Ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final between cricketing arch-rivals India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium, legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has offered a clear roadmap for his nation’s victory. Akhtar firmly believes that Pakistan can turn the tide after their two previous defeats against India in the tournament by focusing on one crucial strategy: an early dismissal of key Indian batsman Abhishek Sharma, coupled with a relentlessly aggressive mindset.
The recent clashes between Pakistan and India in the Asia Cup 2025 have been nothing short of fiery, notably during the Super 4s stage. Pakistani speedsters Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi were seen exchanging heated words with Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. Despite these intense on-field battles, India ultimately prevailed in those encounters. An image shows Pakistan’s players celebrating the dismissal of Bangladesh’s Nurul Hasan, highlighting the team’s aggressive spirit.
Abhishek Sharma has undoubtedly been a linchpin in India’s impressive run this tournament. His explosive batting was evident in the last match against Pakistan, where he hammered 74 runs off just 35 balls, steering India to successfully chase a target of 172 with seven balls to spare. Sharma further showcased his formidable talent against Bangladesh, smashing a rapid 75 runs off only 37 deliveries.
Akhtar, known for his blistering pace and aggressive demeanor during his playing days, underlined the critical need to target Abhishek Sharma right from the opening overs. “Forget their reputation, dismiss their aura,” Akhtar declared on the ‘Game On Hai’ program. “Embrace the same aggressive mindset you displayed against Bangladesh. Your goal isn’t to bowl twenty overs; it’s simply to take wickets.”
The “Rawalpindi Express” further emphasized his point, stating, “Mark my words, if Abhishek Sharma is dismissed within the first two overs, India will find themselves in deep trouble. The strong starts they’ve been getting will vanish if he goes early. It’s not that Abhishek won’t mis-hit the ball; he will. You just need to go for the kill. If Pakistan comes out fighting, India will quickly understand they’ll have to earn every single run.”
Akhtar also offered his take on India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir’s, probable strategy for the final. “I know Gautam Gambhir,” Akhtar shared. “He will undoubtedly instruct his team to bring their absolute ‘A game’ against Pakistan. There’s an interesting dynamic: Pakistan might seem to play their worst cricket or field their weakest side throughout the tournament, but a unique shift happens when they reach the final – they suddenly play their best cricket and often clinch the trophy. This has occurred countless times in our history.”
Before the grand final, India is set to play their final Super 4s match against Sri Lanka on Friday, September 26, also at the Dubai International Stadium.
The “Rawalpindi Express,” a moniker earned for his legendary speed, reiterated his advice for Pakistan to cast aside any hesitation and unleash the same aggressive spirit they demonstrated against Bangladesh. This highly anticipated final offers Pakistan a golden chance to reverse their recent defeats against India in the tournament, despite having previously shown significant competitive fire and engaged in thrilling on-field clashes. The stage is set for a pivotal showdown between these two cricketing giants, with Pakistan eager to overcome past setbacks and India determined to extend their winning streak.