The Asia Cup is just around the corner and Pakistan have raised their confidence with a dominant win against Afghanistan in the tri-series final. Mohammad Nawaz's hat-trick headlined the performance as Pakistan bowled Afghanistan out for 66 to seal a 75-run win.
While the result added to Pakistan's momentum, it also reignited an ongoing debate over whether Afghanistan have closed the gap on Pakistan as Asia's "second-best" side after India.
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Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Salman Butt dismisses 'second best team in Asia' talk
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has strongly pushed back against the discussion around Afghanistan being Asia's second-best team. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Butt described the debate as "rubbish" and a product of media frenzy designed to stir reactions.
He argued that such narratives distract from genuine cricketing analysis.
"It's a nonsense argument. This is just media creating noise for views. If you want to debate, then talk about cricketing decisions: who bowled when, who played the wrong shot. But to label a team as second best? That's not how professionals should think," Butt said.
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Butt went further; he stressed that sport has only one meaningful position: the top. He rejected the idea of celebrating a "No.2" ranking or framing it as success.
"There is no such thing as second position. Win, and you are No.1. Lose, and you are a loser. That’s all there is," he added.
His comments underline the high expectations on Pakistan as they prepare to face India in Group A of the Asia Cup. While Afghanistan continue to show progress, Butt's stance makes it clear that, for Pakistan - only being the best in Asia matters.
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