Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has weighed in ahead of the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup, calling India the clear favourites while reminding fans not to dismiss Pakistan’s chances. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, began their campaign in style with a nine-wicket win over Hong Kong. Pakistan will first face Oman on Friday before locking horns with India on Sunday.

“The Indian team is strong, and their performance against the UAE showed it. Kuldeep, Axar, Varun, Jasprit, Hardik, and Shivam form a well-balanced attack. With five quality batters and five reliable bowlers, they look a complete side,” Rashid Latif told IANS.

Latif also acknowledged that both sides are in a transition phase without some of their senior stars. However, he insisted India’s depth makes them more composed.

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“The pressure will be immense, especially after the recent tensions between the two countries. Whoever wins this match will be remembered as the true ‘Sikandar,’” he added.

The former wicketkeeper praised the strike rates of Indian batters Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson, along with the economy of their bowlers. He admitted India’s bench strength, with players like Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, and Ishan Kishan missing out, gives them an edge Pakistan currently lacks.

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Still, Rashid Latif believes Pakistan’s batting firepower could turn the tide. “We have picked aggressive players like Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Nawaz, who will face India for the first time. If Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub get going on a batting pitch, Pakistan can put up a strong total. You can never write Pakistan off—they can surprise anyone on their day,” he concluded.