Pakistan look to revive fortunes as Asia Cup kicks off today

KARACHI: Two-time defending champions and hosts Sri Lanka launch their Asia Cup title defence against Pakistan who, after a troubled run-in to the tournament, look to revive their fortunes and get into form prior to the tour of England.

Pakistan, who have won the tournament only once, look to make an impression under a new captain and returning seniors including fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar who has been out of international cricket  since May last year when he was sidelined with a knee injury.

Flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi leads a talented Pakistani squad which includes three promising batsmen in Umar Amin, Shahzaib Hasan and Asad Shafiq.

“The opening match against the hosts is very important and we’ll give our best to start our campaign on a winning note,” said Afridi. “The Dambulla pitch will suit the pacers and we’re confident of a good show from Akhtar who we’ll use in short spells.”Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara challenged his team to fill the void left by absence of 2008 heroes Sanath Jayasuriya and Ajantha Mendis as they bid to retain the trophy at home.

“The Asia Cup 2008 final was won by two exceptional performances,” said Sangakkara. “Today we don’t have either of them [Jayasuriya and Mendis] in our squad but that gives the opportunity for the rest of the players in the squad.”

India will want to make amends for their disappointing performance in Zimbabwe, where they failed to qualify for the final of the one-day tri-series. The trio of Asia powerhouses are joined by Bangladesh in the tournament with the minnows seemingly unlikely to make an impression.

With Sri Lanka co-hosting the World Cup with India and Bangladesh, organisers hope fans will not shun the matches like they did when the previous edition was held in Pakistan. Two years after the players were forced to contest the matches in the energy sapping heat of June and July, they will be hoping for more pleasant conditions as all the games take place under lights in the central Sri Lankan town of Dambulla.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 15^th, 21010.