“We need to break down the aura built around Team India” - Shoaib Akhtar ahead of India vs Pakistan final

Former Pakistan pacer and analyst Shoaib Akhtar has opened up on the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 grand finale, scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 28, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in Dubai.

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Speaking on PTV Sports, Akhtar stated that the Pakistan team, led by Salman Ali Agha, needs to break down the aura that has been built around the Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India when they meet them in the final on Sunday.

“We need to break out of this mindset, break down the hawa (aura) that has been built around the Indian team, and go in with the same attitude we had today against Bangladesh. Take India on. That’s the kind of attitude you need. And please remember we don’t need to go in thinking we have to bowl 20 overs. No! we need to get them out. When you go out to get them out, even India will realize they have to fight to score runs and that they won’t get any free runs,” Akhtar said on the Game On Hai show on PTV Sports. 

While the Indian team is currently ranked No.1 in the ICC T20I team rankings, Akhtar has backed the Pakistani side to come back stronger after their two consecutive defeats to India in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 competition. 

“Pakistan has to move beyond this, forget about India being the number one team. We have the number one fast bowler in Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf is as quick as anyone in the world today. So there’s no issue if you go in with this attitude,” he added.

While India defeated the UAE, Pakistan, and Oman to top the points table in Group A, Pakistan suffered a loss to India and defeated the UAE and Oman in the group stage. India continues to remain unbeaten in the Super Four stage while Pakistan secured two wins, suffering a defeat to India.

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