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India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate feels that the side head into their match against Pakistan as the favourites to win. The Men in Blue will clash against Pakistan on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14. This will be the second match of the tournament for the teams and both of them come into this match after winning their opening games.
Ten Doeschate pointed out that India have got a good record against Pakistan in recent time, but also remarked that any of the two teams can end up emerging victorious on the day. Notably, the two rivals have locked horns a total of three times in Asia Cup T20 with India winning twice and Pakistan triumphing once.
"Our record against Pakistan is very good. But it is all about that particular day. But India do start as favourites. The team who does well in the 240 deliveries will win," ten Doeschate said at the pre-match press-conference.
Ten Doeschate on the match against Pakistan
The former Netherlands cricketer also gave his take on the India and Pakistan clash going ahead as planned despite the political relations between the two countries deteriorating to an all-time low earlier this year. He remarked that even though it is quite a sensitive issue, the government has provided the side with the clearance to play and that is why the match is taking place.
"It is a very sensitive issue. Players share the compassion with people in India. You know the Indian government has given us the clearance. We know the feelings of the people," ten Doeschate stated.
"You separate sports and politics, there are different opinions around it. We are following the directions of the government," he added.
Meanwhile, India come into the match against Pakistan after having decimated UAE in their opening match of the Asia Cup. The Men in Blue won the match comprehensively by 9 wickets, giving a dominant performance in both the batting and bowling department. Suryakumar Yadav & Co. first bundled out UAE for a mere 57 runs and then chased down the modest target in just 4.3 overs. This display not only saw them top of the group, but they also recorded a brilliant net run-rate of +10.483.
If India do end up winning the match against Pakistan, then they wouldn't only stand at the cusp of making it to the Super 4 stage, but they will also be the favourites to top Group A.
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