5 reasons why India are primed to win against Pakistan

This Asia Cup has been full of surprises. Sri Lanka, although they weren't the favourites to lift the coveted trophy didn't even make past the group stages. They received thrashing from the hands of Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Afghanistan topped their group and this was a major shocker. They have been playing some quality cricket.

The other group consisted of India, Pakistan and Hong Kong. India versus Hong Kong almost witnessed the upset of the decade with Hong Kong giving India a scare. Hong Kong finished 26 short of the 286-run target. It was as if they were going to do the unthinkable.

India versus Pakistan is 'The Marquee' clash and many of them expected this one to be close considering India's near failure against HK. Pakistan had given HK a brutal thrashing. However, India asserted its dominance over Pakistan right from ball one.

The rematch is set to take place on the 23rd of this month and India are primed to win it again. Let's have a look at the reasons why they might win it.

1. Ravindra Jadeja's return

A key player.

Ravindra Jadeja made an astounding comeback to the limited overs set-up after 420 days. He picked up 4 wickets on his return and pulled off a near screamer. Jadeja's return to form is a major positive for India and something to worry about for the opposition. He showed us his prowess with the bat against England. Jaddu can slip in his overs very quickly and field with a high intensity and that's what makes him different and lethal.

He's quick in the outfield and more often than not, stops whatever that is coming towards him. If Jadeja can be India's regular No.7, India will have the balance that they were looking for.

2. Mohammad Amir's decline in form

He will look to turn the tables this time around.

Many expected Amir to do wonders with the new ball against the Indian top-order. However, he failed to pick a single wicket and the Indian openers got off to a flyer. What surprised me is that he wasn't given his entire quota of 10 overs. Pakistan's recent limited overs success has been attributed to their ability to pick up early wickets.

Amir has played a crucial role in that and has bowled consistently. His exploits at the start of the innings have more often than not exposed the middle-order to the new ball giving them very less time to adapt. Wickets then fall like dominoes.

Amir has looked off-colour this Asia Cup and it looks like that trend is going to continue. He's a player to watch out for.

3. Fakhar Zaman's form

His poor form is no good to Pakistan.

Fakhar created an unwanted record when he bagged two consecutive ducks in the Asia cup, thus becoming only the second Pakistani batsman to do so. Fakhar Zaman's form is a cause of worry for the Pakistan think-tank and if he fails tomorrow, India might very well seal that innings over there.

Pakistan have gotten flyers from him over the past few months based on which the middle order has capitalized. India's new ball attack is lethal and Fakhar getting out early doesn't help the middle order at all.

4. Rohit Sharma's blistering form

He will look to continue his good run.

The skipper as expected has been among the contenders for the leading run scorers. He has scored two quick fifties for his team in the three matches that they have played. One of them came against Pakistan and that put an end to their hopes of any sort of come-back into the game.

His captaincy has been spot on with the field placements and timely rotation of bowlers. The momentum is with Rohit and Team India for the time being and they are riding high on confidence. Pakistan, on the other hand, survived a near scare against Afghanistan and it will be interesting to see how they bounce back from that demoralizing performance.

5. Dhoni getting runs under his belt

Dhoni will look to get a big score.

Perhaps this is one of the biggest reasons why India might win this match and the Asia Cup. Dhoni scored a fluent 33 off 37 and perished while trying to finish off the proceedings with a maximum. Even though 33 is not such a big score, he looked at ease and showed signs of return to form.

Dhoni's messages in the field from behind the stumps is a great asset to any team and his batting most certainly is. With Pakistan expected to bounce back, the momentum is with India. They are primed to win against Pakistan when they lock horns again, this Sunday.