Wasim Akram: India favorites, but Pakistan can turn tables in Asia Cup final

With Pakistan set to face India in the Asia Cup final, former captain and cricketing legend Wasim Akram shared his thoughts ahead of the high-voltage clash.

“It is an India–Pakistan final, and naturally India go in as favourites, but anything can happen. Pakistan should take confidence, momentum, back themselves, play sensible cricket,” Akram said.

To a query, he said, "If Pakistan can take early wickets, we can put India on backfoot. I hope in the end the best team will win."

The upcoming match will mark the first time in the 41-year history of the Asia Cup that India and Pakistan meet in the tournament’s final. Pakistan booked their place in Sunday’s title decider on September 28 after edging Bangladesh by 11 runs in their last Super Four encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Also Read: Pakistan edge Bangladesh to set up first Asia Cup final against India

Defending a modest total of 135 for 8, Pakistan’s pace duo Shaheen Afridi (3 for 17) and Haris Rauf (3 for 33) starred with the ball to restrict Bangladesh to 124 for 9.

This sets up the third showdown between India and Pakistan in the current edition of the competition. Historically, the two rivals have contested five finals in multinational tournaments involving more than three teams. Pakistan hold the upper hand with three victories to India’s two.

Their first such final came in 1985 at the World Championship of Cricket, where India won convincingly by eight wickets. The most recent was the 2017 Champions Trophy, when Pakistan stunned their neighbours with a 180-run triumph.