Pakistan are favorites but cannot take exciting and young Sri Lanka team lightly: Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan pacer and cricket expert Wasim Akram has stated that the Men in Green will start as favorites against Sri Lanka in the final match of the 2022 Asia Cup, but he also gave a warning to Pakistan to not take their opponents lightly. 

After losing their first match against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka has played some excellent brand of cricket and they also defeated Pakistan in their final Super Four match of the competition. Akram has also emphasized the fact that the 'young' Sri Lanka team cannot be taken lightly. 

Pakistan's intent in batting was missing against Sri Lanka in the last match: Wasim Akram 

Akram, while talking to BBN Sports said that Pakistan will have to be wary of the in-form Sri Lankan side.

“The performance of the Pakistan team has been fabulous in this Asia Cup. However, in the game against Sri Lanka, the intent was missing in their batting. The bowling was decent though. Hopefully, they will learn from their mistakes. But still, I think, Pakistan is the favorite in the finals. But the exciting and young Sri Lanka team cannot be taken easy,” said Akram. 

“Pakistan cricket lovers have been saying that our middle order is a bit inexperienced, and it was exposed in the last Super 4 game after Rizwan got out. But it will be a good wicket in the final, hopefully, they come back stronger,” he added.

Akram also praised Pakistan's skipper Babar Azam stating that he is one of the best players in the world and said that he will do well in the final match.  

“Babar is one of the best players in the world and needs just one good inning. He struggled a bit because he might be worried about the lack of runs. But the good thing is, he has spent time on the crease, and for any great player, that matters as well. I think he’ll do well in the final,” concluded Akram.