Sania will support India against Pakistan: Shoaib Malik

All-rounder says PSL-inspired team ready to give arch-rivals tough fight

All-rounder Shoaib Malik said that his tennis-star wife Sania Mirza will be supporting India in the Asia Cup match against Pakistan but wants him to perform as well.

“We maintain the same status. She [Sania] supports team India and wants her husband to do well, perform well in the middle if he is playing," said Malik.



The 34-year-old opined that Pakistan could give their arch-rivals India a tough fight even with the momentum on their side.

“Indian batsmen are very consistent but we have a good bowling attack,” said Malik. “This is going to be a great game. This is going to be a big opportunity for players of both the teams.”

Malik further stated that the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) has helped the players prepare well for the Asia Cup.



“Coming after playing the PSL straightaway, our preparation has been very good,” he said. “There's no doubt India have performed very well in Australia and even versus Bangladesh, I think it will be a great battle between two good teams.”

Imad wants to inspire Pakistan to World T20

All-rounder Imad Wasim, who is part of the national ODI and T20I squads, is hoping to see his career take off by helping Pakistan win both the Asia Cup and the World T20.

“I understand the importance of both tournaments and if I can help Pakistan win, I would be the happiest man in the world,” said Imad while talking exclusively to The Express Tribune at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai. “I hope to play a leading role as that would be a career-defining moment for me.”



While winning the Asia Cup is important for the Islamabad-based player, his eyes, along with almost a billion more, are focused on the crunch encounter between Pakistan and India on March 19 in the World T20.  Despite Pakistan’s poor record against their arch-rivals in World Cups —T20I and ODI both — the 27-year-old remains confident that Pakistan can spring a surprise.

“Records are meant to be broken and I know we haven’t beaten them [India] ever [in a world event], but that doesn’t mean it will never happen,” he said. “Who knows the game in Dharamsala might be the occasion [where we beat them] and I would love to play a role in ensuring that we do.”

Shoaib Malik was quoted by Deccan Chronicle