Asia Cup 2018: Shoaib Malik Key for Pakistan against India – VVS Laxman
Sep 13, 2018 at 1:38 PM
Former India cricketer, VVS Laxman recently admitted that Shoaib Malik will be key for Pakistan against India when the arch-rivals square off in the Asia Cup 2018.
Meanwhile, the two neighbouring countries will clash on September 19 at Dubai International Stadium. This is the first time they will play against each other since the Champions Trophy last year. Pakistan defeated India to lift the trophy for the first time in England.
VVS Laxman feels the experience of Shoaib Malik will come in handy for the green caps. Laxman also noted that Pakistan will depend on Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam.
“Yeah, the reason he does well against India is his experience. He is a good player of spin bowling because in the middle invariably India will look to attack with the spinners and they’ve got two quality risk spinners now in, Chahal and Kuldeep while Pakistan is evidently dependent on their opener Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam at number 3,” Laxman said to Star Sports.
Shoaib Malik key for Pakistan in Asia Cup
VVS Laxman asserted that Shoaib Malik will be key for Sarfraz Ahmed & Co in the six-team tournament. Pakistan have done well in recent times and will look to continue their form.
“Shoaib Malik is someone who would look to play the anchor role. He has got ability to rotate the strike, play down the ground, taking easy singles,” he said.
“But at the same time when he presses the accelerator, he can play the big shots and he has got an abundance of experience and he is a champion as far as wide ball is concerned,” VVS Laxman signed off.
This edition of Asia Cup 2018 will commence from September 15 with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh playing against each other.