As India and Pakistan prepare for Sunday’s Asia Cup final in Dubai, the spotlight will inevitably fall on India’s dashing opener Abhishek Sharma.
The 25-year-old left-hander has been in sensational form, amassing 309 runs in six innings at a staggering strike rate of 204.63.
His blazing 39-ball 74 against Pakistan and an earlier fiery 31 have cemented his reputation as one of the tournament’s biggest threats.
Particularly worrying for Pakistan has been Sharma’s dominance over their spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi — striking 22 runs off him in one encounter, including two towering sixes.
Experts’ Blueprint: How to Get Sharma Early
Former Pakistan great Waqar Younis, famed for his lethal Yorkers, speaking to Telecom Asia Sport said Sharma is a true talent — but insists every batter has a weakness.
“Abhishek can take the game away in the first few overs. Everyone has a bad day and maybe it will be on Sunday. There will be pressure on him in a final, and if Pakistani bowlers bowl with clarity and plan, they can get him out early.”
Wasim Akram believes Shaheen needs to change his length.
“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.”
Mohammad Amir adds a different angle: attack the stumps.
“A bowler should not allow him to open his arms. Bowling a swinging delivery inside the stumps, four to five metres in length, can force an edge. I have seen Mitchell Starc dismiss him in the IPL with an outswinger. A perfect slower ball could also work, as Sharma plays with hard hands — it might catch him in the air in the circle.”
Mohammad Asif stresses consistency and reading the batter.
“Bowl him three deliveries at the same spot. He’ll play the first two and get out on the third. Trying to bowl different deliveries too early won’t succeed. And you can’t start with a bouncer — like Shaheen did in the second match.”
The Tactical Edge
Pakistan’s analyst Mohammad Talha has prepared an extensive video analysis of Sharma’s dismissals in the IPL and Asia Cup. Bowling coach Ashley Noffke is also providing detailed tips to the pacers.
This clash between Sharma’s unstoppable form and Pakistan’s battle plans will be one of the defining battles of the Asia Cup final.
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