The Pakistan cricket team suffered yet another embarrassing defeat against India. The Men in Green couldn’t defend the target of 172 runs as now in both occassions, India has had the upper hand & dominated the terms. Wasim Akram was concerned with the way Pakistan fared. Wasim Akram raised his voice over the lack of dominant performances by the Pakistani unit against India.
Pakistan would rue the fact that it couldn’t capitalize on a brilliant start. It won’t be wrong to say that there’s a mindset problem in the batting unit of Pakistan. There was immense hype for Saim Ayub, who has had a forgettable tournament. It would sound very harsh, but Saim Ayub now has become a spin bowling all-rounder for Pakistan despite his prowess being his batting which raises a lot of eyebrows
India has outplayed Pakistan in every department over the last 4-5 years- Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram was having an interaction with the broadcasters. Wasim Akram pointed out that Pakistan’s performance has taken a very bad hit over the last four or five years. Wasim Akram lauded India’s depth & talent pool. Wasim Akram stated that restricting Pakistan below 175 was a remarkable job of India’s bowling unit.
“I am going to speak my heart out. It is tough to watch Pakistan. I understand as an ex-player winning and losing that part of the game. But again India has outplayed Pakistan in every department over the last four or five years,” said Wasim Akram.
“Once or twice, we have won here and there, but it has been incredible from India. The talent, the depth, everything. One or two catches can be dropped in any game, that is fine. But from 91 in the first 10 overs, when we fail to reach 200, there is nothing to say,” he added.
Steep road ahead for Pakistan
Pakistan would be most likely thoroughly tested against Sri Lanka, who have wily spinners. Wanindu Hasaranga’s 4 overs would be very decisive given his wrong-un is quite hard to pick. Sri Lanka possesses a very deep batting lineup as Pakistan can’t afford to get complacent even after taking 2-3 wickets in a quick succession.
Pakistan’s skipper, Salman Ali Agha, has had a dreadful Asia Cup 2025 so far with the bat in hand. It won’t be wrong to say that batting at the strike rate of 80s doesn’t do a team any good, that too in a marquee tournament, not at all most likely; Salman Ali Agha needs to quickly transform his game as one more defeat in the Super 4 stage would end their journey in the tourney.
High octane clash on cards
Sri Lanka got a reality check against Bangladesh, which rattled the island nation. Bangladesh astonished everyone by beating Sri Lanka. The decision to give promotion to Dasun Shanaka against Bangladesh yielded results, but Sri Lanka needs Charith Asalanka to play a sensational knock. The island nation is too reliant on Pathum Nissanka & Kusal Mendis for giving a great start, as their departures can open the gates for Pakistan in a do-or-die match.
Wasim Akram’s concerns for the Pakistan cricket team are more than valid. The problem with Pakistan over the last 4-5 years is not only about consistency, it’s about the mindset that has been haunting them and creating self-doubt in Pakistan team’s minds. The clash against Sri Lanka on 23rd September at Abu Dhabi gives Pakistan a last chance to play out of their skin, as defeat for either Pakistan or Sri Lanka would end the journey for sure, as we can expect a block-buster clash with a lot at stake for two Asian Giants.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan & Sri Lanka Lock Horns In Virtual Knock-Out