The ongoing Asia Cup in Pakistan has generated a lot of interest
and fan following amongst the millions of cricket fanatics all over the Indian
subcontinent and for that matter, the entire world. The tournament will indeed
decide the reigning cricketing champion of Asia and with six teams competing
out there for glory and success, expect the very best cricket action when the
ninth edition of the Asia Cup gets underway in Pakistan.
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India will no doubt, come into this clash as the favourites having won
four of the previous eight Asia Cup editions. Although, they did lose out to
Pakistan in the finals of the Kitply Cup in Bangladesh, it goes
without saying that men in Blue will be a tough nut to crack in the Asia Cup
championships. India have been the most dominant side in World cricket over
the past one year enjoying success in all three formats of the game and much
will be expected from Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his troops going into
their most crucial cricket tournament since the World Cup a year ago.
Like India, the stakes will be high for the host nation Pakistan as they look
for only their second victory in the Asia Cup. Pakistan will be glad to host
this tournament in their home turf as it gives them a chance to alienate concerns
of security leading up to the Champions Trophy later this year. Pakistan
have flattered to deceive against most big sides in the past year or two and
their impressive run of thirteen wins in their last fourteen ODI matches features
eleven victories against the likes of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Nevertheless,
the Pakistan outfit can turn it on at the most crucial instant of time and that
was proved by their brilliant showing against the Indian national cricket team
in the finals of the Kitply Cup. Going into the final as underdogs, Pakistan
pulled up a performance that was both solid and spectacular as they over ran
the Indian cricket team to enjoy a fine thirty run win.
Another major competitor for Asia Cup triumph will have to be Sri Lankans.
Despite going downhill since their 2007 World Cup final appearance, the
Lankans possess a side strong in guts and confidence and they should be able
to give the Indians and the Pakistan cricket team a run of their money. This
tournament will probably be the last international cricket outing for Sanath
Jayasurya and the 38 year old big-hitter will be aiming to go long and big against
bowlers of caliber such as Ishant Sharma and Sohail Tanvir. After India,
Sri Lanka have won the maximum number of Asia Cup Championships and they will
be itching to go one better this time around in Pakistan.
Other outfits looking to make an impact will be the likes of Bangladesh, Hong
Kong and UAE. While expecting any of these three sides to win the entire tournament
would be a far fetched thought, the mimmows of Asian cricket will be hoping
to have a major say in the final outcome of the Championships.
Watch all the action from the Asia Cup here with us on the premium cricket
channel. Keep up with the latest Indian cricket scores with our RSS scorecards
which updates real time so that you don't miss a single moment of Indian cricket
action. Alternatively, you can tune into our flash based scorecard which not
only gives you live Indian cricket score updates but will also provide you live
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So, sit back and be a part of team India's success in Pakistan with us here
though our wide array of services that help you keep in tune with the Indian
cricket team live online.
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