Tough to predict who will win in final: Malik

Karachi: Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik predicted a cracker of an Asia Cup final on Sunday between India and Sri Lanka but refused to name a winner, saying both the teams were in fine fettle.

"The pitches are very true and even chasing 300 runs has been like chasing 250 runs. Both are good sides and favourites for the title," Malik said after his side thrashed Bangladesh by 10 wickets. You have asked me a very hard question and put me in a difficult position," he added jokingly.

Malik described his team's comprehensive win over Bangladesh as a "complete performance".

"This is the sort of performance we need to show more consistently but we have been making progress. It is disappointing not to make the final but generally we played well in this competition but had one bad match against Sri Lanka and that cost us," he said.

When asked whether Shoaib Akhtar could make it to the team now as the controversial pacer's ban has been suspended, Malik said this was a decision that had to be taken jointly by the selectors, board and team management.

"A collective decision is always better and we really don't know how fit he is. But we are going to have a training camp for the Champions Trophy and then we will sit down and decide what to do," he said.

Malik said he was not under any pressure as captain and assured that he would do his best for the country till his tenure lasts.

"Everyone who leads the team wants to do well."

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