Pakistan were outclassed by India in all facets of the game.
Former captain Shahid Afridi tore into the Pakistan cricket team after their humiliating seven-wicket loss to India at the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday (September 14).
Pakistan’s innings was restricted to 127/9 in 20 overs after they won the toss and elected to bat first. Kuldeep Yadav (3-18) and Axar Patel (2-18) led the charge, tightening the screws with stunning spells. Jasprit Bumrah (2-28), Varun Chakaravarthy (1-24) and Hardik Pandya (1-34) shared the remaining five scalps among them.
In reply, the Men in Blue got over the finishing line with 25 deliveries to spare. While Abhishek Sharma stole the show with 13-ball 31 at the top, skipper Suryakumar Yadav finished the job with 37-ball 47*. Tilak Varma also contributed run-a-ball 31.
Speaking on Samaa TV, Afridi did not filter his words as he weighed in on Pakistan’s batting and bowling prowess, singling out opener Saim Ayub for his reckless approach.
“These batsmen have to score runs to win matches,” Afridi said. “Saim Ayub should keep his mind cool, tell him to keep his mind cool. Look at the condition, look at the pitch, play the first ball. You are trying to become Shahid Afridi from the first ball.”
The former all-rounder also slammed the team management’s decision to rest frontline pacers for such a big game.
“The genuine fast bowlers have been given rest. This half-hearted attack will not work against India. At the moment, there is not a single batsman in this team who can bring victory,” Afridi added.
reserved his sharpest criticism for Pakistan’s batters, who failed to rise to occasion once again against the Indian bowling unit.
Legendary pacer Wasim Akram reserved his sharpest criticism for Pakistan’s batters, highlighting that they failed to read Kuldeep from the hand.
“They can’t read him. Sunny bhai himself said, unless and until you read him from the hand, you won’t be able to understand that type of bowling. When they sweep against Kuldeep every second ball, it means you are not reading him,” Akram said on Sony Sports.
The Salman Ali Agha-led side will now face hosts UAE in their final group-stage match on September 17 in Dubai.