India would be under pressure in Asia Cup after Champions Trophy loss, says Hasan Ali

That India would be under pressure against Pakistan because of the heartbreaking Champions Trophy loss has been predicted by fast bowler Hasan Ali. The arch-rivals haven’t played each other since then and Ali believes that things are titled in their favour after they outclassed India in the final of the ICC event in 2017.

India and Pakistan are all set to face each other for a minimum number of two times as Ali, who had scalped three wickets in that final last year said that the pressure would be with India and that they’ll find it easier because of, ‘home’ conditions in the UAE.

As quoted by The Indian Express, Hasan said, “We are on top right now. They (India) are under pressure from the previous defeat.

“In UAE, these are our conditions, we have the home advantage as we have been playing here for long, and are aware of how to use the conditions. “India are a good side and I wish to take all ten wickets rather than a five-for, and make my fans across the world happy with my celebration style. There is definitely pressure but I feel good when pressure mounts on me because that is where I try to perform and help my side win,” he added.

Ali went on to comment about the absence of Virat Kohli, who he feels cannot be replaced because of the latter’s ability to bat well in pressure situations.

“Virat Kohli is a very good player. Everybody knows that he is a match-winner. The advantage to us is that the way Virat Kohli can handle the pressure, someone else who comes in his place might not be able to,” opined the right-arm pacer.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza fired the shots, saying that they can beat India and that they aren’t too far from any of the top teams.

He said, “We are not so far from the other team. I think India has a good chance (to win the title), and Pakistan will play at their home-like ground. So, they also have the opportunity (to clinch the trophy). But I want to say that, we have the ability to beat them too. We have to see if we can make the Super Four by playing good cricket in the group phase.”

“After that, there are many calculations. If everything goes in the right way, we won’t be so far from other teams. We may have to face the tough situation on many occasions. Because we did not play in UAE as a team before. So, the condition will not be easy for us. Overall, we are thinking from every angle,” he added further.