The much-anticipated clash brings out the best of both sides who fans like to dub as arch-rivals, it is India vs Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2018 in UAE on September 19, Wednesday. The Pakistan Cricket team is itching to lift 2018 Asia Cup trophy that has eluded it for quite some time now and they want to do it by showing authority early on in the competition with a victory over India in the Group Stage. Pakistan team squad for 2018 Asia Cup boasts of strong names and big-stage performers. Today, we will look at Pakistani team's strengths, weaknesses, key players and prediction in the ongoing 14th edition of Asia Cup cricket tournament. Asia Cup 2018 Schedule, Date & Time Table in PDF for Free Download: List of All Matches in IST Including India vs Pakistan Fixture.

The 2017 Champions Trophy winners are one of the most destructive teams on their day as India found out in CT Final in England. The side has been blessed with raw young talent through the years who have exploded on the world stage. Coach Mickey Arthur has worked hard on the fitness of the players adopting the latest techniques like the Yo-Yo test to bring about changes in the fitness regime. The players certainly look eager to prove their mettle in Asia Cup 2018, to be held in UAE.

As the multi-nation tournament nears, we take a look at Pakistan's strengths, weaknesses, key players to watch out for, and its chances to win the Asia Cup 2018 trophy.

Pakistan's Strengths:

Pakistan has selected five fast bowlers in their 16-man squad for Asia Cup. Hasan Ali, Muhammad Amir, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Shaheen Shah Afridi have been trusted with the task of restricting the opposition batsman.

Hasan Ali and Muhammad Ali, in particular, are world class players who can be lethal at any stage of the game. Youngster Shaheen Ali is only 18, but his excellent showing in domestic cricket sees him feature in the senior squad.

Hasan Ali | File Image | (Photo Credit: PTI)

The Pakistan batting boasts of big names like Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam who are known to score quickly at the top and unsettle the opposition's game plan. Zaman, whose century was crucial in the Champions Trophy win, is also the only double centurion for Pakistan in ODI cricket.

Experienced men like Shoaib Malik and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed have seen plenty of battles in the past and are crucial in the middle order.

Pakistan's Weaknesses:

Their weaknesses like several other top Pakistani squads from the past is inconsistency and failure to turn up on the big day. Things can go haywire very quickly for a Pakistan team in the middle of a tournament, and everything from team unity to players' behaviour comes into question. Fielding and catching are also grey areas for the Pakistan team, where they will have to be watchful.

Pakistan's Key Player to Watch Out for at Asia Cup 2018:

There is no better sight in world cricket than seeing Muhammad Amir in full swing, and making the batsmen dance to his tunes. A poacher upfront with the new ball and a deadly death over the bowler, Pakistan has a lot of hopes from the left-arm pacer.

File Image | Muhammad Aamir | Virat Kohli | (Photo Credits: PTI)

If he bowls well, it will take a lot of pressure away from the other bowlers who can then take time to adjust. Asia Cup 2018: Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan Among Other Key Pakistan Players to Watch Out for in the Mega Tournament.

Pakistan's Squad for Asia Cup 2018:

The PCB has blended the youth and experience really well in the 16-man squad for Asia Cup 2018. Sarfraz Ahmed will lead the side again and the team will be hoping to topple the Indian side, sans Virat Kohli, like they did in CT 2017 Final.

Pakistan's Squad for Asia Cup 2018: Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Fakhar Zaman, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Imam ul Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Asif Ali, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Nawaz, Fahim Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Usman Shinwari, and Shaheen Afridi.

Prediction for Pakistan Team at Asia Cup 2018: Winners

Pakistan is one of the favourites to win the Asia Cup 2018 trophy along with India, and it will be a huge surprise if they are not able to make it. Their group stage battle against India could go a long way in deciding their fortunes in the tournament. If they are able to defeat India, then the Pakistani juggernaut could be very difficult to stop! Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about Asia Cup 2018!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2018 12:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).