With the Asia Cup 2018 around the corner, a majority of cricket fans are eagerly waiting to witness the epic clash between India and Pakistan scheduled to be held on September 19. Both the sides are likely to face each other at least twice in the tournament. It may happen thrice if both reach the final.
Ahead of the much-awaited face-off, Pakistan speedster Hasan Ali has mouthed big words on India’s pressure handling abilities. He stated that the men-in-blue will be under huge pressure in the forthcoming Asian cricketing event following their last year’s loss to Pakistan in Champions Trophy finals.
“We are on top right now. They (India) are under pressure from the previous defeat. In UAE, these are our conditions; we have the home advantage as we have been playing here for long, and are aware of how to use the conditions. India are a good side and I wish to take all ten wickets rather than a five-for and make my fans across the world happy with my celebration style. There is definitely pressure but I feel good when pressure mounts on me because that is where I try to perform and help my side win.”
In Pakistan's big win in the Champion Trophy final, Ali did not get to bowl to Kohli, who was snapped up by Mohammad Amir. Since the dynamic Indian skipper has been rested for this tournament, Ali is considering it as an ‘advantage’.
“Virat Kohli is a very good player. Everybody knows that he is a match-winner. The advantage to us is that the way Virat Kohli can handle the pressure, someone else who comes in his place might not be able to," Ali told reporters during Pakistan's pre-tournament camp at the Gaddafi Stadium here Thursday.