Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has issued a challenge to the national team ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against India, challenging them to overcome their fear and break the aura that surrounds their arch-rivals. The match, slated for Sunday at Dubai International Stadium, will be the first India-Pakistan final in the tournament’s 41-year history.
Both sides have already squared off twice in this tournament, with India winning both times. However, Pakistan advanced to the final with a close 11-run victory over Bangladesh in their most recent Super Four match. Defending a total of 135/8, Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/17) and Haris Rauf (3/33) led from the front to reduce Bangladesh to 124/9. This victory not only secured Men in Green’s spot in the summit clash, but also bolstered morale in the camp. Meanwhile, Akhtar believes Pakistan should adopt the same bold stance against India.
“Come out of this mindset, keep their aura aside. Just break their aura. Just play with this mindset that you had in the match against Bangladesh. This is the kind of mindset you need. You don’t need to bowl 20 overs; you just need to get wickets,” Akhtar said on PTV Sports’ Game On Hai show.
Mark my words, if Abhishek gets out early, they will get in trouble: Shoaib Akhtar
The former pacer believes Pakistan has the firepower to defeat India, pointing out that Shaheen Afridi is the world’s best fast bowler, while Rauf’s pace is the differentiator. Akhtar also revealed that dismissing Abhishek Sharma early will be important. The young opener has been India’s standout performer in the tournament, scoring against both Pakistan and Bangladesh. In their last meeting, his 74 off 35 balls broke Pakistan’s bowling unit and helped India chase 172 with ease.
“Mark my words, if Abhishek Sharma gets out in the first two overs, they will get in trouble. The starts they are getting, they are going to struggle if Abhishek gets out early. It’s not like that, Abhishek will not mistime the ball; he will do that; you just need to go for the kill. If you come out fighting, India will realise that we have to work hard for our runs,” Akhtar added.
Akhtar also stated the influence of India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, predicting he will push his team to raise their game and look to win the Asia Cup final.
“I know Gautam Gambhir. He will tell his team that ‘you need to bring your A game against Pakistan’. Pakistan will play the worst cricket, they will pick the worst side, but as soon as they reach the final, they play the best cricket, and they win the finals. It has happened so my times with us,” concluded Akhtar.
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