'Axar Patel is not better than Nawaz' - Shoaib Akhtar tells Pakistan spinner to fix mindset before IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final

Devansh Poddar

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'Axar Patel is not better than Nawaz' - Shoaib Akhtar tells Pakistan spinner to fix mindset before IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final image

As the Asia Cup 2025 reaches its business end, the arch-rivals India and Pakistan are all set to collide in the Final of the continental event -- the first time in the history of the tournament.

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Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has now come up with some advice for the left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, as he feels that the Pakistan left-arm spinner is much better than India counterpart Axar Patel.

Is Mohammad Nawaz better than India's Axar Patel?

Nawaz, the left-arm spinning all-rounder from Pakistan, has been a great asset to his side in the past few years. He once again proved his merit, bailing Pakistan out of a tricky situation in the Super Four game against Bangladesh.

"He (Nawaz) was so calm and composed while batting and in such a pressure situation, he bailed Pakistan out," said Shoaib Akhtar on Tapmad Entertainment as he praised the Pakistani all-rounder

Pakistan was facing Bangladesh in a virtual knockout, and we were reduced to 49 for 5 when Nawaz came in with a crucial knock of 25, stitching partnerships with the Lower-Middle order batters.

More: Virat Kohli's ODI future doubtful? Legendary batter unlikely to play for India A in 50-over competition against Australia - Report

The late push helped Pakistan reach a respectable total of 135, which eventually proved to be more than enough for a victory. Nawaz also displayed his bowling prowess, bowling an exceptional spell of 1/14. 

Pakistan will now face India in the Asia Cup finals, and ahead of the big game, Shoaib Akhtar gave important advice as he praised Nawaz, calling him a better player than India's Axar Patel.

"He needs to get out of this whole mindset that I am not a good enough left-armer. Axar is not better than him. Axar has confidence, a management, and a set place in the team," added Akhtar 

Earlier, Pakistan's head coach Mike Hesson gave a huge statement ahead of the Asia Cup, where he called Nawaz the best spinner in the World. His statements were heavily criticized as people rubbished the claims.

When is the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Final 2025?

India and Pakistan will lock horns for the third time in this current Asia Cup edition in the Final on Sunday, September 28th

India has a 2-0 advantage over Pakistan in this tournament. They will be looking to clinch a third victory and successfully defend their Asia Cup title, while Pakistan will look to beat the reigning world champions and end the event having the last laugh over their arch-rivals.

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Devansh Poddar

Devansh Poddar is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.