KARACHI: Former captain Wasim Bari Monday rated Pakistan's chances as very bright to retain their crown in Cricket Asia Cup mainly because of great variety in bowling and suitable conditions.
"Pakistan got well balanced combination in all areas of the game and thats make them firm favorites for the crown," he told APP in an interview ahead of their opening game against Sri Lanka at Fataullah on Tuesday.
"Pakistan team have performed well in sub-continent conditions and it will benefit them in Asia Cup,' he pointed out.
"We got experienced batting trio of Misbah, Hafeez, Kamran with young talent of Ahmed Shehzad, Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib, Umar Akmal," he commented.
He said in addition, Pakistan also got promising Anwar Ali and Bilawal Bhatti down the batting order to support the team. "Overall Pakistan looked a very formidable combination if they don't do big blunders," he added. He said in Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Hafeez Pakistan got very lethal spin attack with experienced paceman Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Talha, Bilawal Bhatti and Anwar Ali. Wasim Bari said it will be first big test of newly installed Pakistan coaching staff headed by Moin Khan with legendary Zaheer Abbas, Shoaib Muhammad and Muhammad Akram.
"Besides performance of the team, tactics, strategy and planning will be key in Pakistan team's success," he remarked.
He was of the view that besides batting and bowling, good fielding and particularly holding chances will be of great significance.
Bari said Pakistan also good bench strength which was now very important in international cricket.
Former Test opener Sadiq Muhammad, Pakistan got powerful batting with blend of youth experience.
"But consistency in batting will be very crucial if Misbah wants to brings the trophy back home again," he said. Sadiq Muhammad, who worked with Pakistan team's batting consultant said was very important from the youngsters to be careful in shot selection.
"Talent in youngsters like Shahzad, Sharjeel, Umar and Sohaib got immense potential. But must convert their batting into big innings,", Sadiq stressed.
He advised the young batsmen to avoid playing the ball many times in the air and also concentrates in singles and doubles to keep the scoreboard ticking.
He said with Moin Khan, Zaheer, Shoaib and Akram at helms of affairs, team should do well.
"Coaching quartet knows the trick of the trade and results should be positive", he observed.
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