NEW DELHI: Pakistan, according to Premier India spinner R Ashwin, would be the team to defeat in the Asia Cup, and consistent performances from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will make them even more dangerous in the continental championship.
Terming both Pakistan and India as favourites for the Asian title, Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, "If Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan consistently dish out performances with the bat, Pakistan will be one hell of a team heading into this Asia Cup and the World Cup.
"It will take some beating since Pakistan is an extraordinary team."
Pakistan will play Nepal in the tournament opener on Wednesday, before facing India in the much-anticipated match on September 2.
The Men in Blue have won the last three One-Day Internationals against Pakistan.
Ashwin believes Pakistan's squad depth makes them strong challengers for the Asia Cup and eventual World Cup.
"It is all down to their (Pakistan's) squad depth. Pakistan has invariably developed exceptional cricketers.
"Thanks to its tape-ball cricket, they have always produced an incredible series of pacers. Also, their batting has been superior during the late 90s and 2000s.
"But, the exposure they have got to various (T20) leagues has been the primary reason for their re-emergence in the previous five or six years. They also have the PSL (Pakistan Super League). Additionally, in the recent BBL (Big Bash League) drafts, there were at least 60-70 Pakistan players," he noted.
(With inputs from PTI)
