Following Pakistan's defeat against India in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2025, cricket legend Wasim Akram didn't hold back in his assessment of the team's performance, particularly their batting display. Akram, a former captain and respected voice in the cricketing world, expressed his disappointment and concern over Pakistan's repeated failures against their arch-rivals.
Akram stated he was finding it "tough to watch" Pakistan play, highlighting the stark contrast in performance between the two sides in recent years. While acknowledging that winning and losing are part of the game, he emphasized that India has consistently outplayed Pakistan in all departments. He pointed to a lack of talent, depth, and overall execution as major factors contributing to Pakistan's struggles.
Specifically addressing the Super Four match, Akram noted Pakistan's promising start, reaching 91/1 in the first 10 overs. However, he lamented their inability to capitalize on this foundation and build towards a substantial total, ultimately falling short of the 200-run mark. He said that from 91 in the first 10 overs, when the team fails to reach 200, there is nothing to say.
Akram was also critical of Mohammad Nawaz's bizarre runout during the match. Describing himself as "speechless," Akram questioned Nawaz's awareness and presence of mind during the incident. Nawaz, while attempting a run, appeared to be walking slowly and out of touch with the game's situation, resulting in him being easily run out.
The former Pakistan captain also pointed out the technical faults and pressure evident in Pakistan's batting. He observed that the batsmen were committing "criminal" errors by leaving balls in the 18th and 19th overs and suggested they needed to return to red-ball cricket to improve their ability to read spinners.
India's dominance in the match was evident as their opening pair, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, constructed a 105-run partnership in just 59 deliveries, effectively taking the game away from Pakistan. Despite losing a few wickets later in the innings, India comfortably chased down the target of 172 with six wickets in hand and seven balls to spare.
Akram's analysis reflects a broader concern about Pakistan's recent form against India. With this loss, Pakistan have now suffered their seventh straight defeat against India. Akram's brutally honest assessment serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan cricket, highlighting the urgent need for improvement in their batting approach, mental fortitude, and overall game awareness.
