'Break India's aura': Shoaib Akhtar sends fiery message to Pakistan, says 'mark my words, if Abhishek Sharma...'

Shoaib Akhtar sends fiery message to Pakistan

Despite Pakistan's two defeats against India in the 2025 Asia Cup, Shoaib Akhtar thinks the Men In Green can turn things around when they play each other in the final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Salman Ali Agha's team received a straightforward message from the Rawalpindi Express prior to the summit match: Pakistan must fight to the death and go for the kill, especially against Abhishek Sharma.

Abhishek and Shubman Gill were the target of numerous verbal volleys from Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi during the Super Four match between the bitter rivals. However, India had the last laugh by beating Pakistan by six wickets.

Prior to the Asia Cup final, Akhtar advised the Pakistan bowlers to concentrate on Abhishek Sharma, who has been India's game-changer throughout the competition, and strive to take wickets. Abhishek's spectacular 74 runs off 35 balls in the previous game against Pakistan was the primary factor in India's successful chase of 172 runs with seven balls remaining. The left-hander followed it up with 75 runs off 37 balls against Bangladesh.

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"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 said on the 'Game On Hai' show.

"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 realise that we have to work hard for our runs," he added.

According to Akhtar, India head coach Gautam Gambhir will be cautious of Pakistan's threat and will instruct his players to respond strongly in order to win the Asia Cup. "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 my times with us," said Akhtar.