Shoaib Akhtar’s phrases can, at instances, be as deadly as his bouncers on the cricket discipline. The former Pakistan speedster, who is usually within the information for his over-the-top statements, stated he was “relieved” that India misplaced their final Asia Cup Super 4 match to Bangladesh on Friday. 

Bangladesh bowed out of Asia Cup 2023 on a excessive by beating India by six runs on the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Yes, India rested 5 of their first-XI gamers together with Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Japrit Bumrah however Bangladesh, who too made fairly a couple of adjustments to their XI, put of their finest present of the event to topple the heavyweights. This was their first victory over India in an Asia Cup match since 2012.

In reply to Bangladesh’s 265/8, India was bowled out for 259 on the penultimate ball of its innings — with Mohammad Shami run out — after opener Shubman Gill scored 121. After Bangladesh’s win within the inconsequential match, Akhtar stated it was an “embarrassing loss” for India, who’ve already made it to the ultimate.

“India have lost the game. Embarrassing loss. We can’t criticise too much. Bangladesh are here to play. People were criticising Pakistan, saying that they got beaten up. Sri Lanka are a good team, not an average team. The same is the case with Bangladesh. They are all playing international cricket. Finally, some relief for the Pakistan fans, including me, that India have lost the game,” Akhtar stated on his YouTube channel.

Akhtar’s feedback got here as Pakistan had been knocked out of the Asia Cup after shedding to Sri Lanka in a must-win recreation. India had crushed Pakistan and Sri Lanka to verify their spot within the remaining.

The Rawalpindi Express stated Bangladesh is “not an average” crew and this could function a wake-up name for India who will face Sri Lanka within the remaining on Sunday eyeing a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title.

“What a wake-up call for India before the final. You can’t take teams lightly after winning a few games. No disrespect to them but Bangladesh made a statement that they are here to prove a point,” Akhtar added.

The former right-arm pacer additionally went on so as to add that there are not any clear favourites for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India as it may be anyone’s recreation.

“We are saying that Pakistan and India are favourites at World Cup. These two, along with Australia and England, will reach the semis. This is not the case. Keep your predictions to yourself. A strong team like India has lost to Bangladesh. Shubman Gill’s century was also of no use. Small teams will trouble. This is anybody’s game. Shubman Gill’s ton went in vain. Now it’s anybody’s game in World Cup,” he stated.