Shoaib Akhtar cries more after India beat Pakistan for the 2nd time in Asia Cup 2025

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar criticized his Salman Ali Agha-led team for their lackluster performance against India in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match. Akhtar stated that Pakistan’s batting lacked skill and quality, and also added that they were not strong enough to defend even a 200-run target.

India secured a six-wicket win over Pakistan in the recent clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 21. Notably, India recorded their second win against them in just two weeks. Pakistan showed improved batting compared to their previous meeting, but still failed to defeat India.

Mike Hesson Should Be Questioned - Shoaib Akhtar

Speaking on the TV show Game On Hai, Shoaib Akhtar stated that Pakistan have flaws in both batting and bowling. Akhtar said that coach Mike Hesson should be questioned for the absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. He also added that Pakistan’s bowling attack was lackluster.

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“You have to understand that the quality of batting just isn’t there. There’s a lack of skill. Either you slog or you stop. Earlier, we had players who used to play defensively [Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan]; we threw them out. Now we have the hitters. Honestly, whatever it is, this is international cricket. What kind of shots are you playing? Even the coach should be questioned,” Akhtar said.

“Your bowling lineup wasn’t even capable enough. Even if the target had been 200, India could have chased that too,” he added.

Fakhar Zaman Wasn't Out - Shoaib Akhtar Slams the Third Umpire

Shoaib Akhtar also criticized the umpiring during the match. He stated that the dismissal of opener Fakhar Zaman was wrong and added that the batter should have been given the benefit of the doubt. Akhtar said that the umpire failed to assess the available camera angles.

"Fakhar wasn't out. He should have gotten the benefit of the doubt... He [umpire] can't see the angle from here. Why can't he see the angle? There are 26 cameras, yet no angle is visible. He looked at two angles and made his decision."

"In one, it seemed to hit the front. Maybe the match would have turned if Fakhar had played. Overall, I didn't find the level of umpiring, especially third umpiring, satisfactory. It clearly looks like the ball is down,” Shoaib Akhtar said.

Sanju Samson Pulls Off Brilliant Low Catch to Dismiss Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman was dismissed in the third over of Pakistan’s innings. He edged an off-cutter from Hardik Pandya to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson. The third umpire ruled him out after reviewing multiple angles, leaving the batter frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion.

Before his dismissal, Zaman had looked dangerous, hitting boundaries off top Indian bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah. Pakistan scored 23 runs in the first 15 balls. His opening partner, Sahibzada Farhan, scored a half-century, helping Pakistan post a total of 172.

During the chase, openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill destroyed Pakistan’s bowlers with a 105-run partnership. Tilak Varma then finished the innings, guiding India to a six-wicket victory with seven balls to spare. Meanwhile, Pakistan must win two matches to remain in contention for the final.

Also read: Watch- Gautam Gambhir, Hardik Pandya combine to give Pakistan another handshake heart burn for ages