Virat Kohli is a world class player but India capable enough without him: Fakhar Zaman

The Asia Cup 2018 is all set to commence on the 15th of September. However, it is the India-Pakistan game which is generating a lot of buzz. The arch-rivals last came face to face in the Champions Trophy final last year. The Men in Green managed to secure their first ever Champions Trophy title win as they defeated Virat Kohli’s team by 180 runs. Fakhar Zaman‘s blistering knock of 114 (106) guided them to a significant total in the first innings.

Ahead of the Asia Cup, Fakhar has been in great touch, the left-handed batsman scored a phenomenal double hundred in the recent  Zimbabwe series. He also became the fastest man to complete 1000 runs in One-Day International cricket. The 28-year-old spoke about the upcoming challenges as the multi team tournament approaches.

Virat Kohli is a world class player

India-Pakistan games have always generated great intensity inside as well as outside the field. Fakhar agrees that there will be a lot of expectations from both the sides. Indian skipper Kohli has been rested for the Asia Cup, following the hectic England tour. Fakhar stated that despite of their regular captain’s absence, Indian team is still capable of posing a threat.

“Every international match has its own pressure but match against India is a different ball-game altogether. I believe the team which control nerves better will win the contest. Kohli is a world class player. But even without him, the Indian team is capable enough to mount a stiff challenge for us. Hopefully people will get to witness a good match between the two sides.” Fakhar said according to Tribune.

Pakistan have a slight advantage ahead of Asia Cup

The Pakistan cricket team has been playing all their home games in the UAE. Thus, there’s no doubt they’ll have a competitive advantage over the others. Having whitewashed Zimbabwe in their own backyard, Fakhar vowed to continue the same form and is also looking forward to fulfilling his responsibility as an opener alongside Imam-ul-Haq.

“We will have a slight advantage over our opposition. UAE is like a home ground to us as we have ample experience of playing cricket there. I will look to continue my good run of form and score runs in every match. Like the Zimbabwe series, me and Imam will try to provide team with a good start and take the workload off the middle-order,” he concluded.

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