‘Pakistan Can Beat India’- Shoaib Malik And Shoaib Akhtar Backs Green Shirts In IND vs PAK Match

Former Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Malik and Shoaib Akhtar remain optimistic that Pakistan may reach the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals by defeating India in the upcoming game. However, Shoaib Akhtar wants the Men in Green to be more combative and exhibit some personality.

Pakistan suffered a disheartening loss in their Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand. The Men in Green were never in the game, as New Zealand easily defeated them. This puts Pakistan in a do-or-die scenario for their encounter against India.

They must win the match at all costs to remain in contention for a semi-final spot. However, as recent history suggests, Pakistan would find it difficult to defeat archrival India.

Shoaib Malik says it's an opportunity for Pakistan team

Shoaib Malik, speaking on Shoaib Akhtar's YouTube channel, believes Pakistan will defeat India in the forthcoming showdown. Malik believes the Men in Green can defeat India, but has encouraged the team's seniors to step up in the big game.

“I’m very hopeful that we still have a chance to beat India in our next match. And then we will continue our match with Bangladesh. Of course, morale is down. Confidence is down. But I think the character is still there. And we have that potential in our team to win against India. And I’m very hopeful. But now it’s their responsibility. The seniors will have to step up," the former Pakistan allrounder added.

Shoaib Malik continued the talk by asking the players to rise up because it was their time to shine. He suggested that instead of putting themselves under pressure, the players should view this as an opportunity.

“Imagine if someone wins a game, do-or-die against India will become an instant superstar. So, I think the opportunity is there. There is pressure, but opportunity. Take it as an opportunity,” he said.

Pakistan needs to play aggressive cricket: Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar went on to say that Pakistan should play more aggressive cricket. He believes the Men in Green should have played with an extra bowler and urged them to learn from India's approach.

“I think my take is that rather than be on the defensive side play attacking cricket. I wish them best of luck against India. And hope you don’t make the same mistakes that you made against New Zealand and batted with such a low strike rate.

There should have been at least 5-6 bowlers. India, they play with 5-6 bowlers. They play more than that. They play with 7 bowlers. But again, I think the process of planning is a bit lacking. And moving forward, I think now you’ve put yourself in a difficult spot," Shoaib Akhtar reckoned.

IND vs PAK a must-win for the hosts

Pakistan struggled in the bowling department, fielding four specialist bowlers. Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah took over as fifth bowlers but were unable to penetrate as the New Zealand batsman easily dispatched them.

Pakistan will face India in a highly anticipated encounter on February 23 in Dubai. It will be the second game for both teams in the tournament.

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