Shoaib Akhtar advises as Shaheens face India in historic Asia Cup final tonight

ISLAMABAD: Former star pacer Shoaib Akhtar has offered key advice to the national team ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated Asia Cup final between Pakistan and archrivals India, the first time in the tournament’s 41-year history that both sides will meet in the final. The match will take place at the Dubai International Stadium.

Speaking about the bowling strategy, Akhtar urged the team to “use the pace attack against India,” especially as the Indian side is expected to make changes to its lineup. Pakistan, on the other hand, is likely to stick with its winning combination.

Akhtar said that if Pakistan win the toss, they should opt to field first, going in with three fast bowlers and two spinners, with Faheem Ashraf playing the role of an all-rounder.

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“I expect India to play aggressively tonight,” he said. “That’s why Pakistan should aim to set a target of at least 200 runs, and then defend it with a strong bowling attack to pressure the opposition.”

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq also shared his thoughts, saying if Pakistan gets off to a solid start and avoids losing early wickets, they’ll be in a strong position to put India under pressure.

Meanwhile, all 28,000 tickets for the Pakistan-India clash have already sold out, and excited cricket fans have begun making their way to the stadium for what promises to be a historic showdown.