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Former India opener Kris Srikkanth doesn't give Salman Agha's Pakistan even a one per cent chance to win the T20 Asia Cup 2025 final against Suryakumar Yadav's brigade. After two losses against India, Pakistan managed to make it to the final. While India faltered in their dead rubber game against Sri Lanka, Srikkanth feels it will be a different ball-game altogether in the final as Jasprit Bumrah walks back into the playing eleven.
"I won't give Pakistan even a 1% chance. Yes, you can ask what happened against Sri Lanka and how India were almost beaten. Don't forget Jasprit Bumrah didn't play in the match. And Harshit Rana, who is a sub-par bowler, played. He is just a film bowler. The Sri Lankan batters derived full confidence only after smashing him. There is an ocean of difference between Bumrah and Harshit Rana,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel on the eve of the final at Dubai Cricket Stadium.
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What if Abhishek doesn’t fire in the final against Pakistan?
There have been doubts over India's batting lineup sans opener Abhishek Sharma who has been in terrific form. Srikkanth believes that Abhishek will perform in the final but even if he doesn't, India will be able to deal with Pakistan's bowling attack.
"India will absolutely clobber Pakistan. Yes, Abhishek Sharma is the main man for India. But I've been asked by many on what will happen if Abhishek Sharma fails. Even assuming he fails tomorrow through the law of averages, we still have Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson back in form along with Tilak Varma, who has done well in limited opportunities," said the former chief selector.
"On the other hand, Pakistan are playing with Shaheen Afridi as their main batter. So even if Abhishek's runs are discounted or if he fails, Pakistan stands no chance against India. Although in the current form, I don't see Abhishek Sharma getting out early unless he gets himself out," the 65-year-old added.
Abhishek – the batter of the T20 Asia Cup 2025
Abhishek is currently the leading run-scorer of the T20 Asia Cup 2025 and will remain so after the final. From six innings, he has scored 309 runs at an average of 51.50 and strike rate 204.64. He has three half-centuries to his name in his maiden Asia Cup. Also, he has hit 19 sixes, seven more than the next batter on the list.
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