Misbah foresees challenge in Asia Cup

Pakistan will require improvement for five-team competition, says captain.

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq has predicted a tough contest among continental opponents at the Asia Cup that will be played in Bangladesh from February 25.

Pakistan, the last edition’s victors, will face arch-rivals India along with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan in their title defence.

Misbah said that although his team had enjoyed good results in the last two One-Day International series, yet the upcoming competition demanded improvement.

“It will be a tough tournament,” the captain told reporters in Lahore on Sunday.



“We will definitely be confident as we achieved good results in our last two one-day series, beating South Africa at their home and a series triumph against Sri Lanka [in the UAE].

“Still, we must not only continue our momentum but will also have to show improvement because every game is different in cricket.

“India and Sri Lanka have always been tough opponents. Even Bangladesh are going to be tough on home soil, like they proved in the last edition.

“The conditions will not be to an advantage for any specific team, as all sides are well acclimatised with playing conditions in Bangladesh.”

Meanwhile, the captain refused to comment when he was asked about what kind of coach he would like for his team.

“It’s in the cricket board’s domain and I feel any individual they hire will be in the team’s interest,” he said, before praising Dav Whatmore for his services to Pakistan.

“There were ups and downs but we enjoyed the game under Whatmore. We had some great victories under him.

“I am happy that he received the perfect farewell as he achieved a memorable Test victory [in Sharjah] in his last match as the head coach.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd,  2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.