The world of cricket is well versed with the fiery rivalry shared between India and Pakistan. It entices fans, makes up for an exciting contest on the field and attracts limelight like no other. Thus, when the two teams locked horns in the 2018 Asia Cup recently, tempers were once again expected to soar.

However, contrary to popular perception, their group game failed to live up to the expectations of fans, as Pakistan suffered a heavy eight-wicket loss at the hands of Rohit Sharma & co in the tournament. Bowled out for a mere 162 runs, Pakistan failed miserably to defend their total as India avenged their 2017 Champions Trophy final loss in style.

© BCCL

Sarfraz Ahmed and his boys were so poor, that it beggared belief. Irked by Pakistan's dismal show, their fans took pot-shots at the team and slammed them for their shambolic defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India. If the mood amongst the fans was damp, the state of mind of former Pakistani cricketers who witnessed their team's debacle, was even worse.

Ahead of their Super Four clash, an Indian journalist tried to get an emotional response from Shoaib Akhtar by asking him if Pakistan was once again ready to get hammered by the 'Men in Blue'. Infuriated by the anchor's choice of words, the former Pakistani speedster minced no words in shutting her down.

He asked the anchor to ask questions related solely to cricket before claiming that he isn't a state-level cricketer. He further asked her to maintain a sense of dignity and rethink who's sitting in front of her. Akhtar's comments came during a pre-match chat show that also included Gautam Gambhir and Sandeep Patil.

While Akhtar eventually managed to shut the Indian anchor, he just couldn't save Pakistan from another hammering at the hands of India in the Super Four clash later in the day. 

Defending a mediocre total of 237 runs, Pakistan failed miserably against the marauding opening pair of Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan whose hundreds powered their side to an emphatic nine-wicket win. It was India's second successive win over Pakistan in the ongoing tournament.