With India and Pakistan set to face off in a highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s clash on Sunday, the focus is squarely on the duel between Pakistan‘s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi and India’s top-order batter Shubman Gill.

Wasim Akram’s advice for Shaheen Afridi to dismiss Shubman Gill ahead of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash

In a pre-match analysis, legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has urged Afridi to develop a ‘Plan B’ and not rely solely on his trademark yorkers. Akram believed that this tactical shift is crucial for Afridi to counter the world’s best batters.

Speaking to broadcasters, Akram explained that batters around the world have started to anticipate Afridi’s bowling strategy, making him predictable. He emphasized the importance of mixing up his lengths, suggesting that a well-bowled length ball could be just as effective in the powerplay. The former captain noted that a predictable approach puts unnecessary pressure on Afridi, who should instead focus on a more varied attack. The previous match saw India comfortably defeat Pakistan by seven wickets, and a similar approach from Afridi might not be enough to turn the tide.

“That’s what I want Shaheen Afridi to do early on, because the whole world now knows the plan against him. They say, ‘Okay, he’ll be bowling yorkers first up. So Afridi needs to have a Plan B. This is the length he should be bowling,” Akram said on Sony Sports Network.

“I’m fine with one-off yorkers, but not two or three consecutive ones, because if he misses even one, it’s going for a boundary with only two fielders outside the circle. He ends up putting pressure on himself. I know he thinks he’s being attacking and going for wickets, but mixing it up with length balls is better. One yorker, yes – but not straightaway, and not every ball,” Gill concluded.

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Shaheen’s form in the Asia Cup 2025 and battle against Gill

The rivalry between Gill and Afridi has already provided some memorable moments in international cricket. The left-arm pacer has dismissed the Indian opener twice with the new ball in ODIs, exploiting the natural angle that troubles right-handers. However, heading into this crucial Super 4s clash, both players are under the spotlight for their recent form.

While Afridi has picked up three wickets in three Asia Cup matches and contributed a valuable 64 runs with the bat, Gill has struggled to find his rhythm. The Indian vice-captain has managed just 31 runs in three matches, including a low score against Pakistan’s Saim Ayub in the previous encounter. This Sunday’s match will be a test of character for both players, as they seek to stamp their authority on one of cricket’s biggest rivalries.

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