Shoaib Malik backs Pakistan to win do-or-die match against India, Shoaib Akhtar wants them to be aggressive against arch-rivals

“Of course, morale is down. Confidence is down. But I think the character is still there.

“And we have that potential in our team to win against India. And I’m very hopeful. But now it’s their responsibility. The seniors will have to step up. Because it will be a pressure game. And for you, it’s a do-or-die game.

“Imagine if someone wins a game, do-or-die against India will become an instant superstar.

“So, I think opportunity is there. There is pressure, but opportunity. Take it as an opportunity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shoaib Akhtar said Pakistan must play aggressive brand of cricket against India.

“I think my take is that rather than be on the defensive side play attacking cricket. I wish them best of luck against India,” he said.

“Overall, it was a very disappointing performance. If we look at the technical side, there are a lot of things.

“There should have been at least 5-6 bowlers. India, they play with 5-6 bowlers. They play more than that. They play with 7 bowlers. But again, I think the process of the planning is a bit lacking. And moving forward, I think now you’ve put yourself in a difficult spot.

“You’re in a must-win situation. I wish them best of luck.

“And hope you don’t make the same mistakes that you made against New Zealand and batted with such a low strike rate.

“If you had played it like a do-or-die game, it would have been different. If you had done good fielding, or if you had put in more effort in the fielding, then it would have been a different story.”