“This is a very strong middle-order India has ever produced” - Shoaib Akhtar warns Pakistan ahead of the much-awaited clash

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has warned the Pakistan side, stating that the Indian batters would love to hammer the Pakistani bowling line-up in the much-awaited Asia Cup 2025 clash on Sunday, September 14, in Dubai.

Notably, India registered a nine-wicket win over the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, in the team’s campaign opener. They are all set to take on their arch-rivals, Pakistan in the next game of the Asia Cup campaign. 

While speaking exclusively on a Pakistani show, The Rawalpindi Express, stated that Indian batters would love to hammer the Pakistani bowlers, and when it comes to making a statement, they would love to play the grand finale against Afghanistan rather than Pakistan.

"It is pretty obvious they are going to dominate you. They are gonna make sure that they hammer you. That's very simple. If I stretch it far, when it comes to making a statement, they would like to play against Afghanistan in the final, not Pakistan," Akhtar said on 'Game On Hai'.

On the other hand, the former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has reckoned that if India loses two quick wickets early on in the innings, Pakistani bowlers can create a chance as India doesn’t have the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in their squad.

"Pakistan does have an opportunity in case they don't get a good start and lose two wickets. They don't have Virat Kohli, as the batting is different. The new guys haven't played these bowlers. If the Pakistan bowlers can create a hole at the top, they surely have a chance," Misbah stated.

However, Akhtar was quick to observe, stating that the current middle-order is the best the Indian team has produced in the shortest format of cricket. Notably, India has Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel in their middle-order.

"Not to counter your argument, but please forgive me. They have Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, as well as Jitesh Sharma," Akhtar added.

"Even Axar Patel can bat. This is not the same team which would crack after losing a couple of wickets. This is not the team from Virat's time, it won't be easy to run through them. They also have Abhishek Sharma. This is a very strong middle-order batting lineup India has ever produced,” he concluded.

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