ISLAMABAD: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan said Monday he was confident his side would meet arch-rivals India again in the Asia Cup final next Sunday, despite their six-wicket defeat in the Super Four clash a day earlier.
India secured a comfortable six-wicket victory over Pakistan, chasing down a target of 172 with ease in their second encounter of the tournament.
Pakistan, despite a promising start with Farhan’s brilliant 58 off 45 balls, were restricted to 171 for five after a quick start that saw them reach 93 for one in under 10 overs.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Pakistan’s crucial Super Four fixture against Sri Lanka scheduled for Tuesday, Farhan said, “We are confident that we will face India again in the final (of the Asia Cup).”
On his unusual celebration after reaching his half-century against India, Farhan remarked, “I hardly celebrate after a 50. It was a spontaneous thought to celebrate that way; I don’t care for what people are making of it.”
He also credited fellow opener Fakhar Zaman for backing him from the other end, which gave him the confidence to play his shots freely.
The tension between Pakistan and India remains palpable after the match, with lingering bitterness following India’s refusal of customary handshakes in their first encounter.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha reflected on the loss, stating, “We are yet to play the perfect game. We batted really well, but I think when it came to the bowling, they took the game away in the power play.”
As the Super Four stage intensifies, the top two teams will advance to the Asia Cup final, set to be held in Dubai on September 28. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka need crucial wins in the coming encounter on Tuesday to keep their final hopes alive.
Upcoming Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Tuesday, September 23, 7:30 PM (local time), Abu Dhabi.
