Shoaib Malik played a crucial knock of 51 in their match against Pakistan to keep Pakistan alive in the Asia Cup 2018. In Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Malik will be once again a key player in the middle order when they take on Bangladesh in a virtual semi-final. 

The all-rounder brought his experience into play and bailed his team out in the nick of time. Pakistan, despite being favourites at the start of the tournament, have looked rather scratchy during this edition of the Asia Cup.

However, when the need arose, Shoaib Malik delivered for his side. Pakistan legend Wasim Akram was all praises for the 36-year old saying, “Experience has no substitute… Shoaib Malik proved it against a spirited Afghanistan.Did a Dhoni like finish … when Malik faced a bowler, he had no expression on his face and that frustrates a bowler becos he doesn’t know what to expect… wonderful knock @realshoaibmalik”

Shoaib Malik was particularly honoured to have received a pat on the back from Wasim Akram. He said, “Well, if that is something that comes from Wasim bhai, that is a very big thing as he’s a legend,” Malik told the media ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Super Four clash against Bangladesh.

“My goal is just to see which bowler is bowling and see what he is trying to do. I just try to play the game according to the situation. My goal is very simple, whoever is bowling on that particular day and what my team needs from me, I just try to play accordingly."

“That’s the only thing I can do. I don’t make things difficult and don’t place extra pressure on me. Of course, when you have played so much cricket, you get a lot of confidence,” he concluded.