FATULLAH - Former Pakistan captain and current manager of the team, Intikhab Alam conceded that India have the best batting line-up in the world but rated the bowling weak.
Alam said that was what Pakistan would look to exploit when the sub-continental giants clash at the Asia Cup T20 in Mirpur on Saturday. "There's no doubt that the Indian batting is the best in the world. But it is a challenge for any team playing against India. I believe that your bowling is not as strong as your batting; our coaches will try to exploit your weaker points," Alam told an Indian TV.
"There's no doubt that India have been very good and they did extremely well in Australia and they now they have won here too (vs Bangladesh). But we are also prepared, the boys are fit after playing the Pakistan Super League and they are ready for India."
Alam said Pakistan's pacers would try to exploit certain weaknesses in the Indian batting line-up after noticing their early problems against the new ball on a green pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.
"Our fast bowlers are capable of getting through any side. No doubt, you have a very strong batting line up. They did well yesterday too but they had early hiccups," Alam said.
Alam said his players were charged-up and ready to challenge India. He insisted the team did not need any additional motivation to take on their oldest cricket rivals. But he did lament the fact that the two sides did not play each other more often. "You don't need to motivate players from both the teams when they play against each other. Unfortunately, we are not able to play against each other frequently."
However, unlike India, Pakistan have not been in great form, losing consecutive series against England and New Zealand. But Alam did not want to dwell on the past. "We don't look at the past, we only look ahead at the future. If our team plays to its potential, we can beat anyone."
Alam said Pakistan have enough match-winners in the side to take on a strong Indian outfit and added that the Pakistan Super League has helped the team prepare well. "Our captain Shahid Afridi is a match-winner. M Hafeez and Umar Akmal, they are all good players, who can do well," said Alam. The former Pakistani captain said the team's think-tank was busy devising strategies against India. "Waqar Younis, myself and Grant Flower are making a strategy. We are briefing the players well and sharing our experience."