Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has shared his strategic insights ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium. Akhtar firmly believes that Pakistan can overcome their previous two losses against India in the tournament by focusing on an early dismissal of key Indian batsman Abhishek Sharma and by maintaining an aggressive approach throughout the game.
The recent encounters between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 have been intense, notably during the Super 4s match where Pakistani pacers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi engaged in fiery verbal exchanges with Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. Despite these confrontations, India emerged victorious in that match.
Abhishek Sharma has been a standout performer for India in the tournament, delivering crucial performances. In the previous match against Pakistan, he scored a rapid 74 runs off just 35 balls, instrumental in India successfully chasing down a target of 172. He also showcased his batting prowess against Bangladesh with another quick-fire 75 runs off 37 balls.
Akhtar emphasized the critical importance of targeting Abhishek Sharma in the initial overs of the final. “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,” Akhtar stated during the ‘Game On Hai’ programme.
He further elaborated, “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. It’s not like that, Abhishek will not mistime the ball; he will do that; you just need to go for the kill. If you come out fighting, India will realize that we have to work hard for our runs.”
The ‘Rawalpindi Express’ also shared his thoughts on how India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, might prepare his team for the final. “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,” Akhtar remarked.
Before the grand finale, India is slated to play their final Super 4s match against Sri Lanka on Friday, September 26, also at the Dubai International Stadium.
Akhtar, celebrated as one of cricket’s fastest bowlers, urged the Pakistan team to shed any reservations and embrace an aggressive approach, mirroring their successful strategy against Bangladesh.
This upcoming final provides Pakistan with a golden opportunity to reverse their recent fortunes against India in the tournament, especially after facing defeats in previous encounters despite displaying competitive spirit and engaging in intense on-field contests. The match promises to be a thrilling battle between these two cricket giants, with Pakistan eager to overcome their setbacks and India determined to maintain their dominant winning streak.