Wasim Akram Highlights Concerns in Pakistan Team Ahead of India Clash. Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has shared his insights and predictions ahead of the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match in Asia Cup 2025. The cricketing legend, now a commentator, also pointed out a few areas of concern within the Pakistan squad ahead of the blockbuster encounter.
India and Pakistan are set to face off in their second match of the tournament on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Both teams began their Asia Cup campaigns with commanding wins. India cruised past the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by nine wickets after dismissing them for just 57 runs. Pakistan, meanwhile, secured a 93-run victory over Oman, restricting them to 67 runs while chasing a target of 161.
Asia Cup:“India Are a Strong Team, but Pakistan Will Be Confident”: Wasim Akram
During a recent chat on Telecom Asia Sports, Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash between India and Pakistan. While he acknowledged India’s strength, he emphasized that Pakistan would enter the game with confidence after their recent tri-series win against the UAE and Afghanistan.
“I think it will be a competitive match. India is definitely a good and strong team. If you compare these two sides player by player, India looks stronger. But Pakistan will have the confidence from winning the tri-series and will give a tough fight,” Akram said.
As one of the commentators for Asia Cup 2025, Akram highlighted some potential concerns for Pakistan. He pointed out Mohammad Haris’ unfamiliar batting position and some issues in Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
Asia Cup: “For me, there are a few challenges. Mohammad Haris isn’t in the best form and is not batting in his usual opener slot. It’s tough for him… it’s nearly impossible for an opener to perform in the middle order. Also, having two part-time bowlers as the fifth option is risky; if you do, the opposition will target them,” he explained.
Akram also praised India’s bowling attack, noting that Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy could trouble Pakistan’s batters.
“Kuldeep and Varun are both very skillful and hard to read. Kuldeep was especially accurate and lethal the other day. Bumrah is at the top of his game and is being managed well by India. Credit to these bowlers—T20 cricket puts a lot of pressure on them, yet they handle it brilliantly,” he added.
India and Pakistan are grouped in Group A of Asia Cup 2025, alongside Oman and the UAE. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, setting the stage for another high-stakes India-Pakistan encounter.