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KARACHI: Lauding Bangladesh for their stunning performances in the Asia Cup so far, former Test captain Moin Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan had an edge over the hosts but skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and his players must remain on guard against the resurgent home side in the final on Thursday.
“Bangladesh, the way they have fared against India and Sri Lanka in this Asia Cup, have nothing to lose in the final. Presently, they are playing absolutely fearless cricket and are expected to continue in the same fashion in the tournament decider. And therefore, any relaxation from Pakistan can change the course of the match in favour of the home side,” Moin warned while talking to Dawn.
“Pakistan, particularly with the likes of classy spinners Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi in their bowling armoury, have a definite edge over Bangladesh, and will start the final with better victory chances. But again, as I said, Pakistan must remain focused and shun any form of complacency which may cause a dramatic turnaround.”
Interestingly, Pakistan, after winning matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, faltered in their last league match of the premier continental event against traditional rivals India, losing the high-profile game by six wickets after posting a healthy-looking 329.
Moin, who played 69 Tests and 219 One-day Internationals for Pakistan, believed Afridi could come out as Pakistan’s leading player in the potentially action-packed final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
“Afridi is a true match-winner. And though he remained off-colour in the previous game against India, I think he will play a significant role in the final,” Moin, 40, stated.
On a query about the wicket-keeping option, the former wicket-keeper/batsman was categorical in saying that Pakistan needed the regular gloveman in the all-important final.
“A specialist is always a plus, particularly in key matches. And I think Sarfraz Ahmed should be included in the playing eleven in place of part-timer Umar Akmal who was, naturally, not very sharp behind the stumps in the game against India. Umar, if we recall, dropped Virat Kohli which proved to be decisive in the end,” he said.
On being asked to comment on Misbah’s approach in the event so far, Moin said captains do make mistakes, adding Misbah was no exception, specifically in the India clash.
