Umar Akmal shares batting practice video from NCA after Pakistan lose Asia Cup final

Published - 29 Sept 2025, 20:50 IST | Updated - 29 Sept 2025, 20:56 IST

Pakistan veteran cricketer Umar Akmal showcased his batting skills in a video shortly after Pakistan’s loss to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai on September 30. The wicketkeeper-batter, who last featured for Pakistan in a T20I against Sri Lanka in 2019, was seen practicing at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Karachi.

Dressed in full gear, Akmal appeared in good rhythm, striking the ball cleanly after years away from international cricket. Domestically, Akmal’s most recent outing came in the President’s Trophy Final in 2024 at Rawalpindi, where he represented the Water and Power Development Authority against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited. The video he posted came just a day after Pakistan’s five-wicket defeat to India in the continental showpiece.

Pakistan endured a disappointing campaign, suffering three defeats, all against India. In the final, they managed only 146 runs in 19.1 overs, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring with 57. India’s bowlers were relentless, with Kuldeep Yadav returning 4/30 to finish as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps. Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with two wickets each as Pakistan’s batting collapsed.

Chakravarthy’s tea cup trophy steals Asia Cup spotlight

India refusing Asia Cup trophy will haunt them: Malik

Though the chase looked straightforward, India were rocked early at 20 for three. Tilak Varma, however, steadied the innings with an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls. Supported by Sanju Samson’s 24 and Shivam Dube’s 33 off 21, he ensured India reached the target in 19.4 overs. Rinku Singh, on Asia Cup debut, sealed the victory with a boundary. For Pakistan, pacer Faheem Ashraf fought hard with figures of 3/29, but a lack of runs left little room for error.

India’s win secured their ninth Asia Cup crown, reaffirming their dominance in the region. With the tournament concluded, both teams now turn to their next assignments. India face West Indies in a two-match Test series beginning October 2 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, while Pakistan prepare for a Test series against South Africa.