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"Best Possible Chance,": Shoaib Malik Describes How Pakistan Can Get Past India

Arnav Chopra

Shoaib Malik and the Indian Cricket Team (Source: @ICC/X.com)Shoaib Malik and the Indian Cricket Team (Source: @ICC/X.com)

Former Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik, who was one of the most prolific players from Pakistan's side during the past decade, has expressed his opinion about his side's chances in the upcoming clash against India in the Asia Cup 2025. He noted some points, as he believes that Pakistan can get past their rivals.

Malik Points Out The Toss Factor

With the iconic clash between India and Pakistan scheduled for September 14th on Sunday evening at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, former Pakistani legend Shoaib Malik, while speaking to a local sports platform, gives Pakistan a decent chance to get past their rivals.

He mentioned the fact that the toss is a crucial factor, as even if it's not in Pakistan's favour, they will have to make sure they dismiss the Indian batters early to give them a solid start.

“The toss is an obvious thing – it’s not in anyone’s hands, not even Pakistan’s. But Pakistan’s best possible chance is if they can get three to four of India’s top batters out quickly and restrict them to very few runs," Malik said to a local media platform.

He further added that if they restrict India to a total of 150 to 160, the Green Shirts will have a better chance to dominate against the Men in Blue.

"That way, the game can be played in such a way that their total comes down to around 160–150. In my opinion, that’s one of the situations where Pakistan can beat India,” he further added.

Spinners To Play A Crucial Role, Believes Malik

Later, Malik also pointed out that the middle overs are going to be another vital factor in this game, as if Pakistani spinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed manage to pick three wickets each, six wickets in total, then the Indian batting could crumble under pressure, providing Pakistan another great opportunity at getting ahead in the game.

“The second scenario is in the middle overs, where your spinners — Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed — pick up three wickets each. That could also create a real chance, if both of them play. Because whether India bats first or second, if their batters don’t get out, you are never in the game,” he concluded.

This match has already had quite a few off-field dramas, but both teams will be looking to focus on the on-field game, where they both are coming off their respective victories and will be looking to solidify their stance in this Asia Cup 2025.

It will now be interesting to see if the Pakistan side can do what Malik has hoped for, or if the Indian lineup will dominate once again.