Asia Cup 2008 Preview: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE, Hong Kong

INDIA:

Will once again be without their big three and the form of their bowlers particularly that of Sharma, their key weapon has been a cause for concern and this is their only weak area if at all. Their batting is top notch even without their biggies but it will come down to how their young guns handle pressure in the absence of their experienced players.

PAKISTAN:

Playing at home and having just beaten India in the final of the Tri-series in Bangladesh, one would expect Pakistan to start as favourites to win the Asia Cup.

Salman Butt has been in good form and the return to form of YK a few days ago was timely from a Pakistani point of view. Their bowling too looks to be in good shape and I am sure will be even better when they play at home in the coming weeks.

SRI LANKA:

Have had a horrendous run of form since the World Cup final last year, where they have lost 12 games out of 22 matches with 2 NR and 8 wins. 3 of those 8 wins came against Bangladesh.

On paper they still look a dangerous and very experienced side but even with the inclusion of Jayasuriya I still feel that we will struggle in the Asia Cup.

Much of the batting will once again as usual depend on Jayasuriya and Sangakkara.

Chaminda Vass is no longer what he once was and the absence of Lasith Malinga will cause problems for us as far as death bowling is concerned. Fernando was getting some sort of rhythm especially in the final game he played for the MI and it would be interesting to see how he goes. Much will depend on Maha as far as our bowling is concerned.

From a Sri Lankan point of view, I am keen to see the development of young opener Mahela Udawatte and spinner Ajantha Mendis who will be bowling to some of the finest players of spin bowling during the course of this tournament.

BANGLADESH:

Are nowhere near the side that they were during the World Cup. Having said that though, they still have that ability to come out with that one-off mercurial performance that can stun one of the big three teams. This is some thing that the likes of IND, PAK and SL must be aware of not take the Bangladeshi boys lightly.

THE REST OF THE TEAMS:

Are their purely for the exposure and for their sake I hope one or two of their respective players are able to come up with a decent performance or two.

MY PREDICTION FOR THE FINAL:

India vs Pakistan

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