The two-time Asia Cup winners Pakistan come into this year’s tournament as strong favourites. Having won the ICC Champions Trophy last year, the team is on a roll and has been playing superb cricket. The Green Shirts, like always, have depth in fast bowling. Pakistan’s batting with the introduction of a couple of youngsters like opener Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam has improved as well. In the fielding, Pakistan have made a significant improvement. India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2018 Cricket Match 'Just Another Game' for Shoaib Malik

If all goes well for Pakistan, they are tipped to make it to the Asia Cup 2018 final along with India. Meanwhile, Pakistan are placed in Group A with rivals India and Hong Kong. The Sarfraz Ahmed-led side will open their campaign against Hong Kong on September 16 and take on India on September 19.

Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup 2018 features five front-line fast bowlers along with medium pacer Faheem Ashraf. Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali are set to share the majority of the load in the fast bowling department. Pakistan have the option of picking the third seamer from Junaid Khan, Usman Khan or young Shaheen Afridi. Meanwhile, we take a look at three key players for Pakistan at the 2018 Asia Cup. Asia Cup 2018: I Wish to Take All Ten Wickets Against India, Says Hasan Ali

Fakhar Zaman

The left-handed opening batsman’s aggressive start at the top order will be key to Pakistan’s success. Fakhar was instrumental in Pakistan’s success at the ICC Champions Trophy last year and since then has developed into a complete match-winner for his side. He recently became the first Pakistani batsman to scored a double hundred in ODIs.

Shadab Khan

This 19-year-old young cricketer is a complete all-rounder. Not just in bowling and batting, Khan is equally effective in fielding as well. He happens to be the most agile fielder in Pakistan squad. Moreover, his leg-spin can bamboozle top batsmen in the world. Khan is handy as a batsman in the late middle-order as well. Asia Cup Cricket 2018 Schedule in PDF Download: Time Table and Venue of Asia Cup Cricket Including India vs Pakistan Fixture

Asif Ali

The 26-year-old right-handed batsman could emerge as the dark horse in the Pakistan squad. Asif made his debut against Zimbabwe in July and looked good in his role as a finisher. Earlier, in Pakistan Super League (PSL) he impressed one and all with his big hitting ability.

Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Sarfraz Ahmed(c), Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Asif Ali, Mohammad Amir.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 08, 2018 08:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).