The veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik reckons that “it’s a very big thing” when a legend like Wasim Akram praises as the former pacer praised former’s match-winning knock against Afghanistan, which, in retrospect, have kept Pakistan alive in the ongoing Asia Cup. Malik scored an unbeaten 51 against Afghanistan to seal a final over victory when the two teams met in the Super 4 on Friday. After that game, Pakistan faced a comprehensive defeat against the defending champions India, but they still have a chance to qualify for the final if they defeat Bangladesh in what will be a virtual semi-final.

Pakistan, despite being favorites at the start of the tournament, have looked rather scratchy during this edition of the Asia Cup. Considering they are playing in the UAE, their adopted home, Pakistan have underperformed, especially in the bowling department, Pakistan had the strongest bowling line-up on paper.

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However, when the team needed the most, Shoaib Malik delivered for his side. Pakistan legend Wasim Akram was all praises for the 36-year old saying, “Experience has no substitute… Shoaib Malik proved it against a spirited Afghanistan. Did a Dhoni like finish … when Malik faced a bowler, he had no expression on his face and that frustrates a bowler becos he doesn’t know what to expect… wonderful knock @realshoaibmalik”

Experience has no substitute… Shoaib Malik proved it against a spirited Afghanistan .Did a Dhoni like finish … when Malik faced a bowler, he had no expression on his face and that frustrates a bowler becos he doesn’t know what to expect… wonderful knock @realshoaibmalik

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) September 22, 2018

Shoaib Malik was particularly honored to have received such a praise from the legend. He said, “Well if that is something that comes from Wasim bhai, that is a very big thing as he’s a legend. My goal is just to see which bowler is bowling and see what he is trying to do. I just try to play the game according to the situation. My goal is very simple, whoever is bowling on that particular day and what my team needs from me, I just try to play accordingly.”