India is cut above the rest, believes Mahela Jayawardene

The Indians have been unbeaten in the ongoing Asia Cup being played in the UAE and have already qualified for the final with a game in hand. Now they are waiting for their opponents. Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene believes that India has the ability to finish as the winners despite the absence of Virat Kohli in the squad for the Asia Cup. 

”India is a clear favourite despite being without their talisman and best batsman, Virat Kohli. The fact that India can rest such a key player and still look so strong must be very comforting for their management,” Jayawardane wrote in a column for the TOI.

“As an all-round package, India just look a cut above the rest right now. Their batting is powerful and consistent, while their bowling attack has necessary power to balance the potency of these kind of pitches.”

The winner of the super four match between Bangladesh and Pakistan will play against India in the final. Jayawardene claims that Pakistan has the upper hand to qualify for the final and said that it was surprising to see the Pakistan bowlers struggle while the batsmen have been consistent in the tournament.

“The potential opponents (Pakistan) in the final have, meanwhile, struggled with consistency throughout the tournament. That does not mean they will not be a threat to India because they both have the potential to lift their game,” the former Sri Lanka skipper said.

“Pakistan’s batting has been consistent and more surprisingly their bowling has struggled. Having the option of just one frontline spinner has not helped them on these pitches and their fast bowlers have not been penetrative as they would have liked”.