Wasim Akram Sounds Alarm: India’s Spin Duo Could Shatter Pakistan’s Middle Order in Asia Cup Clash

Just before the great match of India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, former Pakistani legend Wasim Akram put his team in tension. Before this clash on Sunday, 14 September, he is worried that India's spin attack, especially Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakraborty, can badly destroy the middle order of Pakistan. During India's dominating performance against the UAE, Kuldeep took 4 wickets for 7 runs in 2.1 overs, and Varun also took a wicket for just 4 runs in 2 overs. This spin duo has caught the rhythm, and Akram believes that Pakistan is not fully prepared for it.

Pakistan's middle order, based on veterans like Salman Agha, Mohammad Haris, and Hasan Nawaz, does not have much experience of playing matches against excellent wrist spin or mysterious spin under high pressure. These batsmen may face a tough challenge on pitches with variety and drift. This was also seen against Oman, when Pakistan's middle order collapsed after struggling badly after a situation of 89/1 and was reduced to 120/5, i.e., could score only 31 runs.

Wasim Akram said that the problem I see for Pakistan is their middle-order batting in front of India's spinners. You can watch Jasprit Bumrah, but bowlers like Varun and Kuldeep can trouble batsmen. If a batsman tries to read the ball after it has bounced, it means he has no idea what is happening.

Pakistan's middle order, comprising Salman Agha, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Haris, has potential but little big-match experience. Harris has played just 10 T20 Internationals, while Nawaz has joined the team recently. Their lack of ability to counter high-quality wrist spin, especially in pressure matches, makes Akram's concern even more relevant. If India fields three spinners, Kuldeep, Varun, and Axar Patel, the middle overs could prove to be decisive.