Shoaib Akhtar: Pakistan Must Break India’s “Hawa” and Target Abhishek Sharma Early in Asia Cup Final
PakkaHyderabadi 
Ex-pacer Shoaib Akhtar says Pakistan must target Abhishek Sharma early and play fearless cricket to beat India in the Asia Cup final.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has urged Pakistan’s cricket team to overcome what he described as the “hawa” or psychological barrier surrounding India and play with fearless intent in the Asia Cup final on Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Stadium.
Speaking on PTV Sports’ Game On Hai show, Akhtar stressed the need for an aggressive mindset, saying Pakistan must aim to bowl India out rather than just completing their overs.
“We need to break out of this mindset, break down the aura that has been built around the Indian team, and go in with the same attitude we had today against Bangladesh. Take India on. That’s the kind of attitude you need,” he said.
Akhtar pointed to the strength of Pakistan’s bowling unit, highlighting Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf as world-class pacers who could put India under real pressure. He noted that if Pakistan focused on wickets rather than containment, India would be forced into a battle for every run.
The Rawalpindi Express also identified Abhishek Sharma as India’s key batsman to target early. Sharma, in red-hot form with three consecutive fifties ahead of the final, has become a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup.
“We have to get Abhishek out, that’s it. Even greats like Ricky Ponting have missed a sharp bouncer or mis-timed a good length ball. The moment Abhishek gets out in the first two overs, mark my words, India will also be in trouble,” Akhtar declared.
He explained that even though Abhishek has been consistent, he has also looked vulnerable with mis-timed shots during the tournament. Pakistan’s bowlers, he said, must see this as an opportunity to rattle India’s top order.
Akhtar reminded fans that Pakistan often saves its best cricket for finals. “Pakistan plays the worst cricket, they pick the worst side, but the minute the final comes, they play the best cricket and they win the final. How many times has this happened?” he asked, backing the team to rise to the occasion again.
The build-up to the final is intensifying, with India having already beaten Pakistan twice in this year’s Asia Cup. But Akhtar’s comments suggest that the former speedster still believes Pakistan can turn the tables when it matters most.
