Indian cricket fans witnessed a breathtaking performance from Abhishek Sharma during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Pakistan on Sunday, September 21, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The young opener displayed fearless intent from the very first ball, tearing into Pakistan’s bowling attack and setting the stage for India’s commanding six-wicket victory.

Abhishek hammered 74 runs off just 39 deliveries, laced with six crisp boundaries and five towering sixes. His 105-run partnership with Shubman Gill completely shifted the momentum in India’s favour, leaving Pakistan struggling to recover. The left-hander’s half-century came in only 24 balls, breaking his mentor Yuvraj Singh’s record of 29 balls for the fastest fifty by an Indian against Pakistan—a moment that electrified the crowd and etched Abhishek’s name in the history books.

While the cricketing fraternity celebrated the Punjab lad’s heroics, not everyone was fully convinced. Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar downplayed Abhishek’s fireworks, suggesting the real test would come against seasoned pacer Hasan Ali with the new ball.

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“Let Hasan Ali bowl to Abhishek Sharma with the new ball; I’ll see how he hits. At least test him out,” Shoaib Akhtar remarked on the Game on Hai show, sparking debate among fans. His comments highlighted the skepticism across the border about whether Abhishek’s fearless batting can consistently hold up against top-tier bowling attacks.

Interestingly, Akhtar didn’t stop there. He also launched a scathing critique of Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha after their second defeat to India in the ongoing tournament. Questioning Agha’s captaincy, Akhtar blamed his poor tactical calls, lack of clarity in planning, and inability to lead from the front. With only 40 runs in four matches, Agha’s underwhelming batting has compounded Pakistan’s woes in the Asia Cup 2025.

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According to Akhtar, Pakistan’s middle-order shuffle, ineffective powerplay usage, and mismanagement of bowlers have all contributed to their downfall. He didn’t mince words, labeling Agha “the weakest link” in the side. “Salman ko khud nahi pata wo kya kaptaani kar raha hai (Salman himself doesn’t know what captaincy he is doing). Does he even deserve the spot? He could be a good boy, but what does he produce? Does he perform like Tilak Varma or Hardik Pandya?” Akhtar said, questioning Agha’s overall contribution.

As India celebrates the rise of Abhishek Sharma, Pakistan faces mounting criticism over leadership and strategy. With the Asia Cup heating up, the contrast between India’s youthful flair and Pakistan’s leadership crisis couldn’t be starker.