Misbah says India will be tough to beat in World T20

Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes that his country's T20 side can still reach the final of the ongoing Asia Cup but insisted that India will be a tough team to beat when they host next month's World Twenty20.

India overcame a spirited fightback from Pakistan to beat the fierce arch-rivals by five wickets in the fourth Asia Cup game in Mirpur.

"All the Asian teams appear to be in good shape in the WT20, especially India, because they can give a tough time to any team in the subcontinent. They have a brilliant batting line-up and spin-bowling attack, and that's why I feel they are the team we need to look to," Misbah said in his latest column for cricket.com.au

Defending a low score of 83 runs, Pakistan paceman Mohammad Amir produced a perfect blend of sheer pace and swing to leave India rattled at 8-3 inside three overs. However, star batsman Virat Kohli made a composed 49-run knock to steer his side to a comfortable victory.

"Although Pakistan lost the opening match against India in the Asia Cup, they shouldn't lose hope. That their bowlers made 83 look difficult against a strong batting team like India, is something that will encourage them in the next games," the Test captain added.

Misbah, who has represented his country in more than 250 matches across all formats, expressed confidence that Pakistan will bounce back in the tournament and that they will do well in the T20 format's pinnacle tournament.