Internet Desk: With one match still to be played, the finalists of the Asia Cup 2025 have been decided. On September 28, arch-rivals India and Pakistan will meet in the summit clash. India, having already defeated Pakistan twice in this edition, will be aiming for a hat-trick of victories.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar acknowledged that it will be extremely difficult for Pakistan to stop India’s momentum. However, he stressed that there is only one way to put India under pressure. “Pakistan’s players must quickly change their mindset. Against India, they cannot play with the feeling of being under pressure. They need to approach the match the same way they did against Bangladesh,” Akhtar said.
Akhtar argued that Pakistan must adopt an aggressive bowling strategy. “They don’t need to focus on bowling 20 overs. The target must be to take 10 wickets. Remember my words—only if Abhishek Sharma falls within the first two or three overs will India feel the heat. So far, all of India’s strong starts have come from him. If Abhishek stays, Pakistan will be in trouble again,” he explained.
He added that Abhishek rarely gives away his wicket cheaply, and Pakistan must find a way to unsettle him. “If they manage that, India’s other batters will be more cautious and work harder for runs. Still, there’s no doubt India will deliver their best. With Gautam Gambhir as head coach, India are being prepared to play high-quality cricket, especially against Pakistan,” Akhtar noted.
Waqar Younis Slams Ayub’s Poor Run
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis expressed disappointment over Saim Ayub’s repeated failures in the tournament. The young batter has been dismissed for a duck four times in the Asia Cup.
“Sometimes, when things don’t go your way, you need a break. His body language on the field isn’t right. He is still very young and has a long career ahead, but he isn’t making use of the opportunities given to him,” Waqar observed.
He criticised the team management for persisting with Ayub despite his form. “Ayub is in the squad only as a bowler, but as a batter he has failed to deliver. When he got out for a duck the second time in this tournament, I felt he should have been benched. This is not the standard of play expected from him. He is talented, but the management must handle him carefully,” Waqar said.
.png)
The opinions posted here do not belong to 🔰www.indiansdaily.com. The author is solely responsible for the opinions.
As per the IT policy of the Central Government, insults against an individual, community, religion or country, defamatory and inflammatory remarks, obscene and vulgar language are punishable offenses. Legal action will be taken for such expressions of opinion.