Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar has asked Pakistan Cricket team to go with the attitude in the Asia Cup final game vs India after they beat Bangladesh.
India and Pakistan will lock horns in the Asia Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s 41-year history.
Speaking in an interview with a local sports platform, Akhtar urged the players to carry the same fearless mindset they displayed against Bangladesh into the high-stakes clash against India.
“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,” said Akhtar.
“We don’t just have to complete 20 overs, we have to take wickets. When you go for wickets, even India will realise that they can be rattled and not allowed to score freely. And the moment Abhishek gets out within the first two overs—mark my words—they’ll be in real trouble. Right now, they’re starting strong and enjoying themselves, but once that start is broken, they’ll struggle too,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of self-belief, he advised the players not to get overwhelmed by India’s stature.
“Don’t think that you are the best team, but remember that you are the best combination and the best players on the field. Don’t focus on India being the number one team. Just go out there and give your best. Ask yourself: what is my best? Whatever that is, give it out there. Please try to play sensible cricket,” he said.
“Pakistan has the ability to put up big scores and also the ability to bowl the opposition out — trust me, take my word for it. Now you’re meeting for the third time, and there’s definitely a reason behind it. We’ll come to know that reason on Sunday. I want to see Pakistan win, and I feel 100% sure that Pakistan is going to nail it,” he concluded.
The final is on Sunday promises to be a historic showdown as India and Pakistan lock horns for the continental crown.
