'Pakistan need to learn from Bangladesh’s approach', says Kamran Akmal

Bangladesh have found an impressive rhythm in this year's Asia Cup. Out of their four matches, Liton Das's side has lost just one. While both Bangladesh and Pakistan have made it to the Super Four, Pakistan came dangerously close to an early exit from the tournament.

The controversy surrounding Salman Ali Agha not shaking hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav on 14 September is still making headlines. On the field, Pakistan's focus seems off. On 17 September in Dubai, Pakistan almost boycotted their match against the UAE over the Andy Pycroft issue. Although they eventually beat the UAE by 41 runs in that do-or-die game, there were moments when it looked like Pakistan might lose.

But it's not just the UAE game—Pakistan's campaign in this Asia Cup has followed a strange pattern. Saim Ayub has failed to score runs but has surprisingly taken six wickets. While the top-order batters are underperforming, lower-order players like Shaheen Shah Afridi are stepping up with aggressive batting. In contrast, Bangladesh have shown consistency. Captain Liton Das and Towhid Hridoy are both among the top four run-scorers in the tournament. Mustafizur Rahman, with seven wickets, is the third-highest wicket-taker.

After Bangladesh's Super Four victory over Sri Lanka, former Pakistani wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal praised the team on his official YouTube channel. He said, "Has Pakistan learned anything from their last defeat? Have they ever taken a moment to think about how Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka today? It wasn't just the conditions—Bangladesh had excellent game awareness and solid planning."

Sri Lanka were 153 for 4 at the end of 18 overs after choosing to bat. With Dasun Shanaka in full swing, Bangladesh looked in trouble until Mustafiz delivered a magical 19th over, conceding just five runs and taking three wickets including a run-out of Charith Asalanka. He also dismissed key batters Kamindu Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga. Sri Lanka, who looked set for 180, were restricted to 168 for 8 in 20 overs. Bangladesh chased it down with one ball to spare, winning by four wickets.

Kamran Akmal gave full credit to Bangladesh's captain and team management following the thrilling win. He said, "Chasing 169 against the tournament's second-best team, Sri Lanka, is no easy task. A fantastic achievement for Bangladesh. Congratulations to the team, captain, and management for their match plan and brilliant cricket. It's a victory that will be remembered."

The chase was anchored by two brilliant fifties from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy. Saif scored 61 off 45 balls with two fours and four sixes and was named Player of the Match. He also took two catches in the field. Hridoy contributed 58 off 37 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. Praising their efforts, Akmal said, "Saif played aggressive and positive cricket. Towhid Hridoy is proving to be a superb middle-order batter for Bangladesh. The way they chased the target, it looked like they were under no pressure."

Pakistan reached the Super Four with group-stage wins over Oman and the UAE. However, they were handed a seven-wicket defeat by India on 14 September in Dubai, where India chased down a modest 128 with 25 balls to spare. Today, India and Pakistan will face off once again in Dubai in the Super Four stage.