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The much-awaited Asia Cup 2023 kicked off on August 30, and cricket enthusiasts around the world have been treated to some thrilling matches right from the start. With Pakistan emerging victorious against Nepal and Sri Lanka edging past against Bangladesh in the opening two games, the excitement surrounding the tournament has reached new heights. However, all eyes are now set on the upcoming clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India scheduled for Saturday, September 2.
As the competition unfolds and excitement builds for the continental tournament, cricketing experts and former legends are also voicing their opinions and predictions for the Asia Cup 2023. Among all, legendary Pakistan seamer Wasim Akram also shared his insights into the tournament and picked the favourites to lift the Asia Cup 2023 title
Akram started by commending the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for organizing the Asia Cup 2023 in the One Day International (ODI) format and providing teams with an ideal opportunity to prepare for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. He emphasized that teams need to adopt different mindsets and fitness standards to succeed in this continental tournament.
Wasim Akram names Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka as favourites to lift the Asia Cup 2023 title
Speaking about the favourites for the Asia Cup 2023 title, Akram didn’t shy away from expressing his thoughts and identified Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka as the most formidable teams in the competition. He even made it clear that it would be unwise to underestimate any of them, highlighting Sri Lanka’s last edition’s title-triumph, where they defied expectations and lifted the coveted trophy.
“This is a good idea by ACC to have a 50-over Asia Cup because right after it we have the World Cup. It is a long tournament – not a one-off that you can enter the semi-finals after winning one game. You have to win games to get on top. You have to take it game by game. Also, it is a 50-over competition (this time) not T20, which means different mindset and fitness will be required,” Akram was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
“Last time we had predicted an India versus Pakistan final but Sri Lanka won the competition. All three teams are dangerous – anyone can win on their day. There are other teams competing too. Last time Sri Lanka won the title, India even failed to make it to the final,” he added.
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