Pakistan is aiming for a third Asia Cup title in Bangladesh; the defending champions have all to play for in their opener against Sri Lanka. PHOTO: AFP
DHAKA:
Injuries to star players, including India’s World Cup-winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, have taken the sheen off the Asia Cup which opens in Bangladesh on Tuesday.
Dhoni’s absence leaves stand-in captain Virat Kohli without one of the world’s leading limited-overs players.
“He is the reason why we have been very good in the one-day format in recent years,” Kohli said of Dhoni.
With Bangladesh also due to host the World Twenty20 next month, India are not the only side reluctant to take risks with injuries at the Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka, who ended a month-long bilateral tour of Bangladesh on Saturday, have their bowling resources depleted with the absence of Nuwan Kulasekara and Rangana Herath.
Opening batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan may not be available for the entire tournament due to a finger injury.
Pakistan’s fast bowler Mohammad Irfan was ruled out of both the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20 after aggravating a hip injury sustained on the tour of South Africa in early December.
Bowling coach Mohammad Akram was hopeful Irfan’s injury will not prove costly. “Irfan is a lethal bowler but it’s not like we are over-reliant on him,” Akram said.
Bangladesh ignored Tamim Iqbal for the Asia Cup due to a neck strain. Defending champions Pakistan, along with India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will play each other once in the league, with the top two qualifying for the final in Dhaka on March 8.
Ali aiming to become impact player in Asia Cup
Pakistan’s rising all-rounder Anwar Ali wants to make a big impact in the Asia Cup.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a good start to his international career grabbing man-of-the-match award on his One-day International (ODI) debut against South Africa for a vital game changing contribution both with the ball and the bat, he scored an important 43 not out and took two crucial wickets.
In his last ODI appearance against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, Ali again played a crucial knock and remained unbeaten on 41 off 38 balls, providing impetus in the lower batting order.
“I want to play an important part for Pakistan in every possible way during the Asia Cup,” Ali told The Express Tribune during an interview before the departure of the national team.
He has scored 94 runs in his 4 ODIs so far at an average of 46 while his strike rate is in the 90s. Ali has proven himself as an out-fielder too.
He produced a stunning run-out of Kumara Sangakkara in the last series with Sri Lanka while besides taking crucial catches.
“I’ve vowed to make most of the opportunities coming my way in all three departments of the game” he added.
Ali, who is also remembered as Pakistan’s hero for U19 World Cup success in 2006, stated that he hopes to become a regular member of the side with consistent performances in the future.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2014.
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