Asia Cup 2018: India, Pakistan Are Favourites for Tournament - Mahela Jayawardene

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene believes India and Pakistan are favourites for the Asia Cup 2018. Both the arch-rivals will lock horns with each other on 19 September. Meanwhile, the former flamboyant batsman believes as Pakistan plays most of its cricket in UAE, it is going to be an X-factor. Furthermore, Pakistan has been in decent form in the recent past.

On the other hand, Mahela Jayawardene believes Asia Cup has been instrumental in the development of cricket in Asia. This is going to be the 14th edition of the tournament. The former Sri Lankan captain believes the tournament will get the extra spark as Afghanistan has shown a great promise.

India and Pakistan will lock horns after Champions Trophy final.

Meanwhile, Jayawardene believes India and Pakistan contest is always a great match. However, no team has done well while playing in overseas conditions.

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“The tournament is, of course, special also because it’s one of the few occasions when we get to witness the spectacle and drama of an India vs Pakistan contest.

“It’s always a mouth-watering one and millions will be looking forward to the big game next Wednesday. Both teams are probably also the favourites going into the tournament, although it remains an open competition by virtue of the fact that no team is dominating away from home right now. India, even without Virat Kohli, has some formidable players and a great balance,” Mahela Jayawardene wrote for Times of India.

In fact, Jayawardene believes the home conditions of Pakistan will not be an overwhelming advantage. However, Pakistan will like to make the most of their known conditions.

“They have the greater experience of UAE conditions, it being their second home for the past decade but that won’t be an overwhelming advantage,” Jayawardene concluded.

Meanwhile, Asia Cup has played a key role in the establishment of cricket in the subcontinent.

“The Asia Cup has played an important role in the development of cricket in Asia and this year’s tournament in the UAE has even more spice by the emergence of a fifth major force in the region, Afghanistan, a team full of street-smart mystery,” wrote the Sri Lankan legend.

India and Pakistan contest has always been the cynosure of all eyes. Both teams will be looking to put their best step forward in the tournament.