Former Pakistan cricketing legend Shoaib Akhtar has ignited a passionate debate just before the highly anticipated Asia Cup final. He boldly declared that a “bad day is coming for India” when they face Pakistan in the Dubai showdown this Sunday.
During his appearance on the YouTube show “Game On Hai,” Akhtar emphasized that for Pakistan to clinch the title, they must replicate the fierce hunger and determination they displayed during their impressive Super Fours victory over Bangladesh. “This is the kind of hunger we need on Sunday, that’s about it,” he asserted. “The truth is, India is bound to have an off day at some point – and it simply has to be this Sunday.”
Akhtar went on to dissect Pakistan’s formidable bowling unit, suggesting that if they could post a competitive total, perhaps around the 200-run mark, their bowlers would make life incredibly difficult for the Indian batting lineup. “If Pakistan can manage to score around 200 runs batting first, then psychologically, India will feel immense pressure,” he explained. “Because with this bowling attack… just imagine, even for a second, if there was one more truly fast bowler. You genuinely need one more genuine fast bowler.”
He further commended the team’s relentless effort in their recent match against Bangladesh, highlighting the raw pace and consistent lines of their attack. “If that happens, I truly believe it would create an almost unbeatable bowling squad,” Akhtar remarked. “But ultimately, it’s a decision for the coach. I felt their bowling was absolutely on point; Haris was consistently hitting 142–145 km/h, and Shaheen was in the 140–144 km/h range. It clearly showed how incredibly driven and united they were.”
These comments from Akhtar followed Pakistan’s hard-fought 11-run triumph over Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday, which secured their spot in the final. In a tense, low-scoring affair, Pakistan recovered from a precarious 49 for five to post 135 for eight, thanks to crucial contributions from Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15 balls) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (19). Their bowlers then stepped up magnificently under pressure.
Shaheen Afridi provided early breakthroughs with the new ball, while Haris Rauf delivered a crucial double blow in the 18th over, effectively derailing Bangladesh’s chase. Despite Shamim Hossain’s valiant 30, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling ensured the target remained just out of reach.
This victory means Pakistan will now face India in the Asia Cup final, marking a historic first-ever encounter between the two rivals in a tournament final, promising an electrifying clash this Sunday.