Pakistan will not start as a favorite in the match against Sri Lanka: Aakash Chopra

Colombo (IANS) Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Pakistan will not start as favorites in the crucial Asia Cup Super Four match against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.

Pakistan’s chances of reaching the Asia Cup final were in jeopardy after their record-breaking 228-run defeat to India. Additionally, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf will not be part of the virtual semi-final against Sri Lanka due to injuries, with Zaman Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr included in their place.

Speaking on GeoCinema’s sports show ‘#Aakashvani’, Chopra said, “They started the tournament as a very stable and strong team, but I believe they are not favorites in this match. Sri Lanka is also a team that can punch above its weight and has a very deep batting order. Therefore, it will be important for Pakistan to get the first three wickets quickly. ,

Pakistan has also included Mohammad Haris, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Nawaz in place of Fakhar Zaman, Aga Salman and Faheem Ashraf for the crucial match against Sri Lanka. A win will take Pakistan into the Asia Cup title clash and they will face India at the same venue on September 17.

“Pakistan’s bowling attack has been depleted after their recent injuries, the playing XI they have prepared is not the strongest and the Sri Lankans are too capable to give them a proper challenge. Since the last World Cup, no Pakistani batsman has been able to score a century at number 4.

Chopra concluded, “And now we can see Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed is also there and Rizwan’s position can also be changed in the lineup. Due to the state of the wicket in Colombo we may see an extra spinner – they should take advantage of that. The team will also depend on Babar Azam to play an important innings as the team is in deep trouble now.”