Asia Cup 2018: 8 Players in Pakistan's squad that were part of the Champions Trophy final and India needs to watch out for

Asia Cup 2018 unveiled on September 15 in UAE with the match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in which the latter was victorious. But, the match that is likely to get all the attention; will be between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on September 19.

In their last encounter, Pakistan defeated India by a massive margin of 180 runs. It was a huge blow for India as it was the final of 2017 Champions Trophy, for which Indians were favourite.

Pakistan's squad for 2018 Asia Cup include 8 players from the team that thrashed India in the Champions Trophy final.

Pakistan's Playing XI in Champions Trophy final: Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Mohammad Amir, Azhar Ali, Junaid Khan, Babar Azam, Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali

---

#1 Fakhar Zaman

Man of the Match of Champions Trophy final, Fakhar Zaman will be the main watch-out for India. He scored 114 runs off 106 balls in that match, where no Indian batsmen except Hardik Pandya, were able to make a stand.

Fakhar Zaman after his century against India in Champions Trophy final

#2 Babar Azam

The player who is said to be the next big thing in Pakistan cricket, has been the best No. 3 for Pakistan in recent years. He completed 2000 ODI runs in the first group match of Pakistan against Hong Kong.

Looking at his batting average, i.e. 54.22, India would try to send him back to the dugout as early as possible.

#3 Shoaib Malik

Knowing the fact that Shoaib Malik is the most experienced player in Pakistan's squad, India will look to cut short his presence at the crease. He enjoys a decent record against India in ODIs.

On the other hand, he would look to bloster the Pakistan team with his all-round skills. His presence will make Pakistan mentally stronger and confident.

#4 Sarfraz Ahmed

Pakistan's skipper Sarfraz Ahmed

Pakistan's skipper Sarfraz Ahmed who is known for his passion and devotion for the game, has led Pakistan in a praiseworthy way since the departure of Misbah-ul-Haq.

His leadership show will be no less than what it was in the Champions Trophy final against India.

#5 Shadab Khan

The young all-rounder for Pakistan who picked 2 wickets in the CT final, is equally blazing in all three departments, i.e. bowling, batting and fielding.

His right-arm leggies can outwit even the world's best batsmen. He has been taking giant strides in international cricket since his debut.

#6 Mohammad Amir

Undoubtedly, he is the chief in command for Pakistan's bowling attack. It was the storm of his quality seam-bowling that blew away the Indian top-order in 2017 CT final.

After his return from a five-year spot-fixing ban, the left-arm bowler has been very consistent with his performance.

Mohammad Amir over-joyed by the wicket of Virat Kohli in CT final

#7 Hasan Ali

He will be leading the fast-bowling attack along with Amir for Pakistan in the clash against arch-rivals. He is known for his aggressive style of bowling coupled with skiddy action.

He is one of the most fearsome bowlers in the present Pakistan ODI lineup. His performance in the CT final was commendable.

#8 Junaid Khan

Although he was not given the chance against Hong Kong, he might get one against India looking at his experience and performances against the same. Although Usman Khan enjoyed a good outing against Hong Kong, Sarfaraz Khan might be tempted to swap him with Junaid Khan.

These are the 8 players who were part of Pakistan's Champions Trophy winning team against India. India needs to watch out for them as they take on Pakistan on September 19 in the group stage match of 2018 Asia Cup.