'There can’t be a Pakistan vs India final’ – Shoaib Akhtar bemoans Pakistan’s Asia Cup exit

In a heart-wrenching turn of events at the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan's dreams of securing a spot in the tournament final were shattered as Sri Lanka emerged victorious in a virtual semi-final showdown. It was Charith Asalanka who displayed nerves of steel in the critical moments, steering Sri Lanka to a triumphant finish on the final delivery.

Former Pakistan pace sensation, Shoaib Akhtar, shared his thoughts for the missed opportunity of witnessing a historic Indo-Pak final clash in the Asia Cup. Expressing his admiration for the young Pakistani pacer, Zaman Khan, who was drafted into the squad due to injuries to Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, Akhtar couldn't help but commend the budding talent.

"You've seen the match. Pakistan are out of the tournament. The match that was made in favour of Pakistan, was all done by Zaman Khan. Whatever chances Pakistan had of winning the match were all because of him. Shaheen Afridi also got a few wickets but credit goes to Zaman. He bowled really well," Akhtar praised on his YouTube channel.

While The Rawalpindi Express believed that Pakistan was deserving of a place in the Asia Cup final, he candidly acknowledged that Sri Lanka outshone them on the fateful day.

"Pakistan deserved to win go to the Asia Cup final but they are out of the tournament. They can be criticised a lot as they were touted as the 'favourites' but are out of the tournament now. Unfortunately, there can't be a Pakistan vs India match in the final, it has never happened. This was the chance but Sri Lanka deserved to be the finalists. They were the far better team," he opined.

‘The captaincy needs to sharpen a bit’ – Shoaib Akhtar shares his disappointment after Pakistan’s loss

In the aftermath of the crushing loss, a disheartened former Pakistan pacer labelled it as 'embarrassing' and called upon Babar Azam's men to tighten their shoelaces and prepare vigorously for the impending ODI World Cup, scheduled to commence next month.

"Having said that, this is a very embarrassing loss. The fact that Pakistan are out of the tournament, doesn't look nice. Pakistan have a lot to think about. The captaincy needs to sharpen up a bit. I am very disappointed. Can't say more," he concluded.