Ahead of Pakistan's crucial Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, former star pacer of the side, Wasim Akram, has fired a warning to the Babar Azam-led side that eliminated India and Afghanistan from the competition. The 2021 T20 World Cup semifinalists were at their best against the defending champions India and then Afghanistan, effectively ending the Men in Blue's Asia Cup 2022 campaign.
But despite their impeccable performances, Pakistan showed a lack of intent during their match against Sri Lanka, according to Wasim Akram. The two finalists met in a Super 4 dead rubber fixture, in what was a rehearsal for the Asia Cup final. Sri Lanka went on to beat Pakistan and Akram was not impressed by their performance at the Dubai International Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the blockbuster meeting between the former world champions, former Pakistan skipper Akram opined that Babar's men will enter the final as favourites to lift the famous trophy. However, Akram also warned Pakistan to avoid taking Sri Lanka lightly in the summit clash.
“The performance of the Pakistan team has been fabulous in this Asia Cup. However, in the game against Sri Lanka, the intent was missing in their batting. The bowling was decent though. Hopefully, they will learn from their mistakes. But still, I think, Pakistan are the favourite in the finals. But the exciting and young Sri Lanka team cannot be taken easy,” Akram told BBN Sports.
Led by spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka powered to an impressive win over Pakistan in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup
2022. Hasaranga returned with figures of 3-21 to help the Islanders overthrow Pakistan in the warm-up match ahead of the Asia Cup final.
“Pakistan cricket lovers have been saying that our middle order is a bit inexperienced, and it was exposed in the last Super 4 game after Rizwan got out. But it will be a good wicket in the final, hopefully, they come back stronger,” Akram added.
