India outplayed Pakistan in all three departments, says Wasim Akram after Super 4 clash in Asia Cup

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram admitted that India outplayed Pakistan in all three departments of the Asia Cup in the Super Four clash at Dubai on Sunday. India registered a comfortable six-wicket win against the arch-rivals while chasing 172.

Pakistan had got off to a good start as they had posted 91-1 in the first 10 overs but could only manage 171 runs on the board after Suryakumar Yadav won the toss. 

Subsequently, Indian openers – Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma – added 105 runs for the opening stand. While Sharma top-scored with 74 runs off just 39 balls, Gill played a crucial knock of 47 runs off 28 deliveries. Moreover, Tilak Varma added the finishing touches with a 19-ball 30.

“India outplayed Pakistan in all three departments, and it has happened over the last four or five years. We (Pakistan) have only won once or twice, here and there. Pakistan’s batting – From 91/1 in 10 overs to 171 (in 20 overs) is not good enough. You should get to 200,” Akram said on Sony Sports.

Akram questioned Salman Agha’s captaincy for not backing his premier bowlers in the Powerplay overs.

“When you’re defending against such a strong side and you have a good score on the board, what should you do? You need to give your main bowlers a couple of overs, be it Shaheen Afridi or whoever. But you gave Abrar Ahmed three overs out of seven. The game was over by then,” he added.

Pakistan has lost the last seven T20Is against India and their last win against the arch-rivals came in the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai.

India will next take on Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Wednesday.