Sarfraz sees Asia Cup as testing ground for Pakistan
Pakistan have their first group match against Hong Kong on September 16.
(Web Desk) – Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed says Asia Cup will prove to be a testing ground for the national team as six Asian teams battle for supremacy in the United Arab Emirates.
“Half the teams who will feature in the World Cup are participating in the Asia Cup so it is a great chance for us to see where we stand,” he said ahead of Pakistan’s first group match.
“We have sweet memories of the ICC Champions Trophy last year but we have new challenges ahead,” he added.
The 2018 edition of the Asia Cup features India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan while the sixth team will be determined via a playoff that includes UAE, Hong Kong, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia and Oman.
Pakistan are scheduled to play their first group match against Hong Kong on September 16 and against India on September 19.
Pakistan squad
Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Imam ul Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Asif Ali, Haris Sohai, Mohammad Nawaz, Fahim Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Usman Shinwari, Shaheen Afridi.
