Pakistan will have "psychological advantage" over India in upcoming Asia Cup: Cheema

Islamabad, Mar 7 (ANI): Pakistan national cricket squad manager Naveed Akram Cheema has said that his team will have a "psychological advantage" over India in the upcoming Asia Cup because of the latter's disappointing performance in Australia.

He sounded confident on their chances in the four-nation tournament.

"We're optimistic that we'll do well. We showed good performances against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh recently and there's no reason why we can't repeat that," The Express Tribune quoted Pakistan manager Naveed Akram Cheema, as saying.

"Although we lost against India in the World Cup semi-final last year, but they are demoralised with their performance in Australia which has given us the psychological advantage. Our recent Bangladesh tour will also be a positive factor for us," he added.

Cheema also warned that his team will have to be on its toes in every match of the tournament.

He also hoped that the team will put up a good show under the new coach.

"Whatmore is an experienced campaigner and a fair gentleman and I hope his expertise will help the team.

I have faith that Pakistan can bounce back strongly after losing the limited-overs series against England," he added.

Cheema will continue to be the manager during the Asia Cup.

The other team officials are Dave Whatmore (head coach), Julian Fountain (fielding coach), Faisal Hayat Khan (physiotherapist), Saboor Ahmed (trainer), Waseem Ahmed Shahid (security manager), Talha Butt (analyst) and Malang Ali (masseur).

Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh would take part in the tournament.

The first match will be played between Pakistan and Bangladesh on March 11, and the final will be played on March 22. (ANI)