In anticipation of the high-octane clash between India versus Pakistan Asia Cup match, Ravi Shastri has stated that the Men in Blue are the favourites to win this one. The former chief coach of the Indian team acknowledged that Pakistan have made significant progress of late, but are yet to surpass their Indian counterparts.
“I would say India start as favourites. This is their strongest team since 2011, this mix of players, and a captain who is seasoned, who understands the terrain better than most. Having said that, Pakistan have narrowed the gap. Seven-eight years (ago), there was a gap if you looked at the strength of both teams and man to man. But Pakistan have narrowed it down. They are a very good side, so you have to be on top of your game,” Shastri was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
In their last five meetings across various ODI competitions, India have emerged victorious on four occasions and Pakistan once.