As India and Pakistan gear up for the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai, all eyes are on India's in-form opener, Abhishek Sharma. The 25-year-old left-hander has been a dominant force in the tournament, amassing 309 runs in six innings with an impressive strike rate of 204.63. Sharma's explosive batting and consistent performances have made him a significant threat, particularly his dominance against Pakistan's key bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Recognizing the danger Sharma poses, former Pakistan cricketers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, along with Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, have shared their insights and strategies to counter him. Their advice focuses on exploiting potential weaknesses and applying pressure to dismiss him early in the high-stakes final.
Waqar Younis, known for his pinpoint yorkers, acknowledged Sharma's talent but emphasized that every batter has vulnerabilities. He suggested that the pressure of the final could get to Sharma, and Pakistani bowlers should bowl with clarity and a well-defined plan to get him out early. "Abhishek is a real talent and can take the game away in the first few overs, but everyone has a weakness, and although he is in a good knick, there always comes a bad day, maybe it's on Sunday," Waqar told telecomasia.net.
Wasim Akram, a legendary pace bowler and former Pakistan captain, advised Shaheen Afridi to vary his length. Akram noted that Afridi had been bowling full lengths in previous matches and suggested he should mix it up by bowling back of a length to disrupt Sharma's rhythm. "In both matches, Shaheen bowled full length. He needs to vary it and move the ball back of the length to disturb Sharma's rhythm," Akram said.
Mohammad Amir offered a different perspective, suggesting that Pakistani pacers should target Sharma's stumps. He emphasized the importance of not allowing Sharma to freely extend his arms. Amir recommended bowling a swinging delivery inside the stumps, four to five meters in length, which could force an edge. He also suggested that a well-executed slower ball could be effective, as Sharma's tendency to play with hard hands might lead to a catch in the circle. “A bowler should not allow him [Abhishek] to open his arms. Bowling a swinging delivery inside the stumps, four to five metres in length, can force an edge," said Amir.
Mohammad Asif stressed the significance of consistency and carefully reading the batter's approach. He advised the bowlers to deliver three consecutive balls at the same spot, anticipating that Sharma might get out on the third attempt after playing the first two. Asif cautioned against trying too many different deliveries early in the innings and also advised against starting with a bouncer. “Bowl him three deliveries at the same spot. He'll play the first two and get out on the third," said Asif.
Pakistan's analyst, Mohammad Talha, has reportedly prepared a detailed video analysis of Sharma's dismissals in the IPL and Asia Cup, while bowling coach Ashley Noffke is providing specific tips to the pacers.
Abhishek Sharma is currently the leading run-scorer in the Asia Cup 2025, with 309 runs in 6 innings, boasting a strike rate of 204.64 and an average of 51.50. His performance includes three fifties, all scored consecutively during the Super Four stage. Sharma's aggressive approach is evident in his 31 fours and 19 sixes in the tournament.
Sharma is also close to breaking several T20I records. He needs just 11 more runs to surpass Virat Kohli's record for the most runs by an Indian in a multi-nation T20I tournament. He is also 23 runs away from breaking Phil Salt's record of 331 runs for the most runs by a batter from a Test-playing nation in a T20I tournament or series. Furthermore, Sharma is tied with Rohit Sharma and Mohammad Rizwan for the record of seven consecutive 30-plus scores in T20s. Another such score in the final would give him the record outright.
Monty Panesar believes that India are favorites to win the Asia Cup final and that if Abhishek Sharma is dismissed early, the middle order may be exposed.
