Pakistan Capable of Reaching Asia Cup Final, Says Haroon Rasheed

Pakistan's chief selector Haroon Rasheed has had a pep talk with the national team members and is confident that they can still qualify for the final in the ongoing Asia Cup. (Pakistan's Bowling Attack Created a Lot of Pressure on Indian Batsmen, Says Virat Kohli)

"I wouldn't rule out Pakistan despite the loss to India. We have a good strong side and our bowling is our strength. I spoke to the players and I have tried my best to encourage them and raise their morale," Rasheed said.

"I told them they have the capability of winning their remaining matches in the Asia Cup and setting up another encounter with India in the final where they can make amends for the defeat in the group match," he said. (Asia Cup: Shoaib Malik Admits Pakistan Had no Idea About Conditions)

"The prospect of playing India again in the Asia Cup should spur our players on to improve their performances in the tournament," he said.

He said the players were disappointed and downcast after the manner in which they lost a low scoring match to India.

"But they realize they batted very poorly and they need to play according to the conditions."

The chief selector, also a former Test player, said the selectors had picked the best possible squad for the Asia Cup and World T20 that will follow in India.

"I think Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi as the senior most players in the side need to lead by example and they must perform and the rest of the players will then also chip in."

Haroon made it clear that Pakistani selectors were seriously thinking about the post World T20 scenario and if the team didn't do well in both events some wholesome changes would be on the cards.

"Our policy is clear anyone who doesn't perform including the captain will have to make way for others."

Pakistan has to win its remaining matches against UAE, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to qualify for the final and set up another possible clash with India.

Haroon also said the selectors in the past few months had done their best to give the domestic cricket performers chances but none had capitalised on them.