Asia Cup 2018: Harbhajan Singh names the favourites in India's contest against Pakistan in Dubai

Veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh feels India will start as favourites against arch-rivals Pakistan in their high-voltage clash in the ongoing Asia Cup in Dubai on September 19. The Turbanator is of the opinion that there is no reason to predict India’s performance on the basis of their recent show in England for Rohit Sharma’s side will be a different lot altogether in Asian conditions.

India will begin their campaign to defend their sixth Asia Cup title on Tuesday when they take on Hong Kong. The qualifiers were thrashed by Pakistan, the third team of the group, by 8 wickets on Sunday. Top two teams from the group will advance to the Super Four and an Indian win on Tuesday will confirm their second clash with Pakistan in the tournament on September 23.

Speaking at Salaam Cricket 2018 conclave in Dubai where the tournament kicked off on Saturday, Singh said the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli will not be a concern for the Indian batting line-up. When asked by anchor Boria Majumdar on who are the favourites in the September 19 clash, the 38-year-old cricketer said: “India”.

‘India have lead in batting, bowling’

“India’s batting is superior. They have not done well in England. Forget about that. Those were different conditions. But Asian conditions, Indian batting line-up will be tough to get them out. They know how to score big. I think they are favourites not just because of their batting. I think also they have got lot of depth in their bowling.

With Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar fit and two spinners, especially Kuldeep Yadav, he is going to be a key factor for India. I would rate India has got better chance than Pakistan,” Singh was quoted as saying in India Today.

Singh, however, also credited Pakistan as a good side, especially after their win in the Champions Trophy last year.
Singh took 269 wickets for India in 236 ODIs and out of them, 14 came in 17 games against Pakistan. His last appearance in a game against Pakistan was in the semi-final of the 2011 World Cup in Mohali.

In that game, he had castled Pakistan’s Umar Akmal in a beauty of a delivery just when the batsman was looking threatening and helped India to win the game.

[interaction id=”5b9f6bec05710b5d304d10c4″]

For more news and developments, stay tuned on CricTracker.com.