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Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has thrown his weight behind the national team, urging them to carry the same fearless mindset from their win over Bangladesh into the blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 final against India.
Pakistan secured their spot in Sunday’s title match after narrowly defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in a tense Super Four encounter, setting up the first-ever Asia Cup final against India in the tournament’s 41-year history.
Speaking to a local sports outlet, Akhtar advised the players to shed any inferiority complex and attack India head-on.
“Step out of that mindset, break their aura, and go in with the same attitude you had against Bangladesh, take them on, come at us, we’ll see. That’s the attitude you need,” Akhtar stressed.
The former speedster emphasised that Pakistan’s focus must remain on wickets rather than survival.
“We don’t just have to complete 20 overs, we have to take wickets. When you go for wickets, even India will realise they can be rattled. And the moment Abhishek gets out within the first two overs, mark my words, they’ll be in real trouble,” he said.
Highlighting the need for self-belief, Shoaib Akhtar reminded the team not to get overwhelmed by India’s stature.
“Don’t focus on them being the number one team. Just ask yourself: what is my best? Whatever that is, put it out there. Play sensible cricket,” he added.
Pakistan’s gritty win over Bangladesh was powered by Mohammad Haris’ 23-ball 31 and handy contributions from Mohammad Nawaz (25) and Shaheen Afridi (19), before the bowlers defended 135.
Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Saim Ayub all picked up two wickets each, while Nawaz struck once to restrict Bangladesh to 124 for 9.
Confident of Pakistan’s potential, Akhtar expressed complete faith in the men in green to deliver on the big stage.
“Pakistan has the ability to put up big scores and also bowl the opposition out — trust me, take my word for it. I feel 100% sure Pakistan is going to nail it,” he concluded.
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