Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq heaped praise on Abhishek Sharma after the young Indian opener’s blistering 74 off 39 balls in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash. Speaking on PTV Sports, Misbah said Abhishek batted with such ease that it looked like he was “playing in the nets,” showing no signs of pressure despite the high-stakes contest.
Abhishek’s Match-Winning Knock
Abhishek set the tone early by smashing Shaheen Shah Afridi for a six off the very first ball he faced. Though he had a slice of luck when he was dropped, his innings was packed with confidence and power — six fours and five sixes — making it the highest and quickest knock of the match. His aggressive intent gave India the perfect platform to chase down Pakistan’s total.
“The kind of skill level and temperament he has is amazing,” Misbah said. “He calmly took on the main bowlers, and that disrupted Pakistan’s plans. When the ball was in his zone, he simply put it away.”
Exploiting Pakistan’s Bowlers
Misbah explained how Abhishek read the lengths smartly. “Shaheen tried hitting hard lengths, and Abhishek respected those. But whenever the ball was short or full, he created room and punished it. That’s the strength of his batting,” he noted.
The former skipper was also critical of Faheem Ashraf’s approach against Abhishek. “I didn’t understand Faheem’s bowling. With mid-off up and bowling across him, you’re asking for trouble. On these pitches, you can’t bowl that wide line. You need to come around the stumps, attack the stumps, and have protection at deep midwicket and square-leg. Otherwise, he will keep punishing you,” Misbah added.
A Rising Force for India
Abhishek’s fearless batting against Pakistan’s best highlighted his growing stature in international cricket. By taking on top-class pacers from the very first ball, he showcased the temperament and confidence that has made him one of India’s brightest young stars.
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