Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed knows his team is seen as heavy favourites to win the Asia Cup. The men in green won five matches in a row in the UAE against Sri Lanka last year before losing their way during a horror tour of New Zealand where they lost five ODIs. However, they got back on track in Zimbabwe, winning five ODIs in a row and now with a first-choice team to choOse from, look good to succeed in the UAE.

India are missing Virat Kohli and are returning from England after losing the ODI and Test series with question marks over the form of many players. Sri Lanka will be without Dinesh Chandimal while veteran pace ace Lasith Malinga is coming back after a year.

Pakistan, however, seem to be running smoothly and Sarfraz says the continuity in selection has helped the team become serious challengers after the 2017 Champions Trophy win.

“When I was announced captain before Champions Trophy, we had a very young team. Our job was to give confidence to the youngsters. The way we won the tournament was a big boost for us. After that we had a meeting with the selectors and coaching staff and we went with the same team,” Sarfraz said during the launch of the Asia Cup alongside the other five captains.

“We didn’t make many chances. Young players responded well like Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf. They are getting better day by day. That’s why our one-day cricket has improved.”

Like most sides, Pakistan too have a busy schedule with series’ against Australia and the Kiwis lined up after the Asia Cup. Sarfraz said the Asia Cup is a starting point of sorts in the World Cup journey with the showpiece event being the ultimate target.

“If we play it series by series, it will be better. Pakistan have a busy schedule ahead. Journey is on for World Cup. Now we have Asia Cup, after that series against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. We will look to improve as we move to the World Cup so we know where we stand and how our players are doing.”