The latest India-Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai was billed as another high pressure encounter but it turned into a one-sided affair that exposed the gulf between the two teams.
From a misjudged call at the toss to a collapse with the bat, Pakistan struggled across departments as India cruised to win. While Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma impressed for India, the performance left Pakistan fans and former cricketers frustrated once again.
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Among the most vocal critics was former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who delivered a damning assessment of Pakistan's state of cricket.
Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistan's poor batting standards
On the post-match show, Akhtar said Pakistan's batters lacked the technique and awareness needed at this level. He highlighted how the team played out nearly 10 overs without scoring - calling it a sign of poor basics.
"The difference was clear - the world is playing top-level cricket, and we are not even matching club-level standards. Our batters don't know how to rotate strike, don't have the technique, and don't have the quality needed,” Akhtar said.
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He pointed out how India's batters showed intent and skill with shot selection - contrasting that with Pakistan's inability to build partnerships or keep the scoreboard moving. Akhtar was also critical of Pakistan's decision to bat first on a surface known to favour chasing sides.
Shoaib Akhtar laments Pakistan's decision to bat first in Dubai
Akhtar felt the move gave India the upper hand before a ball was bowled. Adding to the woes, the team went in with an imbalanced bowling attack - leaving out a specialist seamer in favour of Sufiyan Muqeem who was taken apart by India's top order.
India's Kuldeep Yadav (3 for 18) once again proved Pakistan's nemesis - exploiting familiar weaknesses and continuing his strong record against them.
In his closing remarks, Akhtar delivered his harshest verdict yet - questioning whether Pakistan could realistically compete with the top sides in world cricket.
"Unfortunately, we are lacking quality. We are not a team that can compete with the likes of South Africa, India, England, or Australia. At best, we are just a bit better than Associate nations," he concluded.
With another possible meeting against India scheduled for September 21 in the Super 4 stage, Akhtar's words serve as a blunt warning. Unless Pakistan addresses its structural flaws in batting, selection and planning, the gap between the arch-rivals may only grow wider.
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