NEW DELHI: Pakistan legend Wasim Akram has backed India as the favourites for the Asia Cup crown but urged Salman Agha's side to draw belief from their Super 4s victory over Bangladesh heading into Sunday's final.
On Thursday, Pakistan successfully defended a modest 136-run target against Bangladesh, sealing their spot in the summit clash with India.
"I hope so (Pakistan's bowling comes to the fore on Sunday too), and look, it's an India-Pakistan game. India definitely is favourite on Sunday," Akram told reporters in a recent interaction.
"But you guys have seen, cricket lovers have seen, I have seen, anything can happen in this format. One good innings, one spell can change the course of the game.
VIDEO | Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai: As Pakistan will play India in the finals, legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram says, "Ideally, a couple of early wickets of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill can put India on back foot. I think it will be a close game and may the best team… pic.twitter.com/IRRwWadOPm
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 26, 2025
"Pakistan team should take this confidence, this momentum to Sunday and back themselves and play sensible cricket," he added.
The left-arm pace legend noted that Pakistan's best chance lies in their new-ball attack striking early, particularly by removing openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma.
Gill and Abhishek had put on a commanding 105-run stand in the Super 4s clash against Pakistan on September 21.
"Ideally, a couple of early wickets, especially Abhishek and Gill, that can definitely put India on a back-foot. It should be a close game and I hope in the end, the best team will win," he added.
The final in Dubai will be the first-ever India-Pakistan summit clash in the 41-year history of Asia Cup, adding another chapter to cricket's most intense rivalry.
