India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2018 Cricket Match 'Just Another Game' for Shoaib Malik
Shoaib Malik boasts of a decent ODI record against India. Out of his nine centuries, four have come against India.
Ahead of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2018 clash, middle-order batsman Shoaib Malik has played down the hype around the high profile match, calling it "just another game.” India and Pakistan take on each other on September 19 in a group stage match of 2018 Asia Cup. "I think that the match against India is just another game and we should avoid creating hype as it adds unnecessary pressure," Malik told reporters in Lahore. Asia Cup 2018: I Wish to Take All Ten Wickets Against India, Says Hasan Ali
The former captain acknowledged that the match provides an opportunity to players to make their mark. "This is perhaps the only cricket match that the entire cricket fraternity watches and not only India and Pakistan fans, which is why it provides a massive opportunity to players if they want to become a hero,” Malik added. Asia Cup Cricket 2018 Schedule in PDF Download: Time Table and Venue of Asia Cup Cricket Including India vs Pakistan Fixture
The Asia Cup 2018 is going to be held in the United Arab Emirates, a makeshift home venue for Pakistan and Malik believes familiar conditions will help his side. However, the all-rounder made a valid point by saying Pakistan haven't done well in ODIs than in Tests in the UAE.
"Playing in UAE gives us an advantage but it is not as easy as people think it is. If you notice our track record here, it is better in Test cricket but when it comes to playing the shorter formats our performances aren’t extraordinary,” the right-handed batsman said. Watch: Asia Cup 2018 Trophy Unveiled In Dubai
"People need to understand that batting under lights here is difficult as conditions are different but that does not mean there isn’t room for improvement. We will continue working to improve in this particular area,” he added.
Meanwhile, Malik boasts of a decent ODI record against India. Out of his nine centuries, four have come against India. And interestingly, two of those he scored in Asia Cup.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 08, 2018 05:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).