Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cricket Cup tonight at the Dubai International Stadium in what is being dubbed as a thriller for the ultimate crown of Asia.
Pakistan management is expected to make two changes in the team for the final. Star performers Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah, who were rested for the Super Four match versus Sri Lanka, will be included in the team.
The Sri Lankans will give it their all to win the Asia Cup trophy for the sixth time as they compete in their 11th final. Pakistan has reached the cricket competition’s final five times and is well poised to grab the trophy for the third time.
Pakistan’s head coach Saqlain Mushtaq set aside the loss in last match against Sri Lanka, saying his team was focused on the bigger picture: capturing the Asia Crown. “We just wanted to try a few things as our attention is focused on the final. You would see a different Pakistan team than what you saw the other day in a relatively insignificant match. Every player would perform at his optimal level in the final as all our energies are focused on winning the Cup,” he said.
Captain Babar Azam encouraged the team members, saying, “I am lucky to captain a team that is full of potential. Every player is a matchwinner. We see a new Man of the Match in every match.”
He also praised Naseem Shah, saying, his “two sixes against Afghanistan reminded us of Javed Miandad’s heroics.”
Babar also placed a lot of value on winning the toss because, in his opinion, the team batting second in Dubai always had an advantage. “I feel that the toss will have its role in the outcome of the match,” he said.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said that his side is "ready to bat first" if they lose the toss to Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup.
As the teams gear up for the showdown in the continental tournament, Sri Lanka are aiming to repeat their 2014 heroics when they defeated Pakistan in the 50-over format. On the other hand, Pakistan are looking to end a decade-long Asia Cup drought.
In the 2022 Asia Cup so far, the toss has played a crucial role with teams opting to field, winning the matches. Sri Lanka won all the matches in which they chose to chase down the target.
"See toss is a very important factor here, but still our batsmen are very good at batting both first and second innings. We used the stats to chase down all the games we played here, but if we lose the toss, we are ready as well to bat first," Shanaka said in the press conference.
"As a team we are very excited to play the final and Pakistan are a very good team. All matches have been nail-biters. As a tournament, looking back, this has been one of the best Asia Cups we have had and we are looking forward to the final."
Wasim Akram warns Babar & Co
'Pakistan are favourites but...': former skipper Wasim Akram warned Babar & Co. not to take Sri Lanka lightly in Asia Cup final.
While talking to BBN Sports, Akram said that Pakistan will learn from their mistakes and will start as favourites in the final. However, he said that they would have to be wary of the in-form Sri Lankan side.
"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 favourites in the finals. But the exciting and young Sri Lanka team cannot be taken easy," Akram said.
"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 will come back stronger," he added.
The legendary pacer also backed skipper Babar Azam to get back to his best in the final and hailed him as one of the best players in the world.
"Babar is one of the best players in the world and needs just one good innings. He struggled a bit because he was worried about the lack of runs. But the good thing is, he has spent time on the crease, and for any great player, that matters as well. I think he’ll do well in the final," said Akram.