Shoaib Malik warns team against complacency after wining Bangla tri-series

Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik has warned his team members against being complacent after winning the last tri-series earlier this month in Bangladesh by beating India by 25 runs, and take seriously the upcoming Asia Cup to be played in Pakistan from Tuesday.

Karachi, June 21 : Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik has warned his team members against being complacent after winning the last tri-series earlier this month in Bangladesh by beating India by 25 runs, and take seriously the upcoming Asia Cup to be played in Pakistan from Tuesday.

Malik said India and Sri Lanka were also serious contenders for the Cup. "Let's not forget that India are a very dangerous team. They've beaten Australia this year and we will have to give our best to beat them. And then we cannot take Sri Lanka lightly," he said.

The Pakistan skipper, however, said that his team's morale was up following its title-winning triumph in a tri-series event.

"There is no doubt that the victory in Bangladesh has boosted our confidence. But the Asia Cup will be a different tournament altogether and we will have to start from scratch," The News quoted the experienced all-rounder telling reporters here.

Pakistan are touted as favourites to win the Asia Cup because of their current record and the home advantage.

The tournament will be played in Karachi and Lahore from June 24 to July 6. Pakistan will launch their title campaign on the opening day of the contest with an easy game against minnows Hong Kong at the National Stadium.

But, Malik warned that there would be no easy games in the tournament. "We will work hard and give our best in each of the (Asia Cup) matches, no matter which side we are playing against in the event," said Malik.

ANI