Asia Cup 2018: Pakistan Can Challenge Any Team, Says Asad Shafiq

Pakistan middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq thinks that the Men in Green are the hot favourites to lift the Asia Cup 2018 title in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Asad Shafiq, who is the regular member of Test squad feels that Pakistan team is in good shape. He senses that the team has the quality to challenge any side.

The Asia Cup 2018 tournament will kick off from September 15. The competition will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) consisting of six teams.

Pakistan have a bright chance in Asia Cup 2018: Asad Shafiq

While speaking to the media, Shafiq said the whole team is putting a lot of effort. He feels hard work is the key to the success of Pakistan in the recent past.

“The chances of Pakistan winning the Asia cup are bright,” said Shafiq.

He further stated the results of tri-series and the series against Zimbabwe has a positive impact on Pakistan Team. He said that Pakistan went through a gradual change from the last 18 months.

It is worth noting that Pakistan won three-nation T20I series in Zimbabwe. Pakistan also managed to clean sweep against home-side Zimbabwe in the five-matches ODI series.

Shafiq played his last match at WACA in Perth in 2017 against Australia. He was axed from the side due to his poor outings. However, he has been a critical member of the red-ball squad from a couple of years now.

“The players are full of confidence after the successful tour of Zimbabwe and are eager to continue this good run of form,” he said.

Recently, Asad Shafiq went through a surgery following a hand injury. While talking about the operation, he stated that it did not heal fully yet.

He is still going through a recovery phase. However, Shafiq appears optimistic to recover soon and restart his practice in the coming days.