Sami backs 'confident' Pakistan to lift Asia Cup trophy

Former pacer Mohammad Sami has backed Pakistan to lift the Asia Cup 2022 trophy and remained confident that the Men in Green will deliver on the promise.

When confronted with the question regarding who's most likely to win, Sami responded with "Pakistan," even before the question could be completed.

"Pakistan are going to win because their confidence is so high," elaborated Sami on his prediction.

Dubai offers spin-friendly wickets, which are particularly suited to the Asian teams due to similar weather conditions as well which is offered in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi; Sami claimed that India might benefit from this.

“India’s spin attack is pretty good. They have a left-arm spinner, an off-spinner, and a wrist spinner too. Afghanistan obviously has Rashid Khan which makes them the team with the best spin attack in the UAE conditions,” he said.

Speaking about Pakistan's team, Sami maintained that Shahen's absence will be felt by Pakistan but this should not hamper Pakistan's chances too much.

"Pakistan will miss Shaheen, but they’re on a winning spree so they have confidence on their side. Also, the conditions will favor Babar and co.,” he explained.

Sami pointed out the Pakistan team's strength in the balance of players available for selection.

“We have all-rounders like Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil Shah and also Iftikhar Ahmed who can pitch in match-winning knocks. Although other teams have good all-rounders too, but overall, you cannot single out one department as Pakistan’s strength this time because the squad is quite balanced,” he further added.