xtratime Logo

[caption id="attachment_73293" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Mahendra Singh Dhoni sharing light moments with former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik. Image Source: XtraTime[/caption] Debasis Sen, Dubai: India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in Asia Cup on September 19 at Dubai. Cricket fans of both the sides are waiting for the high voltage clash. Ahead of that a moment of solidarity was seen during the practice session of both the teams on Friday. Both the teams practiced together at ICC’s academy in Dubai ahead of the joint press conference of six captains. Former India skipper MS Dhoni just ended his batting practice at the nets. Suddenly everyone saw that Indian tennis star Sania Mirza’s husband and former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik was walking towards the Indian camp. After arriving there he was seen chatting with Dhoni, they both were smiling too while talking. One can say this was the ‘peace’ before the rivalry. Later in the press-conference India skipper Rohit Sharma too was seen in good mood as he praised the current Pakistan side. “Pakistan is playing very good cricket in last few months. We are looking forward to play this game but it doesn’t mean that we aren’t focusing on other games. We are focusing on the whole tournament. This tournament is lot more exciting to me as this is the first time that I am leading the side in a complete tournament,” said Sharma while talking to the media. Asked if the Asia Cup will be a build up to next year’s World Cup in England, Rohit said: “In a way, you can say that. Every team wants to go to the World Cup in a good frame of mind. But we shouldn’t be looking too far ahead. Obviously the Asia Cup gives every team an opportunity to get the combination ight before the World Cup. However, during the captains’ press meet, the talented Mumbaikar said that while the World Cup will be at the back of his mind, it is better to take one game at a time. “I won’t understand how Angie (Angelo Mathews), Sarfraz (Ahmed) or Mashrafe (Mortaza) are looking at it and what their strengths and weaknesses are. But as the tournament progresses, we will understand what teams are doing. “The World Cup is too far ahead. We will play a lot of games before that. A lot of players will get an opportunity to stake claim for a berth in that World Cup squad. It’s a great opportunity to try for that perfect combination,” said Rohit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FhfCAYIqWw