'Pak Asia Cup favourites, have edge over India in WC if they bat first'

CRICKET SPECIAL: AJMAL SPEAKS

- FIROZ MIRZA

HE made his international debut for Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup against arch-rivals India in Karachi. Saeed Ajmal, the former right-arm off-break bowler, soon became an integral part of the team helping it to lift their only T20 World Cup next year by emerging as the joint second leading wicket-taker. He also featured in the 2011 ODI World Cup wherein Pakistan lost to the hosts India in the semifinal with Ajmal first dismissing batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar leg before only to see the decision being overturned by the third umpire. He eventually got Tendulkar but by then the damage was already done.

With the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup in the horizon, Ajmal spoke to this daily sharing his thoughts on that ‘famous’ dismissal of Tendulkar, IndiaPakistan clashes and teams that can win the two prestigious tournaments. Excerpts...

On debut in Asia Cup

I still remember it was hot in Karachi when I made my international debut against India during the Asia Cup. I probably bowled the last over as well (he bowled 47th over). I always did well in the continental tournament winning it once in 2012. These clashes (Asia Cup) not only give an opportunity for fans to cheer for their respective teams but also provide a chance for players to perform against each other, make friends.

On winning it in 2012