India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2018: Battle begins before the match

Dubai : India is all set to face their arch rival neighbour team Pakistan in a few hours but before the match actually happens on the field a battle of words has started among the former cricketers and supporters of their respective teams.

Former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Wasim Akram have picked their favourites in India vs Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2018 in the United Arab Emirates. The former claims that Pakistan has a better chance of winning the game while the latter believes that India will come out on top. 

Wasim Akram claimed that absence of Virat Kohli from the team will give Pakistan a mental boost to proceed in the game. "Kohli has been rested and that is the right decision. When Gavaskar, Azhar and Tendulkar did not play, I was high on confidence. The Pakistan bowlers will be psychologically boosted with Kohli being rested," Akram said at the first session, named 'Diggajon Ki Nazar Se' at the Salaam Cricket 2018 held at the Hotel Address Boulevard in Dubai on Monday.

But on asking which team will be his favourite, Akram said, "India favourite on paper." ALSO READ: Why Sania Mirza goes off social media

However, India's former cricketer Gavaskar said it will be Pakistan who will go into the match as favourites, saying that they will have their morales high especially after their victory over their neighbours in the final of the Champions Trophy final in England last year.

"The last defeat creates a touch of uncertainty in your mind," Gavaskar said at Saalam Cricket 2018.

DO NOT MISS: Interesting facts about India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2018 match