Pakistan face another stern challenge in the Asia Cup 2025 as they prepare for the Super 4 clash against India on Sunday, September 21 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
In the Super Four match, Pakistan will have a chance to end a six-match losing streak against arch-rivals and favourites India. A win would strengthen the Men in Green's chances of reaching the final.
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After Pakistan's Group Stage loss to India, Shoaib Akhtar expressed his concerns regarding Pakistan's team selections. He remarked that the team lacked role clarity and felt it could hold them back against India.
Shoaib Akhtar questions Pakistan's team selection ahead of India game
Pakistan has so far gone into all the matches in the Asia Cup 2025 with an all-rounder-heavy side. However, in the process, they have also sacrificed their pace bowling depth.
While Saim Ayub has stepped up with the ball as their highest wicket-taker in the competition, he has failed even to open his run tally in the tournament, registering three consecutive ducks.
On the other hand, Mohammad Nawaz is playing as a bowling all-rounder but has only managed a solitary wicket in the group stages.
"Pakistan can beat India if they change the team but not this way by playing bits and pieces players. You can't just play all rounders who are not good enough. Is it necessary to be stubborn?" he asked at Tamasha sports.
"We will be out of the tournament if we continue with this mindset after the India game. The belief system has to be that you can beat India, as simple as that. Please change the team and play three pacers, even Sana [Mir] and Sohail [Tanvir] are saying this but the captain can't? All-rounders need to be complete players, who can bat and bowl, not bits and pieces like this," he added.
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On the other hand, India has looked like a settled unit, with almost every player contributing to all three departments in the competition's Group Stage.
Irrespective of the result of Sunday's match in the Super Fours, another India-Pakistan rematch is on the cards if both sides finish in the top 2 of the Super Four stage. They will also face Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the coming games as the new-look Pakistan hopes to win the tournament for the first time since 2012, while India are looking to defend the title.