'Get Abhishek Sharma out early': Ahmed Shehzad hands Pakistan fake ‘winning plan’ for Asia Cup final
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Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has hailed Abhishek Sharma's abilities, citing that the early dismissal of the batter is the only clause under which Pakistan can win the game against India.
Abhishek Sharma has scored 309 runs in the Asia Cup and has scored the runs in just 6 innings. He has batted with a strike rate of 204.44 and has also scored three half-centuries in the last three Super-4 games. Last time India chased the total of 172 with ease.
Pakistan batters cite Abhishek Sharma as a major threat in the Asia Cup final
Despite Abhishek's exceptional batting form, the former Pakistani batter has cited some of his flaws and has advised the Pakistan bowlers to target the weak spots in order to bring Pakistan right into the game.
Earlier during the two games against India, Abhishek hammered the Pakistan bowlers with a quickfire 31 in the first innings and then a 74 off just 39 balls in the first Super-4 match. Speaking to Geo TV, the former opener said Salman Agha's side can see glory if they dismiss the Indian opener early.
"If Pakistan get Abhishek Sharma out early, then the rest of their batting line up isn’t in great form and Pakistan can get on top," he said
Backing Pakistan captain Salman, he said, "Ever since Salman Agha has become the captain, they have won the Bangladesh series, Weset Indies series, tai-nation series and now they have reached the final of Asia Cup. You can’t take these things away from Salman Ali Agha, yes there is a little question mark about his batting. I think if he can start bowling, that (question mark) would also go away). You got to back and give it to Agha’s team."
Lack of a frontline pacer hand trouble to India as Pakistan openers dominate with a big opening stand
India faced a major backlash in the Asia Cup 2025 final due to the absence of their seasoned all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Pandya's absence led to India playing with only one pacer. Jasprit Bumrah has been paired alongside Shivam Dube with the new ball.
This led to the Pakistan openers putting on a half-century partnership, with the opener Sahibzada Farhan scoring his second fifty against India after the Super-4 match. The Indian bowlers have made a comeback lately, with the spinners striking in the middle phase.
Shehzad suggests strategies to deal with Abhishek Sharma
Shaheen Shah Afridi's battle against Abhishek Sharma will be a very decisive factor on Sunday. This would have a huge impact on Pakistan's chances of winning against India, since Abhishek has been India's serial match-winner so far in this Asia Cup.
"If you see his earlier games, the ball from a left-handed pacer that lands short of length – away from him – and moves away from him, he does struggle. They have to play with his ego, try to get in a few dot balls, thodi si aankhen dikhayenge (stare at him), then his ego can get hurt. Such players who are full of runs can end up playing a bit overconfidently or try to manufacture. If Pakistan can get him out," he said.
Currently, Abhishek Sharma leads the chart of run-scorers, while Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi is third on the wicket-takers list in the ongoing tournament with 9 wickets in 6 matches.
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India National Cricket Team Pakistan National Cricket Team India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Abhishek Sharma Ahmed Shehzad Shaheen Afridi
