Asia Cup final: Pakistan back 'match-winners' to lift title in Dubai

Saqlain Mushtaq, the Pakistan coach, says he is confident his team of “game changers and match-winners” will bounce back to overcome Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final.

Sri Lanka were comfortable victors over their more celebrated opponents when the sides met on Friday night in a dress rehearsal for Sunday's main event.

After bundling out Pakistan for just 121 at the Dubai International Stadium, they chased the target in just 17 overs with only five wickets down.

Despite the comprehensive margin of defeat, Pakistan could point to some mitigating factors.

WhatAsia Cup final: Sri Lanka v PakistanWhen Sunday, September 11, from 6pmWhereDubai International StadiumHow to watchCatch the live action on Starzplay across Mena region.

Neither Naseem Shah nor Shadab Khan, who have been two of their outstanding players in the competition so far, featured in the last Super 4 match.

And Mushtaq is sure Pakistan will provide a different challenge when the sides go again at the same venue on Sunday evening.

“I have full faith in all of them,” Saqlain, the former Pakistan off-spinner, said.

“They are game-changers and match-winners. The place these players come from they have played lots of cricket and worked hard to get here.

“Every player has the passion and drive to turn the tables and win matches. I have full confidence in the team.”

Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan on Friday with 30, but he remains some way short of his fluent best.

Pakistan’s captain has made 63 runs in five innings at this Asia Cup, but Mushtaq argues he is out of luck rather than out of form.

Pakistan's Shadab Khan bowls against India in the Asia Cup 2022 clash at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pawan Singh / The National

“If someone looks at cricket and