IND vs PAK: Pakistan Need To Come Out Of The Losing Mindset - Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has urged Babar Azam-led Pakistan to take some bold calls without fearing and come out of their losing mindset. 

Pakistan will be up against their arch-rivals India for the second time in the ongoing Asia Cup Sunday (September 4th).  Both teams will be playing their first fixture of the Super-4 after qualifying from Group A. 

Pakistan suffered a five wickets defeat in their game against India in the Group stage last week. It was Hardik Pandya who emerged as the hero for the Men in blue, who took three wickets with the ball and scored an unbeaten 33 runs off 17 to snatch the victory in the last over.

Pakistan need to come out of the losing mindset: Wasim Akram

Akram shed light on his views about Pakistan’s approach ahead of the big clash on Sunday. 

“Pakistan need to come out of the losing mindset. Being a Pakistani, I want Pakistan to win but the Indian team is coming from a win. They also have Jadeja injured, him and Pandya won the match and promoted Jadeja. We must take these types of risks too. It is not mandatory that batters bat at the same number,” Akram said on Cricket Pakistan’s YouTube channel.

Akram further added how Babar and the think tank should come out of the fear of losing. To beat a team like India they need to move on from the losing mindset and take bold steps which can turn the game their way. 

“If five overs are remaining, Asif must come. I hope I am wrong, but Pakistan needs to get out of a losing mindset. Maybe it is because of us as we make memes on social media. One must do healthy criticism, give solutions and then move on.” 

“Changing opening pair in the middle of the tournament is not ideal,” said Akram. 

Wasim Akram against Pakistan changing the opening pair

There has been constant chaos over the intent and aggressiveness of the two Pakistani openers, Babar and Mohammad Rizwan early in the innings. Many have suggested that Fakhar Zaman open and Babar bat at number three but Akram does not agree with them.

“Babar and Rizwan are opening the innings for the last one and a half years. Fakhar was a natural opener but when Rizwan started doing well, he started playing at No.3. Changing the opening pair during the tournament is not ideal,” he concluded.

Pakistan and India will play in their first game of the Super 4 stage on Sunday evening at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Also Read IND vs PAK: Fakhar Zaman Should Open And Babar Azam Needs To Bat At No.3 – Mohammad Hafeez