India are favourites to win Asia Cup in UAE, says former Lankan pacer Maharoof

Former Sri Lanka fast-bowling all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has backed India to win the upcoming Men's T20 Asia Cup, calling them 'clear favourites' in terms of how their squad is shaping up.

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India have won the Asia Cup eight times, including emerging victorious in the T201 edition of the competition held in Bangladesh in 2016. The 17th edition of the Asia Cup, set to happen in the UAE from September 9-28, marks India's first T201 outing since winning the home series against England by 4-1 in January.

"I would think clear favourites for me are India, looking at how their side is. Dark horses for me, I'll say Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. One big reason is that in big tournaments, it's about (the performance) on that particular day in T20 cricket," Maharoof said on the sidelines of the CLTIO league.

India will open their Group A campaign against the UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September IO, followed by a high-stakes clash against Pakistan at the same venue on September 14, before facing Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19.