Cricket: Asia Cup Beckons For India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

The forthcoming Asia Cup is set to be a hotly-contested affair with Subcontinental giants India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka pitting their wits against Test newbies Bangladesh and minnows Hong Kong and UAE. But who will take the trophy home?

Of course, it is overwhelmingly likely that the winners will be one of the three established cricketing nations. But after Pakistan's showing at the World Cup and Ireland's famous victory over them, pressure to overturn the less-experienced sides could prove telling.

The '08 Asia Cup's opening group stages again has two clear favourites to progress from each pool. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka face the UAE, whilst India and Pakistan will play each other and Hong Kong. Should either of the non-Test nations progress, it would be a major shock with serious repercussions for the team to miss out.

With the tournament to be held in Pakistan, the home side will be looking to produce a commendable showing and at least reach the final.

However, the scandal surrounding pace bowler Mohammed Asif could cast a cloud over the rest of the team. Whilst it is not known precisely what drugs were found on his person, his omission from the side has told its own story.

Pakistan will be looking to IPL success story Sohail Tanvir to lead the attack for this series. His unique fast-arm action and haul of wickets for Rajasthan has increased his International stock, and his contribution could be crucial.

In terms of batting, Shahid Afridi and Misbah Ul-Haq need to rediscover their big-hitting form to stamp their authority on the tournament.

India's side certainly looks one of the strongest on paper but, as the cliche goes, cricket is not played on paper. Sreesanth was one of the bowling picks in the IPL and youngsters such as Suresh Raina and Yousuf Pathan lit up the world stage. One-day captain MS Dhoni will also be keen to make key contributions in the middle order.

However, my bet for Asia Cup champions this year has to be Sri Lanka. They have the easier of the two groups, and a semi-final berth seems inevitable.

On the bowling front, legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has been recalled to the side, and Dilhara Fernando bowled beautifully in the closing stages of the IPL. Farveez Maharoof also showed glimpses of brilliance and has some big shots in his batting locker. Unfortunately, though, injury looks to have forced Lasith Malinga's withdrawal.

The explosive form of wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara has been exemplary in recent times and could be vital in the team's push for success.

The keystone of the Sri Lanka team, though, has to be veteran big-hitter Sanath Jayasuriya. If the little legend, recalled to the one-day side for this tournament, can reproduce the kind of batting he displayed for the Mumbai Indians, then his side can look forward to a great tournament.

Whatever happens, the Asia Cup of 2008 will be the acid test for the 50-over version of the game. If it can keep the intensity high and drama flowing, all ideas of scrapping ODIs could be quickly forgotten.