‘Break India's aura’ - Shoaib Akhtar's strong message to Salman Agha's Pakistan ahead of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final

Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar has urged the Pakistan team to play the Asia Cup 2025 final in the same intensity like they showed against Bangladesh and break India's "aura." Defending champions India will take on Pakistan in the final on Sunday. It will be the third India vs Pakistan in the ongoing tournament after their group stage and Super 4 clashes. The Men in Blue emerged victorious over their arch-rivals on both occasions.

India have been the most dominant side in the Asia Cup 2025 with an unbeaten record of five wins so far. On the other hand, Pakistan's both losses came against the Indians. “Step out of that mindset, break their aura, and go in with the same attitude you had against Bangladesh—take them on, come at us, we’ll see. That’s the attitude you need," Akhtar was quoted by Pakistan media outlet GeoSuper.

In both Pakistan's losses to India,

Akhtar said that Pakistan should aim to get wickets and India will find themselves in real trouble if the in-form Abhishek Sharma can be dismissed early. The former pacer also asked Pakistan to play sensible cricket on the day and give their best.

“We don’t just have to complete 20 overs, we have to take wickets. When you go for wickets, even India will realise that they can be rattled and not allowed to score freely. And the moment Abhishek gets out within the first two overs—mark my words—they’ll be in real trouble. Right now, they’re starting strong and enjoying themselves, but once that start is broken, they’ll struggle too,”