As the countdown begins for the high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 showdown between Pakistan and India, two former cricketers have voiced their opinions on team selection. Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal believe Pakistan should rethink Faheem Ashraf’s place in the playing XI for Sunday’s clash at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

 

Speaking on a YouTube channel after Pakistan’s dominant win over Oman, Basit Ali pushed for young pacer Salman Mirza to replace Faheem. Kamran Akmal, however, leaned towards Hasan Ali for the role.

 

“If you want Faheem Ashraf to bat at that number, then Hasan Ali can also handle that position just as well — he can play those shots too. Plus, you can even hand Hasan the new ball,” Akmal explained.

 

Pakistan began their campaign in style with a 93-run win over Oman in Match 4. Mohammad Haris led the way with his maiden T20I fifty, scoring 66 off 43 balls, while Sahibzada Farhan chipped in with 29. The pair’s 85-run stand rescued Pakistan after Saim Ayub fell for a golden duck. Later, Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 23 off 16 and Mohammad Nawaz’s quick 19 off 10 helped the team reach 160 for 7.

 

For Oman, Aamir Kaleem and Faisal bagged three wickets each, while Muhammad Nadeem added one to his name.

 

Chasing 161, Oman collapsed to 67 all out in 16.4 overs. Hammad Mirza fought with 27 runs, but no other batter could survive Pakistan’s relentless attack. Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Faheem Ashraf picked up two wickets apiece, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz grabbed one each.

 

The victory lifted Pakistan to second place in Group B with two points and a strong net run rate of 4.650. 

 

With the India clash looming large, all eyes are now on whether team management will stick with Faheem or take the advice of former stars to bring in fresh pace power.