Abhishek Sharma's aura killing ordered

Pakistan’s dream of lifting the Asia Cup 2025 trophy is still alive despite two painful defeats to India in the group and super four stages of the tournament.

As the arch-rivals prepare for a blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Shoaib Akhtar pumped up the Men in Green with a fiery message against the Men in Blue.

Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar has ordered the Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan cricket team to play fearless cricket, hunt for early wickets, and stop India’s most dangerous weapon—Abhishek Sharma if they want to win the Asia Cup 2025 Final on Sunday.

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Shoaib Akhtar urges Pakistan to play fearless cricket against India in the Asia Cup 2025 Final

Shoaib Akhtar said on the ‘Game On Hai’ show: “Come out of this mindset, keep their aura aside. Just break their aura. Just play with this mindset that you had in the match against Bangladesh. This is the kind of mindset you need. You don't need to bowl 20 overs; you just need to get wickets.”

Well, the Super Four clash between the arch-rivals last week had all the drama fans could imagine. Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi exchanged heated words with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. Later, the Indian cricket team eventually chased down Pakistan’s 172-run target with seven balls to spare in Dubai, and the hero of that night was Abhishek.

Shoaib Akhtar orders Pakistan to target Abhishek Sharma early to break India’s momentum

The left-handed opener played an explosive knock of 74 runs off just 35 balls to set the stage for India’s dominance. Even in the next Super Four game against Bangladesh, Abhishek hammered another 75 from just 37 deliveries to help India book the final spot in the Asia Cup 2025.

Given the Indian opener’s dangerous form, Shoaib Akhtar suggested the Pakistani bowlers go straight for the kill against Abhishek Sharma if they hope to turn the tables in the Asia Cup 2025 final.

The former Pakistan fast bowler believes that dismissing Abhishek Sharma within the first two overs could help the Men in Green to take early control in the match.

Akhtar added, “Mark my words, if Abhishek Sharma gets out in the first two overs, they will get in trouble. The starts they are getting, they are going to struggle if Abhishek gets out early.”

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Finals awaken a different beast in Pakistan, and Gautam Gambhir knows this: Shoaib Akhtar

Meanwhile, Shoaib Akhtar pointed out that Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir knows the threat Pakistan poses in crunch games. He noted that Gambhir will push his team to deliver their absolute best if they want to defend their Asia Cup 2025 title on Sunday in Dubai.

The Rawalpindi Express also reminded everyone that finals bring out a different beast in Pakistan. He claimed that even when the Men in Green look shaky during the tournament, they often raise their game in high-stakes matches, and now they are in the final.

Akhtar signed off by saying, “I know Gautam Gambhir. He will tell his team that ‘you need to bring your A game against Pakistan.’ Pakistan will play the worst cricket; they will pick the worst side, but as soon as they reach the final, they play the best cricket, and they win the finals. It has happened so many times with us.”

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