Asia Cup 2018: Shoaib Malik a Vital Part of Pakistan’s Middle-Order, Says VVS Laxman
Pakistan are rated one of the favourites to lift the Asia Cup 2018.
Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman feels Shoaib Malik well be Pakistan’s trump card at the Asia Cup 2018. Laxman said Malik’s experience will come handy, particular against India. The green Shirts open their Asia Cup 2018 schedule against Hong Kong on September 16 and then on 19th face India in a highly anticipated contest. Malik boasts of good record against India and that’s why Laxman believes, he will be a vital cog in the Pakistan batting particularly while facing the spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. Pakistan Team in Asia Cup 2018: Strengths, Weaknesses, Key Players, Full Squad and Prediction
"Yeah, the reason he does well against India is his experience, he is a good player of spin bowling because in the middle invariably India will look to attack with the spinners and they've got two quality risk spinners now in, Chahal and Kuldeep while Pakistan is evidently dependent on their opener Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam at number 3," Laxman told Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Asia Cup 2018. Asia Cup 2018: Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan Among Other Key Pakistan Players to Watch Out for in the Mega Tournament.
Laxman also said that Malik will have to play the anchor role in the Pakistan batting. ”Shoaib Malik is someone who would look to play the anchor role because he has got the ability to rotate the strike, play down the ground, taking easy singles. But at the same time when he presses the accelerator, he can play the big shots and he has got abundance of experience and he is a champion as far as wide ball is concerned," he added.
Pakistan are rated one of the favourites to lift the Asia Cup 2018. Last year, the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side won the ICC Champions Trophy and since then the team has been in great form. Meanwhile, Pakistan will be chasing their third Asia Cup title.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2018 11:37 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).