Asia Cup 2018: 4 Pakistani players India need to be careful about if they want to win

The Pakistan team is as unpredictable as Mumbai weather, you never know what they will dish out on a particular day. This unpredictability makes them a dangerous side.

India-Pakistan is the biggest rivalry in the cricketing world, and nothing comes close, not even The Ashes. Fans of both the teams hate the sight of losing against each other. Both teams also give their best whenever they play against each other.

Lately, India had an upper hand over Pakistan in one-day internationals. India has won 7 out of 12 matches they have played against each other over the last decade. The Asia Cup is another opportunity for India to continue this streak, and also to take revenge for the Champions Trophy final defeat.

In pursuit of a victorious campaign against Pakistan in The Asia Cup, India need to be careful about a few players in the Pakistani squad who have the ability to change the direction of any game on their own:

1# Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman during the Champions Trophy Final

Fakhar Zaman has been a revelation lately. He has taken the world by storm through his aggressive batting. Who can forget his century in the Champions Trophy final, which tilted the balance heavily in favour of Pakistan.

India needs to devise a plan to counter this aggressive opener from Pakistan, or he can cut-loose to take the game away from India within a span of 20 overs.

Zaman has played 18 ODIs so far, and he has scored 1065 runs at an outstanding average of 76.07. His strike rate is 101.91, which is very good, even by modern day standards.

2# Hasan Ali

Hasan Ali celebrating a wicket

Hasan Ali has been an excellent find for Pakistan. He has a knack of picking up wickets. He is especially good during death overs. He has a very good yorker and a lovely slower delivery in his repertoire which makes him doubly dangerous.

India needs to be careful against Hasan Ali, and in trying to focus on more known bowlers like Mohammed Amir, Hasan Ali can slip under the radar and hurt them.

Ali has an outstanding record in ODIs, he has picked up 68 wickets in just 33 matches with 3 five-wicket hauls.

3# Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik playing a drive

Shoaib Malik has all the experience in the world to trouble India, and he loves playing against India, and has an exceptional record against them.

The Pakistani side doesn't have much experience in their line-up, especially after the unceremonious exit of Hafeez from the squad. Lack of experience can hurt them. Shoaib Malik brings in the much-needed experience and India would like to keep Malik quiet in order to come up trumps.

Overall, Malik has played 266 ODIs and scored 7,015 runs at an average of 35.07. Against India, his average goes up to 47.45, which is a sign that Malik would be licking his lips at the sight of the Indian team.

4# Sarfraz Ahmed

Sarfraz has been a good leader for Pakistan

The charismatic leader of the Pakistan team, Sarfraz Ahmed has a knack of playing crucial knocks under pressure. He is a very shrewd captain as well.

India would do well to counter Sarfraz's tactics during the match. They would also need to out-think him while he is batting, as he has the ability to be innovative and step up the run rate.

Safraz has scored 1748 runs from 90 matches at an average of 34.27. His strike has been a solid 87.22.