'Break India's invincible aura' - Shoaib Akhtar's advice to Pakistan before IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final

Devansh Poddar

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'Break India's invincible aura' - Shoaib Akhtar's advice to Pakistan before IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final image

The Asia Cup 2025 is poised to witness history as arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to collide in the Finals for the first time in the history of the continental event.

The neighbors will face off in a high-voltage clash on Sunday, September 28th, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The two teams have met twice in the tournament so far, with the Men in Blue winning both encounters: first by 7 wickets in the group stage and then by 6 wickets in the Super 4.

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Former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar has now come up with some advice for the Men In Green ahead of their big clash against the World No.1 side and defending T20 World Cup champions, India.

Shoaib Akhtar's advice to Pakistan to defeat India

Team India have been one of the most intimidating teams in the world, especially in the shortest format. The Men In Blue have lost just 3 of their last 33 T20I matches, stamping their authority in this format.

They have also beaten Pakistan on the last seven occasions across formats and have already beaten them twice in the current Asia Cup edition.

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Speaking on Tapmad, Akhtar said, "Snap out of the attitude, break their bubble. Break the aura they have created, go inside and take them on."

India's dominance in World Cricket has been immense across formats in the past few years. The side went on to lift the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy 2025, unbeaten and yet to be defeated in this tournament.

Moreover, the teams have also failed to bring the Men In Blue close to a defeat, as the Champion side has been winning comprehensively.

Will India dominate Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Final?

India has clearly been the dominant side over Pakistan in the past few years. The Men In Blue also stamped their authority in the continental event, defeating their rivals in both games with great ease.

Akhtar also mentioned that it would be integral for the Pakistani side to play an aggressive brand of cricket and go for wickets.

More: ‘Game-changer in no time’: Shoaib Akhtar’s big praise for Abhishek Sharma | Asia Cup 2025

"Please remember we don't have to bowl 20 overs, we have to take wickets. When you go to take wickets, even India will understand that they'll have to fight to score runs, and if Abhishek Sharma gets out in the first 2 overs, India would be in trouble."

After everything that has been going on outside the field for the past week or so, the game is expected to be one of the most exciting clashes, with both sides having a lot to offer.

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Devansh Poddar

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