NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi slammed his side following a humiliating seven-wicket defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash in Dubai on Sunday. Afridi handed his team a reality check, calling out opener Saim Ayub for his reckless approach.
"These batsmen have to score runs to win matches," frustrated Afridi said during a discussion on Samaa TV. "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."
Afridi also voiced his frustration with the bowling unit, saying that with such a half-hearted effort, you cannot win matches against India.
"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.
Pakistan's struggles continued as they failed to cope with India's spin trio. Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy bamboozled the batters throughout the innings, with Kuldeep ending with impressive figures of 3/18. The pressure was evident as Pakistan faced 63 dot balls, eventually crumbling to 127/9 in 20 overs.
In reply, Abhishek Sharma tore through Pakistan's key bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi (0/23 in 2 overs), scoring a blistering 31 off just 13 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav celebrated his 35th birthday in style with 47 not out off 37, guiding India to a comfortable chase completed in 15.5 overs.
Legendary pacer Wasim Akram admitted Pakistan's young batters were completely outfoxed by Kuldeep' variations.
"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.
