Afghanistan are all set to get their Asia Cup campaign underway on Monday as they take on Sri Lanka in a Group B clash at the Sheikh Zayed stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Having enjoyed a meteoric rise in international cricket, the Afghans will be making only their second appearance in the continental competition after they failed to qualify for the last edition in 2016.
Speaking ahead of their campaign opener, skipper Asghar Afghan has warned that his men are not in the UAE to simply make up the numbers.
“We are not here just to play but to perform. Our players have got enough experience playing big international matches. They have performed well in leading cricket leagues so we are hopeful of doing well in this tournament as well,” the 30-year-old told ANI News.
They will be up against a Sri Lanka side who were handed a 137-run thrashing by Bangladesh on Saturday and the Afghanistan skipper is confident of putting in a good show against the islanders.
Afghan and his men are ready for Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka is an experienced side. We have had some good matches against them, be it in World Cup, T20 format or one-day matches. We are confident that we can perform well against them,” he stated.
All eyes of the cricketing world will be on the India–Pakistan Group A clash on September 19 and Asghar believes it will be the best match of the tournament.
“India-Pakistan clash will be the best match of the tournament as whenever these two nations go against each other, people from around the world show interest, Moreover, the cricketing tussle between India and Pakistan is of another level. Both the teams have got good combination as well. While India are coming after competing in tough England conditions, Sarfraz Ahmed-led Pakistan side is also doing very well,” Afghan said.
