India’s Biggest Threat Explained by Ex-Cricketer
Before the much-anticipated India-Pakistan match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar stressed the significance of plan, mentality, and execution for the green shirts.
Akhtar spoke on a local sports program about India’s aggressive style and the match’s high stakes, underlining the necessity for Pakistan to be prepared and play their best cricket.
“What makes you think about their cricket style? Clearly, they’ll dominate and beat you. Akhtar stated India would rather play Afghanistan in the finals than Pakistan to make a message.
Pakistan must play their best. We must consider winning if we want to beat India, he said. Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq also discussed Pakistan’s possibilities if they start well.
One thing is certain: Pakistan has chance. Even without Virat Kohli, whose batting style is foreign to our bowlers, they can create pressure and have a chance if they don’t lose early wickets and retain momentum. Misbah said a good start is crucial.
However, Akhtar promptly commented on India’s powerful middle order: This team is not one where two early wickets at the top will cause cracks at the bottom. He added that Abhishek is strong and this is one of India’s best middle-order batting lines.
The 50-year-old also advised Pakistan to focus on a good batting foundation and a balanced bowling attack without overthinking tactics.
All we want from Pakistan is to bat first, score runs, and try to reach 200 and win by 100 runs in Dubai, where scoring more than 170 is difficult. Face India with the designated team. Try not to overthink bowling. He said three pacers, two spinners, and one all-rounder is plenty for batting.
He had particular player selection advise for the high-intensity encounter. Faheem Ashraf should be evaluated for his straight sixes and spinner handling. Hasan Ali or Wasim Jr. and Rauf can handle the new ball. “I will continue the pace attack against India,” Akhtar said.
Both teams are in good form after winning their first games. India knocked out UAE for 57 and chased the target in 4.3 overs, while Pakistan reached 160-7 before eliminating Oman for 67 in 16.4 overs.
India has dominated T20 internationals against Pakistan, winning 10 of 13. India won six wickets in their last match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai in February.
Pakistan squad for Asia Cup: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem
India squad for Asia Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
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