The India vs Pakistan clash is always about intense rivalries and game-changing battles, and one of the most exciting matchups for Asia Cup 2025 is Abhishek Sharma vs Shaheen Shah Afridi. Abhishek, India’s explosive left-handed opener, has been in dream form this year, while Shaheen remains Pakistan’s most potent new-ball weapon. This duel in the powerplay overs could set the tone for the entire match.
Abhishek Sharma – Powerplay Beast
Abhishek Sharma has transformed into a high-impact opener for India. His T20I powerplay strike rate in 2025 is 210.8, showing just how aggressively he goes from the very first ball.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Strike Rate | 50s/100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I (2025) | 18 | 565 | 193.84 | 2/2 |
| IPL 2024 (Powerplay SR) | – | – | 203 | – |
Key Highlights:
- Known for taking on bowlers right from the start, often hitting boundaries off the first ball.
- Scored 565 runs at a blazing strike rate of 193.84, making him one of the most feared powerplay batters.
- In Asia Cup 2025 opener vs UAE, he smashed a six off the very first ball he faced – signaling his aggressive intent.
Read more: Abhishek Sharma vs Pakistan & Dubai Stadium Stats
Shaheen Afridi – Pakistan’s Strike Bowler
Shaheen Afridi has been a nightmare for opposition openers, particularly in powerplays where he swings the new ball dangerously.
| Format | Matches vs India | Wickets | Best Figures | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 3 | 4 | 3/31 (Dubai 2021) | 7.75 |
| ODI | 5 | 9 | 4/35 (Pallekele 2023) | 5.90 |
Key Highlights:
- Famous for his 3/31 in the 2021 T20 World Cup, dismissing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli.
- Has taken 47 powerplay wickets in T20Is at an economy of just 7.07, making him a deadly weapon with the new ball.
- Loves bowling at Dubai under lights, where swing assists his style of bowling.
Head-to-Head: What Makes This Battle Special
| Player | Strength | Key Threat |
|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | Powerplay striker, fearless hitting, 200+ SR | Can be vulnerable to left-arm swing early on |
| Shaheen Afridi | Early swing, deadly yorkers, left-arm angle | If Abhishek connects early, can neutralize him |
Why It Matters:
- Shaheen will look to pitch it full and swing it back into Abhishek, targeting his stumps and pads.
- India may consider letting Shubman Gill take first strike to counter Shaheen’s early threat.
- If Abhishek survives Shaheen’s first two overs, he could take the game away quickly with his powerplay hitting.
Read more: Shaheen Afridi vs India: Stats & Dubai Stadium Bowling Records
Dubai International Stadium – The Perfect Stage
Dubai adds another layer of intrigue. Both players have strong records here:
| Player | Matches at Dubai | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 1 (Asia Cup 2025) | Started with 6 off first ball, aggressive intent clear |
| Shaheen Afridi | 5+ T20Is & ODIs | 3/31 vs India (2021 WC), 11 wickets in T20Is here |
The pitch in Dubai generally offers some swing early, which could favor Shaheen initially, but flattens out later, allowing batters like Abhishek to score freely.
Expert View & Impact
Cricket experts see this battle as the key to the powerplay dominance.
- If Shaheen wins: India may lose early momentum, forcing the middle order to rebuild.
- If Abhishek wins: India could post a massive powerplay score, putting Pakistan on the back foot.
Read more: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Head to Head
Conclusion
The Abhishek vs Shaheen face-off is not just a contest between bat and ball – it’s a psychological battle that can tilt the game either way. With Abhishek in red-hot form and Shaheen hungry to strike early, fans can expect fireworks in the first two overs of the India vs Pakistan clash.
This is truly a matchup where whoever wins the first exchange could decide the match result.
