Even so, what the Asia Cup has done is burst Pakistan’s ODI bubble, which was formed after the epic Champions Trophy win last year. That win last summer remains the only noteworthy ODI performance since Pakistan beat South Africa away in a three-match series in November 2013. But it is understandable that given Pakistan’s ODI struggles – especially since 2013, but largely throughout this decade – the Champions Trophy was being touted as the turning point. While nothing should be taken away from the tournament win itself, perhaps its long-term ramifications were overstated. With premature talks of Pakistan being the favourites for next year’s World Cup, the Asia Cup is a much-needed reality check to sort out the problems.

Source: Pakistan Today September 27, 2018 15:11 UTC