WATCH: Shoaib Akhtar rues as no India-Pakistan final in Asia Cup 2023 after loss against Sri Lanka

Pakistan suffered a two-wicket loss against Sri Lanka in the must-win encounter of the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2023 on September 14 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Notably, this loss makes them out of the tournament, whereas they also miss the chance to book their spot in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 to face team India on September 17 in Colombo. Notably, a plethora of former Pakistani cricketers expressed disappointment after the loss, despite the fact that the Men in Green maintained their top spots in the ODI rankings. Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar is one of them.

The former bowler feels Babar Azam and Co. were favourites to lift the trophy, but they are out of the tournament. In addition, the former right-arm pacer says the Men in Green deserved to win the marquee event, but after their failure, they will be criticized a lot for this setback. Moreover, the 48-year-old legendary cricketer expresses disappointment that there will be no India-Pakistan clash in the final this time either. Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Express admitted that the home team was much better and deserved to be one of the finalists.

There can’t be a Pakistan vs India match in the final: Shoaib Akhtar

“Pakistan deserved to win go to the Asia Cup final but they are out of the tournament. They can be criticized 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 (kabhi Pakistan, India ka match (final) ho nahi sakta, kabhi hua nahi). This was the chance but Sri Lanka deserved to be the finalists. They were the far better team,” Shoaib Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.

Notably, the great seamer feels the loss was very embarrassing for the team and suggests that Pakistan team to work on the setback. “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 added further.

Watch the video below: 

Embarrassing loss. Really disappointed .
Wake up call guys!!! pic.twitter.com/qDtQWM7YJJ

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 14, 2023