Asia Cup 2025: 'Looked like he was playing in the nets' - Former Pakistan captain in awe of Abhishek Sharma's talent

Published - 22 Sept 2025, 16:34 IST | Updated - 22 Sept 2025, 17:17 IST

Abhishek Sharma has been able to mesmerise the cricket fraternity, including former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, with his exemplary batting ability during the ongoing Asia Cup, especially against Salman Ali Agha and Co. in the United Arab Emirates.

Abhishek scored a blistering 39-ball 74 in the Super-Four clash against Pakistan on Sunday, September 21, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Punjab batter lit up the stadium with six fours and five sixes, helping India chase down a 172-run target in just 18.5 overs.

Misbah praised Abhishek's skill level and temperament, also highlighting how he didn't look under any sort of pressure while playing against Pakistan for the first time in international cricket. The southpaw had smashed 31 off just 13 balls in the Group Stage of the Asia Cup earlier this month. Misbah said that it seemed Abhishek was having a net session.

“The kind of skill level and temperament he has is amazing. First time against Pakistan, it did not look like he was under pressure. Looked like he was playing in the nets. When the ball lands in the zone, he just calmly sends it away,” Misbah said while speaking on Tapmad after the game.

The cricketer-turned-expert also pointed out how Abhishek took on Pakistan’s frontline bowlers at critical moments, easing the task for his teammates.

“The most important thing is that he always tries to take on the main bowler to put them under pressure. That really disrupts the team,” Misbah added.

Misbah explained how Abhishek has a clear game plan while going for his shots, targeting different lines and lengths of opposition fast bowlers.

“The main weapon for a fast bowler is the hard length. But if there is width, then you are punished. Shaheen tried hitting those hard lengths and Abhishek did respect those. But once the ball went short or full, he just made room and smacked it,” Misbah explained.

Ex-pacer slams PAK legends for not nurturing new talents

Abhishek is the leading run-getter in the continental competition, aggregating 173 runs in four innings at an average of 43.25 and a strike rate of 208.43.