Akhtar Urges UAE to Display Resilience in Upcoming Clash

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar stated Wednesday that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will likely lose their match against India in the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025. He suggested the only positive outcome for the UAE would be a narrow defeat.

The 17th edition of the Men’s Asia Cup commenced at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, where Afghanistan dominated Hong Kong with a 94-run victory.

In the second game, India is set to face the UAE. The UAE has the advantage of playing on their home ground but is entering the competition after a winless T20I tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan. India, in contrast, has only lost three of the twenty games played since their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory.

The current world champions’ team, captained by aggressive batter Suryakumar Yadav, boasts prominent players like Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Hardik Pandya.

Akhtar, while reviewing the Indian team on a local sports show alongside Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, and Umar Gul, was impressed, questioning which players would be left out.

He then shared his prediction for the approaching Asia Cup 2025 match, identifying India as the clear favorite. He proposed that if the UAE loses by a close margin, it should be considered a success for them.

The legendary bowler referenced the opening match where Hong Kong was defeated by 94 runs, and appealed to the UAE to demonstrate greater resistance.

“We anticipate their defeat. A loss by a small margin would be a win for the UAE,” Akhtar commented.

“My criticism is directed towards Hong Kong, who were overwhelmed by Afghanistan by a significant 94 runs. If defeat is inevitable, strive to lose narrowly. Display some resilience to gain something positive.”