“Beating Pakistan in India in the subcontinent, it’s going to be a close to impossible”, Shoaib Akhtar calls Pakistan as favourites for both World Cup and Asia Cup.

The ongoing Asia Cup 2023 has witnessed a breathtaking display of seam bowling by Pakistan’s pace trio, leaving cricket enthusiasts in awe. Under the captaincy of Babar Azam, Pakistan’s stellar performance with the ball has seen them dismiss their opponents in all three matches of the tournament. Leading the charge on the wickets front are Haris Rauf with an impressive tally of 9 wickets, followed closely by Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, each claiming 7 wickets. This formidable trio now occupies the top three positions in the list of leading wicket-takers for the Asia Cup.

Amid this spectacular display of seam bowling, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his profound admiration for the Pakistan pace attack. Akhtar, known for his own blistering pace during his playing days, is delighted by Pakistan’s consistent ability to produce high-quality fast bowlers. He commended the current trio of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi for their remarkable performances.

Shoaib Akhtar also voiced a strong opinion regarding Pakistan’s prospects in two major cricketing events on the horizon—the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to kick off in India from October 05.

Shoaib Akhtar said “I am very happy that Pakistan is able to produce such fast bowlers over and over again. I don’t know what the reason is. First, there used to be a lot of fast bowlers from Punjab. Now, there is one from Rawalpindi, and two are Pathans. And the Pathans are very, very rugged and tough. One of the best fast bowlers in the world right now, I would say, is Shaheen Shah Afridi. He is on top of his career right now. Haris Rauf has the same mindset again to take wickets.”

“Pakistan will go into India, land in India as the favourites. I will be very honest with you. And Asia Cup at the same time, I think they are one of the favourites. And India and Pakistan are the two teams playing in the subcontinent, beating India in India is going to be the most impossible thing, but beating Pakistan in India in the subcontinent, it’s going to be a close to impossible,” Akhtar added