Virat Kohli's absence has made Pakistan favourites on Asia Cup marquee class, says Hasan Ali

The 2018 Asia Cup is scheduled to get underway on September 15 and the excitement surrounding the event is on an escalation as the tournament comes closer. India and Pakistan will cross swords on September 19 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the match is expected to be an intensified one. Meanwhile, Pakistani pacer Hasan Ali reckons that his team will have an upper hand in the contest.

The 24-year-old speedster mentioned so for the fact that India won’t have the luxury of having Virat Kohli, their regular captain, in their side. On a number of occasions, the Indian batsman has turned out to be a thorn in the flesh of the Pakistani bowling attack. Moreover, he also hailed the Delhi-born cricketer and vowed to dismiss him the next time he gets to bowl at the right-handed Kohli.

We are not only focused on the 19th September

“Yes, we may have an advantage as Virat Kohli pulls his team out of trouble when they are under pressure so a different player in his place may not be able to handle that pressure. Virat is a great player and it’s every young bowler’s wish to take his wicket but he won’t be here this time so that’s okay but if I face him next time, I will try and take his wicket,” Ali was quoted as saying by the media.

Last time around in 2016, Pakistan finished third in the points table and failed to qualify for the final. Their first match in the upcoming event will be against Hong Kong, who have recently beaten the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to qualify for the main draw, on September 16 in Dubai. Furthermore, Hasan also said that his team’s focus will be on the entire tournament.

“We are not only focused on the 19th September game against India but on the tournament as a whole. There is always a special enthusiasm when we play against India so hopefully, we will keep the same going for the upcoming match against India as well. I am happy that there is pressure on me as it makes me perform better and help my team win,” he added.

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