Asia Cup 2018: Pakistan have advantage over India, says Hasan Ali

Pakistan seamer Hasan Ali, while addressing a press conference on Thursday, said the pressure is on India as their best player Virat Kohli is not in the squad for the Asia Cup. However, the pacer said that they are cautious of India and have a plan to keep them in check. Ali said that Virat’s absence would favour Pakistan as India will miss his ability to handle pressure.

“Virat Kohli is a very good player. Everybody knows that he is a match-winner. But even if he isn’t there in the squad, India still have a very good team. They have many more players,” he said.

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Ali further said that India would be under huge pressure following their defeat in the Champions Trophy and due to Virat’s absence, who has been rested.

The medium-pacer said that Pakistan will bank on the added advantage of being accustomed to the conditions in UAE.

“Yes, there is an advantage for us that the way Virat Kohli can handle pressure, someone else who comes in his place might not be able to.We are on top right now. are under pressure from the previous defeat, Ali said.

 “In UAE, these are our conditions, we have the home advantage as we have been playing here for long, and are aware of how to use the conditions,” Ali added.

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The no. 3 ranked in ICC ODI bowlers list, Ali is eager to face arch-rivals India and is looking forward to the high-pressure match.

“I wish to take all 10 wickets rather than a five-for,” he said. “There is definitely pressure but I feel good when pressure mounts on me because that is when I try to perform.”

Earlier in the final of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan had defeated India after setting a score of 338 while batting first. India had crumbled out for a mere 158 runs in reply. Ali took 3 wickets for 19 runs in the final and was named the Player of the Tournament.

Pakistan is set to lock horns with India on September 19 in the Asia Cup, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates.