IND vs BAN: Rohit Sharma-led India faced an unexpected defeat against Bangladesh in their final Super Four match of Asia Cup 2023. India's loss against Bangladesh was their first defeat in the ongoing Asia Cup. India won the toss and decided to bowl first. Batting first, Bangladesh scored 265 runs. In reply, India were bowled out for 259 runs, eventually losing the match by six runs. IND vs BAN fixture was a dead rubber as the Men in Blue had already qualified for Asia Cup 2023 final by beating Sri Lanka in their previous Super 4 fixture.
While analysing team India's unexpected defeat against Bangladesh, ex-Pakistan player Shoaib Akhtar said the Men in Blue received a "wake up call", saying that you can't take any team lightly. Shoaib also joked how Bangladesh's win over the Asia Cup 2023 finalists has given Pakistani fans an opportunity to celebrate.
"India have lost the game. Embarrassing loss. We can't criticise too much. Bangladesh are here to play. People were criticising Pakistan, saying that they got beaten up. Sri Lanka are a good team, not an average team. The same is the case with Bangladesh. They are all playing international cricket. Finally, some relief for the Pakistan fans, including me, that India have lost the game. Wake up call for India. You can't take teams lightly after winning a few games," Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.
Akhtar denied naming any team as his favorite to win this year's ODI World Cup 2023 in India, adding that it can be "anyone's game".
"We are saying that Pakistan and India are favourites at World Cup. These two, along with Australia and England, will reach the semis. This is not the case. Small teams will trouble. This is anybody's game. Shubman Gill's ton went in vain. India need to wake up. No disrespect but Bangladesh made a statement that they are here to prove a point.