Asia Cup 2025, Final: 'He is a run-machine' - Wasim Akram slams Haris Rauf after Pakistan's defeat to India

Published - 29 Sept 2025, 01:49 IST | Updated - 29 Sept 2025, 01:49 IST

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram came down heavily on Haris Rauf after the conclusion of the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Rauf went wicketless for 50 runs in 3.4 overs as Pakistan lost the summit clash to their arch-rivals.

Akram did not mince his words while analysting Pakistan's performance in the summit clash. While going through various themes where Pakistan fell short on the night, he stumbled upon Rauf's performance and could not help but vent out his frustration.

“He (Rauf) is a run machine, especially against India,” stated Akram while dissecting Pakistan's five-wicket loss to the Men in Blue while speaking to Sony Sports.

Coming to the match, Pakistan were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs after being asked to bat first by Suryakumar Yadav. Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35) were involved in an 84-run stand for the first wicket. However, it all went downhill for the Green Shirts in the second-half of their innings as they were strangled by the Indian spinners, who took eight of the 10  Pakistan wickets.

Kuldeep Yadav (4/30 in 4 overs) was the star of the show. The left-arm wrist-spinner struck thrice in his final over to completely derail the opposition to a point of no return.

Speaking of the run-chase, Pakistan had India by the scuff of their neck inside the powerplay. They had reduced the Indians to 36/3 by the end of six overs. At the halfway mark, India had it all to do with 89 required for victory and it seemed as if Pakistan had a fair shot at the title.

However, Tilak Varma played a splendid knock of 69 off 53 to take his side through. He was supported by Sanju Samson and then Shivam Dube. Tilak deservedly earned the Player of the Match award for his mature knock.