KARACHI, June 5: Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik on Thursday stressed that his team would give their best shot to win the impending triangular tournament in Bangladesh despite India’s recent good form in limited-overs cricket.

Speaking to reporters at the National Stadium during the team’s only practice session prior to their departure for Dhaka on Friday morning, Malik said he would be happy if the team continued their winning sequence in the One-day Internationals.

“We are on a roll at the moment, having won 11 matches consecutively [including 5-0 clean sweeps over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh]. We are keen to carry this momentum into the Bangladesh tournament so that the team starts the Asia Cup in a positive frame of mind,” Malik said.

The Pakistan skipper tried to put a brave face when he was asked to comment on paceman Mohammad Asif’s detention in Dubai for allegedly possessing an illegal substance. “We actually don’t know what exactly has happened to him [Asif]. But whatever has taken place is very unfortunate and we all feel for Asif at this point in time. It’s a big loss for Pakistan cricket,” Malik commented.

“But we still have a good bowling combination with the experienced Umar Gul and Rao Iftikhar in the side along with Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz and Sohail Khan.”

Asif had initially been named in the Dhaka-bound squad, but once reports of his detention in Dubai emerged, the selectors inducted rookie fast bowler Sohail Khan in the 16-member team.

Geoff Lawson, the Pakistan coach, also felt for Asif but warned that the episode could ruin his career. “Of course it is very, very unfortunate, to say the least. This would be disruptive for Asif,” the 50-year-old former Australian fast bowler said. “I don’t know the facts personally, but we feel for him right now. We all hope it turns out well for him because all of us have been thinking about him.

“Asif was missed quite often in the recent months but was on a successful comeback trail from injury as he had played against Bangladesh,” Lawson added.

“In general it would have been one more step for Asif on his way back to full form. On the other hand, Sohail Khan, who has shown promise, has come in. In this case, one person’s misfortune is another’s good fortune.”

Lawson termed the Bangladesh tri-series a good omen, saying it would give Pakistan a good opportunity to get ready for the Asia Cup which starts from June 24 in Lahore and Karachi. “It is just a nice little tournament to have in between major events [Asia Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy]. India have some good young players so it would be a tough outing in Bangladesh,” the coach expressed.

“A number of guys had played twenty20 cricket for five weeks, so they will be in that frame of mind. Therefore, we need to get back into the 50-over mind frame before a big tournament. Our goal is to prepare well for the Champions Trophy, which is still some months away. Before that we play New Zealand in three one-dayers as well.”

Lawson stressed that Pakistan were facing a tough few weeks ahead. “As a coach everything is tough and every match is tough. India have done well against Australia but it’s a test every time you play them. Even Bangladesh at home are going to be tough. It is definitely a good way to prepare for the Asia Cup.”

In a lighter vein, Lawson described his relationship with chairman of selectors, Salahuddin Ahmed as ‘cordial and friendly’. “I have good relations with Sallu. He is my ‘good’ friend.”

Pakistan face Bangladesh in the opening match of the tri-series on Sunday before taking on old rivals India on Tuesday.

India play Bangladesh on June 12 with the final scheduled two days later. All four games take place at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on the outskirts of Dhaka.

Squad: Shoaib Malik (captain), Misbah-ul-Haq (vice-captain), Salman Butt, Nasir Jamshed, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar, Fawad Alam, Wahab Riaz, Bazid Khan, Naumanullah, Sohail Khan; coach: Geoff Lawson, manager: Talat Ali.