Pakistan's long-running T20 woes resurfaced in Dubai as India cruised to a seven-wicket win in their Asia Cup 2025 meeting. From poor selection calls to a lack of game awareness, the defeat once again highlighted the gulf between the two rivals.
Among the critics was former Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal - who lashed out at head coach Mike Hesson and the team management for sticking rigidly to flawed plans despite the conditions.
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Kamran Akmal slams Pakistan's lack of adaptability
Speaking on The Game Plan YouTube channel, Akmal said Pakistan showed no awareness of the match situation and looked out of ideas against India's disciplined bowling and aggressive batting.
"Even if you had scored 180-190 here, India would have chased it. The management and players had zero game awareness. From coaches to the team, no one had a clue. They are just 'lakeer ka fakeer' - sticking to the same combinations, without flexibility. You can't win like this,” Akmal said.
He criticised the team for persisting with questionable selections and batting orders - saying that the side appeared confused and ultimately put themselves in avoidable trouble.
India dominate as Pakistan collapse again
India's bowlers set the tone early with Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Pakistan's openers inside two overs. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel then tightened things - sharing five wickets between them and conceding barely a run a ball.
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Pakistan posted only 127 for 9 with Sahibzada Farhan (40) and Shaheen Afridi (33*) providing the few bright spots.
In chase, India's openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill came out firing - ensuring there were no nerves in the chase. Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 47 finished the job with 25 balls to spare.
Pakistan face hard questions ahead of next clash
The loss leaves Pakistan with major questions about strategy, selection and intent. For Akmal, Hesson's unwillingness to experiment has already cost the team.
Unless Pakistan addresses these issues quickly, the gulf with India in T20 cricket may only grow wider.
Pakistan will next face UAE on Wednesday, September 15 which will be a crucial match to secure a potential Super 4 berth against India next Sunday.
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