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"Pakistan will need to...": Misbah sounds alarm before possible Asia Cup final vs India

Jatin

Misbah-ul-Haq has warned Pakistan [Source: @Abdullahs_56, @arieba_chaudhry/x.com]Misbah-ul-Haq has warned Pakistan [Source: @Abdullahs_56, @arieba_chaudhry/x.com]

The Asia Cup 2025 has reached boiling point. Pakistan are all set to square off against Bangladesh in a virtual semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Misbah cautions Pakistan not to repeat same mistake

The winner will march into Sunday’s grand finale where none other than arch-rivals India await. The Men in Blue sealed their spot after a dominant 41-run win over Bangladesh on Wednesday.

But while most of the talk is about this do-or-die clash, former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has his eyes fixed on the bigger picture. Speaking on a local sports show, Misbah made it clear that short-term thinking won’t cut it if Pakistan want to topple India in the final.

“The point is, what is your ultimate goal? If you’re thinking about winning this match and then going to the final, I don’t think anyone would agree that we should go with the same bowling attack in the final. You will need to bring in a specialist bowler,” Misbah said without mincing words.

The former captain and coach explained that while the current bowling mix can get the job done against Bangladesh, India would be a completely different beast.

“From what we’ve seen, if we end up facing India in the final after winning, then we clearly need a right-arm bowler who can bring the ball in from the angle. Otherwise, you can give the new ball to Haris [Rauf] if he can manage it, but still, I believe we will need a third fast bowler.”

Faheem Ashraf in the mix

Misbah didn’t just point out the problem, he also offered a solution. The 51-year-old suggested Faheem Ashraf could be a tactical weapon with the new ball alongside Shaheen Afridi, especially against left-handers.

“Faheem is an option in such a way that if you make him bowl with the new ball alongside Shaheen, it will be an advantage because of the angle against left-handers. And I think that if you play the same team tomorrow, then what is your ultimate goal?” he questioned.

He admitted that the current XI may well do the trick against Bangladesh thanks to their spin struggles, but warned against sticking to the same formula in a potential final.

“The same question applies to you—if this team plays tomorrow’s match, there won’t be an issue because the opposition is also struggling against spinners in the middle overs,” he added.

Final thoughts from the professor

Wrapping up his analysis, Misbah reminded fans and selectors alike that beating India would need more firepower up front.

"Faheem can also come in and bowl, but for the next [final], you will have to think again,” he concluded.

For now, Pakistan need to get past the Bangladesh hurdle on Thursday night. The Tigers are fighting for survival and a win would keep their campaign alive. India, meanwhile, are already in the driver’s seat, waiting for their opponent in the grand finale.