Asia Cup will be a close contest: Malik

New Delhi: Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik believes the forthcoming Asia Cup would be an open contest with Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka all having equal chances of winning the final.
"I wouldn't say any team is favourite. India is a strong and balanced side but we showed in the tri-series final they can be beaten. So in a way this Asia Cup I think is going to be the closest one in recent years," Malik told reporters at the national stadium on Friday.

Twenty Pakistani probables began their training in a conditioning camp for the continental tournament with wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, the notable player, missing from action.
The national selectors dropped the experienced Akmal from the short list of players giving a proper chance to young Sarfraz Ahmed to prove himself.

Malik said Pakistan's only advantage in the coming tournament would be that it would be playing in home conditions.

"Other than that all three top teams are balanced and can win on their day. The pitches also don't make much of a difference as there is no dew problem in Karachi at this time of the year even at night time," he said.

Source: http://www.cricketnext.com/news/asia-cup-will-be-a-close-contest-malik/32264-13.html