Legendary Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has lashed out at Pakistan after their shocking collapse in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. Pakistan started the innings strongly, with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman putting together an 84-run partnership.
For a moment, Pakistan looked on track for a big total against India. But the Indian spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel completely changed the game during the middle overs. From a solid 113/1, Pakistan lost nine wickets for just 33 runs and was bowled out for just 146.
Virender Sehwag criticizes Pakistan’s over-ambition after the Asia Cup 2025 Final loss
Their middle order, led by Captain Salman Ali Agha, has once again failed. After India won the Asia Cup 2025 final by five wickets, Sehwag criticized Pakistan’s tendency to over-ambition their totals. He highlighted that their desire to push for a huge total often leads to their downfall.
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Virender Sehwag said on Sony Sports Network: “This has not happened for the first time with Pakistan. They start well and then try to score too many runs. They are 100/1, and then they think 200-225 should be scored. Everyone tries to hit and get out one after the other.”
‘Pakistan is famous for destroying itself’
The former Indian opener further highlighted that Pakistani batters frequently start well but try to score too many runs too quickly, which results in reckless shots and unnecessary wickets. Their unnecessary moves put pressure on the next batter, making the opposition’s job much easier.
Sehwag added, “Pakistan is famous for destroying itself. If you get out while batting well, you put pressure on the next batter. So, one batter had to stay if the opening partnership was good. I feel Pakistan doesn’t need bowlers to get them out. Their batters get themselves out.”
Virender Sehwag blasts Fakhar Zaman for wasting a strong start in the Asia Cup 2025 Final
Fakhar Zaman was slammed by Sehwag for wasting a solid start. The cricket pandit has noted that Pakistan needed a set batter to anchor the innings, but Zaman’s poor shot selection led to his dismissal at a crucial moment after negotiating the powerplay comfortably.
He noted that Fakhar’s mistake left Pakistan far short of a competitive total and allowed India to dominate the chase in the final. Sehwag has pointed out that Pakistan’s batting collapse was a self-inflicted disaster.
Their repeated inability to capitalize on strong starts and maintain partnerships has been a recurring problem, ultimately handing India the Asia Cup trophy in Dubai.
Virender Sehwag slams Fakhar Zaman’s poor shot selection
Sehwag signed off by saying, “I would say the shot selection was not right. We can say the Indian bowlers bowled well, which they did to an extent, but the shot selection was horrible. Fakhar Zaman, who was set, got out to a wide ball. You had played out the power play and had reached 45 or 46 easily, and then you played that shot to get out. I think he disappointed a lot because one set batter had to stay if Pakistan had to reach 180-190.”
Notably, Pakistan was crushed by India thrice in the Asia Cup 2025. The Men in Blue finished the campaign as the unbeaten side. Now, they are set to shift their focus to red-ball cricket.
