Wasim Akram, a former Pakistan bowler, lashed out at Haris Rauf following the completion of India’s Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Rauf went wicketless for 50 runs in 3.4 overs as Pakistan lost the summit clash to their arch-rivals.
Wasim Akram did not mince words when analysing Pakistan’s performance in the top encounter.
While looking through the different topics where Pakistan fell short on the night, he came across Rauf’s performance and couldn’t help but scream his fury.
“He (Rauf) is a run machine, especially against India,” stated Akram while dissecting Pakistan’s five-wicket loss to the Men in Blue while speaking to Sony Sports.
Coming to the match, Pakistan were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs after being asked to bat first by Suryakumar Yadav. Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35) were involved in an 84-run stand for the first wicket. However, it all went downhill for the Green Shirts in the second-half of their innings as they were strangled by the Indian spinners, who took eight of the 10 Pakistan wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav (4/30 in 4 overs) was the star of the show. The left-arm wrist-spinner struck thrice in his final over to completely derail the opposition to a point of no return.
Speaking of the run-chase, Pakistan had India by the scuff of their neck inside the powerplay. They had reduced the Indians to 36/3 by the end of six overs. At the halfway mark, India had it all to do with 89 required for victory and it seemed as if Pakistan had a fair shot at the title.
However, Tilak Varma played a splendid knock of 69 off 53 to take his side through. He was supported by Sanju Samson and then Shivam Dube. Tilak deservedly earned the Player of the Match award for his mature knock.
India
