In the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday, September 28, India is set to face the Pakistani team. Under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team is in top form, having won six consecutive matches. After success in the group stage and the super four, the Suryakumar brigade aims to outshine the Pakistanis in the final.
Ahead of the title clash, former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar lavished praise on opening batsman Abhishek Sharma, predicting that the Punjab batsman will maintain his exceptional form in the final. Gavaskar anticipates Abhishek achieving a century.
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Sunil Gavaskar told India Today, 'Abhishek Sharma won’t let this opportunity slip away. He is in magnificent form with three half-centuries already. Though a run-out against Bangladesh kept him from a century, he is set to deliver a big performance in the final, potentially hitting the three-figure mark.'
How Has Abhishek Sharma Performed?
In the Asia Cup 2025, Abhishek Sharma is the highest run-scorer, amassing 309 runs in six matches, including three half-centuries. He maintains an impressive average of 51.50 and a strike rate of 204.63. In the match against Pakistan on September 21, he smashed a brilliant 74. Abhishek continued his form with half-centuries against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar suggests that India heavily relies on Abhishek Sharma's batting. Akhtar claimed that if Pakistan can dismiss Sharma within the first two overs, it will put India under pressure.
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Shoaib Akhtar advised the Pakistani team to move beyond this mindset, set aside fear, and just focus on taking wickets. He stressed the importance of early breakthroughs, stating that an early dismissal of Abhishek would greatly benefit Pakistan.
It is clear that Abhishek Sharma's batting will be a crucial factor for India in the final, while Pakistan's strategy will revolve around his early dismissal. However, it won't be easy for Pakistani bowlers to take Abhishek down. If he capitalizes on the powerplay with aggressive batting, it will simplify India's task.
