'The bowlers have a fear': Sehwag issues warning after Abhishek Sharma’s brutal assault on Shaheen Afridi

Abhishek Sharma smashed Shaheen Afridi all over the park during their Asia Cup clash. (Photo: BCCI/X)

After Abhishek Sharma laid the groundwork for India's decisive victory over Pakistan on Sunday, former opener Virender Sehwag praised his gutsy batting style. Abhishek, who is renowned for his extremely aggressive batting style, placed Shaheen Shah Afridi and Pakistan under pressure again by smashing him in the opening over.

The left-handed batter took on Afridi from ball one, hitting four on the first ball of the innings followed by a six that immediately rattled the opposition. He then dominated the left-arm pacer again, dispatching him for another six and a four in his next over to assert his authority.

Also Read | 'You are trying to be Shahid Afridi': Afridi slams Pakistan for copying him after humiliating loss against India

Before being removed by Saim Ayub while trying to hit another six, he persisted in his assault on the Pakistani bowlers. The daring opener smashed two sixes and four fours to score 31 off 13.

Sehwag praised Abhishek profusely, pointing out the young player's remarkable ability to score with a strike rate of 200 against the new ball. Abhishek stands out as a special batting talent, he said, because such dominance early in the innings is an uncommon quality.

Also Read | Will India face consequences for handshake 'boycott' against Pakistan? Here's what the rules say

"You rarely get to see such a talent, the strike rate at which he bats. He has a strike rate of 193, and he batted at a strike rate above 200 today. You get very few players who play with a strike rate of 200 against the new ball. We have seen that with the old ball because everyone has to hit later," Sehwag said on Sony Sports.

 &  last time,  &  this time

Stay put & watch #INDvPAK as Abhishek takes off - #DPWORLDASIACUP2025. LIVE on #SonyLIV & #SonySportsNetwork TV Channels #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/guAssBLFJC

Story continues below Advertisement

Remove Ad

— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) September 14, 2025

The renowned Indian batter, who was well-known for his famous knocks against Pakistan, claimed that while it's difficult to target fast bowlers with the new ball, Abhishek has succeeded in making the bowlers fearful.

"It's slightly difficult to hit fast bowlers for fours and sixes at will with the new ball. However, Abhishek does that exceptionally. When he comes to the ground, the bowlers have a fear as to where they should bowl to him. I get delighted watching him bat," Sehwag observed.

India has virtually guaranteed its spot in the Asia Cup Super Fours with consecutive wins. With a clean sweep as their target heading into the next round, the Men in Blue will try to maintain their momentum against Oman in their final group-stage match on Friday.