Shane Watson, former all-rounder for Australia, believes that the winner of the India-Pakistan match in the upcoming Asia Cup on August 28 will also take home the trophy.
As India and Pakistan kick up their Asia Cup Group A campaigns on Sunday in Dubai, the "greatest rivalry" in cricket will resume. This will also be the first encounter between these teams since their matchup at the Men's T20 World Cup in the UAE last year, where Pakistan defeated India by a margin of 10 wickets to win their first Men's World Cup match.
"The first game will be very exciting to watch since Pakistan now firmly believes they can defeat this Indian team. Whoever prevails in that match, in my opinion, will ultimately take home the Asia Cup "Watson said during The ICC Review programme.
Watson continued by stating that he has a strong intuition that India would win the competition. "But I just have a hunch that India (will win the tournament). It will be challenging to control them because they have so much firepower across their lineup."
Since losing in the Super 10 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup last year, India has won 19 of its 24 T20 international matches and has prospered with a new batting strategy under captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid.
"India will win, I think (referring to current form). They can easily adapt to conditions because they are so powerful and strong. India (will win the Asia Cup), in my opinion "put in Watson.
However, Watson didn't immediately discount Pakistan's prospects of triumphing in the eagerly awaited match on August 28. "I'm a little hesitant about it. However, I believe Pakistan has a chance to prevail in that match given the confidence they would have gained from their first victory over India in a very long time."
"Their self-assurance will soar to new heights. India is difficult to contain, especially with their batting. But Pakistan, and as I've always understood playing against them, are almost unbeatable when their confidence is strong. And now that they are aware that they can defeat India at a major tournament, their confidence is high."