Akshan should leverage his high early agency to pressure Malzahar and deny him a passive scaling lane.
Focus on punishing Malzahar's predictable push pattern by using (E) to punish overextensions and create roam opportunities.
Trading pattern
Trade with autos and (Q) for short-range pressure, then reposition quickly using (E) to dodge (Q) silence and (R) suppression.
Punish Malzahar when his Voidlings are low or dead to reduce his lane presence.
Respect (R) ultimate by avoiding engagements when it is available or channeling.
Danger windows
Avoid all-ins when (R) is ready or channeling to prevent getting locked down.
Be cautious after using (E) to engage; missing or being interrupted leaves Akshan vulnerable to counterattacks.
Ping and punish Malzahar's roams by hard pushing mid to take plates and deny his map presence.
Early game
Use the level 2 power spike with (Q) plus (E) to trade aggressively before Malzahar can safely push.
Target Malzahar's Voidlings early to reduce his wave control and force him under tower.
Avoid extended trades if (E) misses or is interrupted to prevent being punished due to Akshan's short range.
Power spikes
Akshan spikes at level 2 with (Q) plus (E) for strong early trades and at level 6 with (R) for kill pressure and roams; use these windows to force plays.
Respect Malzahar's level 6 (R) suppression as a lethal threat and avoid committing during its availability.
After completing the first AD marksman item, increase pressure on waves and trades while tracking Malzahar's cooldowns.
Win conditions
Use (E) to punish Malzahar's overextensions and create roam opportunities to snowball the game.
Pressure Malzahar early to prevent him from safely pushing and scaling.
Leverage Akshan's mobility and short trades to dodge (R) and maintain lane control for roams and kills.
Tip: For Akshan vs Malzahar, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Mid lane check.
