India-Pakistan is going to be a close contest: Aaqib Javed

In an exclusive interview to the Times of India on the sidelines of the Asia Cup in Bangladesh, UAE coach Aaqib Javed shared his thoughts on the upcoming India-Pakistan clash and on the Indian fast bowlers. When asked about his favourites for the marquee clash on Saturday, Javed said that his heart is with Pakistan but a close contest could be on offer with both sides having match-winners.

“My heart will, of course, be with Pakistan. But, it's going to be a close contest. Both the sides have match-winners, and it will all boil down to who holds the nerve on Saturday. Over the years, India-Pakistan contests have always lived up to the billing and I hope it remains the same this time around too,” Aaqib Javed told ToI.

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The former Pakistan pacer also talked about the return of Ashish Nehra into the Indian national team and said that it was a smart move by the selectors to bring in the veteran.

“I thought bringing back Ashish (Nehra) was a smart move by the selectors and he has done well to justify his spot. In T20s, you just need to bowl four overs which he is quite capable of. More importantly, as a senior cricketer he can guide the younger lot,” the 43-year old said.

The UAE coach picked Mohammed Shami as the best among the current Indian pacers because of his ability to use pace and mix things up.

“I love seeing Mohammad Shami bowl. Unfortunately, he is out of the team due to injury. Shami has the pace and the ability to mix things up. Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma too have been impressive. Also, the return of Ashish (Nehra) adds a lot of depth to this Indian T20 bowling attack,” Aaqib Javed said.