'India is definitely the favourite, but...': Wasim Akram gives massive statement ahead of highly-anticipated Asia Cup final

Legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram gave a big statement ahead of the Asia Cup final against India and claimed that even though the Men in Blue are the favourites to win, Salman Ali Agha & Co. can cause an upset if they play smart cricket. The two teams have already met twice in the ongoing tournament with India claiming victory on both the occasions. They will be hoping to make it three victories in a row over their arch-rivals on September 28 in the all-important final.

He advised Pakistan to maintain their confidence and momentum heading into the tournament and also highlighted the importance of early wickets in the match.

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“The final is between India and Pakistan. India is definitely the favourite, but anything can happen," Akram stated.

“Pakistan must maintain confidence and momentum. They must believe in themselves and play smart cricket. If Pakistan takes early wickets, they can put India on the back foot. I hope the best team wins in the end," he added.

India's dominant display in Asia Cup

India come into the final of the continental tournament after winning six matches in a row. The Men in Blue won all of their matches in the group stage as well as the Super 4. They are also the only team to defeat Pakistan in the tournament. Suryakumar Yadav & Co. defeated Pakistan once each in both the group stage and Super 4.

Pakistan's Asia Cup journey

On the other hand, though Pakistan's situation looked grim after they had lost to India in their opening match of Super 4, they went on to defeat both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the next two games respectively and made it to the final. This will be the first time in Asia Cup history that the two arch-rivals will be facing-off in the final.

IND vs PAK head-to-head record in finals

Though India have dominated over Pakistan in recent times, the Men in Green surprsingly have the upper hand over their rivals when it comes to the finals. Notably, they have won three out of the five finals that they have played against India and will be hoping to better this record in the upcoming match.