Asia Cup 2018: 3 possible reasons why Pakistan can defeat India

The 14th edition of Asia Cup that begins on this Saturday will return to its traditional ODI format this year. As usual, India and Pakistan will enter the tournament as heavy favourites.

With the bilateral ties frozen between both teams, the multi-nation tournaments are the only way that the teams can face each other. The India-Pakistan rivalry is even more significant than the traditional ‘Ashes’ series between England and Australia.

In their last encounter, Pakistan blew away the men in blue comfortably to clinch the 2017 ICC Champions trophy. Now, after a year, both teams will face-off each other in the Asia Cup. There is a probability that both sides can face each other thrice in the tournament. Both teams’ fans are highly excited ahead of the competition.

Now, let us look at three possible reasons why Pakistan can beat India in their upcoming Asia Cup encounter.

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#3 Current form

India lost their recent ODI series against England by 1-2

Pakistan thrashed hapless Zimbabwe in their last ODI assignment by a comfortable 5-0 margin. Besides, they also won the T20I tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Pakistan. Their batsmen (both the top-order and middle-order) and bowlers are in a great run of form.

However, India had different results heading into the Asia Cup. They lost their last ODI series against England 1-2. Besides, few of their players are joining the squad directly from the England tour. Misfiring middle-order, lack of a finisher and a never-ending no.4 conundrum can dent India’s chances in the Asia Cup.

#2 Conditions

Conditions are naive to a majority of the Indian players

Ever since the terror attack against the Sri Lankan cricket team, International teams have refused to tour Pakistan. As a result, Pakistan opted to adopt the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as their home venue. It has been almost close to a decade that Pakistan is playing in UAE.

On the other hand, the current Indian team is naïve to those conditions. The temperature, humidity level, and batting under the lights can play a vital role in deciding the winner.

Though Pakistan’s ODI record in UAE is weak when compared to their Test record, Pakistan will still enter the match as favourites against their archrivals.

#1 Absence of Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli was rested for the Asia Cup

The no.1 reason in the list is a no-brainer. World’s no.1 ODI batsman, Backbone of Indian cricket team, Chase Master, One of the all-time greats – King Kohli was rested for the Asia Cup.

India already had plenty of issues with their middle-order. Now, the absence of Kohli will increase the damage further. The no.3 slot is expected to be occupied by the returning Ambati Rayudu. Even though Rayudu is a quality player, he cannot match the presence of Kohli in all aspects. Besides, the fear factor among the opposition will be reduced.

Kohli’s aggressive approach, brilliant batting (chasing) skills, and athletic fielding skills will be deeply missed in the Asia Cup.