on the men in green to dismantle them from the top of the ICC ODI rankings. “It’s an early phase for us being number one, but the way the team is performing, they look like a complete team. A proper unit and winning is becoming a habit, which is a good sign,” added Akram.
He also talked about Babar Azam’s captaincy and said that he would win more games and is on the right path. “Babar is a fantastic batter. He will win; he is performing; he is learning captaincy; he is on the right path.”