Mumbai, Sep 27 (NationPress) Legendary former cricketers from Pakistan, Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, have shared their insights with the current team’s bowlers on how to dismiss Indian opener Abhishek Sharma early in the final of the Men's T20 Asia Cup on Sunday in Dubai. The 25-year-old left-handed batsman is in exceptional form, having amassed an impressive total of 309 runs in six innings, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 204.63.

It’s evident that the Pakistani strategists have pinpointed Abhishek as a key threat and are keen to send him back to the pavilion swiftly on Sunday.

In their previous encounters, Abhishek scored a swift 39-ball 74 against Pakistan in the Super 4s and a blazing 31 in their first league match. He has shown particular dominance against Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Shaheen Shah Afridi, scoring 22 runs off him, including two sixes and two boundaries, while managing nine runs from six balls in the second match.

Waqar Younis, known for his lethal yorkers, stated to Telecom Asia Sport that Abhishek is a genuine talent and advised Pakistani bowlers to capitalize on the pressure to dismiss him early.

“Abhishek is a remarkable player who can turn the game in his favor within the initial overs. However, every player has vulnerabilities, and even in his current form, he may have an off day, perhaps on Sunday,” Waqar expressed.

“There will be considerable pressure on him in the final, and if the Pakistani bowlers execute their plans with clarity, they can get him out early,” he added.

In a similar vein, Wasim Akram suggested that Shaheen Afridi adjust his length when bowling to Abhishek. “In both prior matches, Shaheen bowled full length. He should change his approach and aim for back-of-the-length deliveries to disrupt Abhishek’s rhythm,” Akram was quoted as saying.

Former fast bowler Mohammad Amir emphasized targeting Abhishek’s stumps. “A skilled bowler should restrict him from scoring freely by bowling strategically within the stumps,” Amir noted. “Delivering a swinging ball four to five meters from the stumps may induce an edge. I’ve witnessed Mitchell Starc successfully dismiss him in the IPL with an outswinger from middle and off.”

Amir also mentioned that slower deliveries could be advantageous against the Indian opener. “Abhishek tends to play with hard hands, making a perfectly executed slower ball potentially risky for him,” he remarked.

Another former pacer, Mohammad Asif, expressed confidence in the possibility of an early dismissal of Abhishek. “You must understand each batter’s tendencies. Bowl three deliveries at the same spot, and I can assure you he’ll play the first two and get out on the third. However, if you mix your deliveries and overthink, success becomes elusive,” Asif explained.

Amir criticized Shaheen’s choice of bowling a bouncer on the first delivery during their last encounter. “How could you bowl him a bouncer as the first ball?” he questioned.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s video analyst Mohammad Talha has compiled a thorough video analysis of Abhishek’s dismissals in both the IPL and Asia Cup for the bowlers. Additionally, Pakistan’s bowling coach, Ashley Nolfke, is providing tips to the pacers on how to approach Abhishek.

The crucial question remains: will they effectively implement their strategies, and how will the Indian batter respond in the final?