Malzahar vs Akali MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Malzahar

VS

Mid

Akali

Malzahar vs Akali

Updated May 31, 2026

Overview

Malzahar is a control mage who wants to keep midlane pushed permanently to deny Akali safe scaling and roam opportunities.
Malzahar's medium early agency and lane pressure let him contest Akali's high early pressure by forcing wave control and punishing her cooldowns.

Trading pattern

Push with E and W to apply pressure, then threaten trades with Q silence when Akali steps forward outside her shroud.
Avoid trading when Akali's Akali W is active; instead, wait it out or force her to expend energy before engaging.
Use R to lockdown Akali when she is exposed and Akali W is down, ensuring your ultimate channel is uninterrupted.

Danger windows

Akali is most dangerous when Akali W is active, granting her stealth and safe trade windows.
Akali's Akali E recast signals a major commit point; avoid trading when this is available.
Be cautious when Akali reaches level 6 and can use Akali R for lethal all-ins.

Early game

Use E and W to push the wave quickly and keep Akali under tower, limiting her ability to safely use Akali W.
Respect Akali's Akali W window by avoiding extended trades inside her shroud; punish when it expires or she uses Akali E aggressively.
Avoid letting Akali reset trades with her mobility; maintain lane presence to prevent her from snowballing early.

Power spikes

Malzahar's major spikes are level 6 with R and first completed mana/AP item, increasing lockdown and damage.
Akali's major spikes at level 3 and 6 with Akali W and Akali R require Malzahar to respect her burst and mobility windows.
Maintain awareness of Akali's energy and ability access as her power spikes depend on these resources.

Win conditions

Win by consistently pushing the wave with E and W to deny Akali safe trades and force her to farm under tower.
Capitalize on Akali's cooldowns, especially when Akali W is down, to land Q silence and R lockdown for kills.
Use lane pressure to enable roams or objective control, leveraging your ultimate's lockdown to secure kills or assists.