Can India be considered favorites against Pakistan? Rashid Latif weighs in on the blockbuster Asia Cup encounter

New Delhi, Sep 11 (NationPress) As the highly awaited showdown between traditional rivals India and Pakistan approaches on Sunday, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif asserts that the Men in Blue stand as clear frontrunners, yet he cautions that his team should not be underestimated.

The Indian squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, commenced their journey with an impressive nine-wicket victory over Hong Kong. In contrast, Pakistan is set to launch their campaign against Oman on Friday prior to facing India.

"The Indian team exhibits strength, evident from their performance against the UAE. Bowlers like Kuldeep, Axar, Varun, Jasprit, Hardik, and Shivam showcase significant talent. With a balanced combination of five batters and five bowlers, they present a formidable challenge," Latif remarked to IANS.

"Both India and Pakistan are undergoing a transitional phase. While they may lack some star players, the current squad includes notable talents. India possesses a very composed team, which is crucial for high-pressure matches."

Latif noted the additional pressure both teams will face following the brief 2.5-hour conflict (Operation Sindoor, initiated by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack). He emphasized that the match's victor will be dubbed 'Sikandar', heightening the stakes for both sides.

He praised the striking rates of Indian players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Shubman Gill, opener Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson, while also commending the economic efficiency of the Indian bowling unit. He expressed confidence in India's ability to triumph in the much-anticipated match.

"While I hope for a Pakistan victory, an analysis based on skill suggests India holds the upper hand, a fact rooted in history. The competition within the Indian team is so intense that even stars like Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravi Bishnoi, and Ishan Kishan are excluded from the squad. Conversely, Pakistan struggles with shot selection issues," he explained.

Nevertheless, Latif remains optimistic about Pakistan's batting prowess against India in this crucial encounter. "Pakistan has included aggressive hitters in their lineup. Sahibzada Farhan, known for his attacking style from the first ball, and Mohammad Nawaz, who will face India for the first time, are key players. If conditions favor batting, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub could deliver impressive performances, leading to a substantial score. We cannot dismiss Pakistan; they are capable of surprising us on their day," Latif concluded.