Pakistan have ability to win Asia Cup, stigma of beating India is broken - Moin

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Pakistan's legendary wicketkeeper Moin Khan believes that the Men in Green have the ability to win the Asia Cup and believes that Pakistan is fully capable of beating India.

in a conversation with Cricket Pakistan, former captain opened up about Pakistan's chances in the upcoming Asia Cup and talked about the contest against India and more.

Moin was not only Pakistan's skipper when the Men in Green lifted their first-ever Asia Cup trophy but also scored a half-century in the final to guide his team towards victory.

 

"It is an honor for me to become the first-ever captain to have lifted the Asia Cup trophy because, before me, there were many legendary captains with big games playing under them," Moin stated.

"I remember I was sick that day and still managed to score around 56 runs from 31 deliveries. Before the game, I was on the stretcher table which is the physio one. I had a 102 fever and I remember this because PCB Chairman at that time was also visiting the dressing room and he inquired whether I'd be able to participate or not. But I have always had courage," Moin revealed.

Moin Khan touched upon the lack of all-rounders in the Pakistan cricket team and praised the likes of Abdul Razzaq, who still remain the icons of national cricket without any competition from youngsters. 

"Cricket has become too quick. But you have to praise the consistency of players such as Babar Azam. Rizwan has also stepped up his game whereas Shaheen has also come up with remarkable performances but unfortunately he is missing out. I believe this is Pakistan's best team and they possess the ability to win," he added.

Recalling the last outing Pakistan had against India, Moin Khan said that the morale must be high as they beat them by 10 wickets at the same venue.

"The stigma that India is too big a team for us and we can't beat them is broken. They also made many changes and their team isn't as strong. If we adopt an aggressive approach and play together, we have all the ability to win the tournament," he further claimed.

Moin Khan disregarded Pakistan's tough time faced by the Netherlands and claimed that the home team always has the advantage.

"When you play on home soil, you already have an advantage. Although Pakistan faced problems, they ultimately won and winning is more important as losing to 'lesser teams' demoralizes the entire team. They made a hard comeback in games and showcased fighting spirit, which is much more important to see," he pointed out.

Moin Khan commented on Pakistan's current middle-order which has often come under fire for being the Achilles heel for Pakistan cricket.

"I don't have the habit of criticizing a team once it is announced. I think the middle-order will miss the experience of Shoaib Malik but these players now have an opportunity to prove their worth and help Pakistan progress in the competition. The rest of the analysis can be done after the tournament ends," Moin added.

Kohli has failed to score a century in over 1000 days. However, there is a fear that the Pakistan-India fixture might revive Kohli's form.

"Typically when you have had such a long spell like this; either you completely crumble under pressure and you become a failure or you have to grind your way back. Kohli lost his captaincy and then the India team did not perform up to the expectations. More or less, Kohli has been a consistent performer and top players such as these make a stunning comeback and everyone needs to contain him because otherwise, he will become a problem for anyone," Moin explained.

If Pakistan-India reaches the final of the Asia Cup 2022, both teams will play three matches in the tournament.

"It entirely depends on the performances of the team. If they crumble completely then the upcoming two matches will be a tough thing. But if you show courage and then lose, you still have the belief. And of course, if you win, moving into the same fixture again brings you a lot of comfort thanks to your previous performance," Moin added.

Moin Khan addressed the players and asked them not to compromise on their work ethic and give their all while leaving the results on the side.