Legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram has made a bold suggestion that might not impress Shaheen Afridi at all ahead of the high-voltage Super Four clash against India in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
In a dramatic moment during the final Asia Cup 2025 group clash between India and Oman, Shubman Gill’s wicket fell in just the second over, sending shockwaves across the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday, September 19.
Wasim Akram impressed by Oman’s Shah Faisal
Oman’s left-arm seamer Shah Faisal bowled a brilliant full delivery that crashed into Shubman Gill’s off stump, giving Oman their first breakthrough within the first nine balls of the game. The dismissal didn’t just fire up the Omani camp, but it also caught the attention of Wasim Akram.
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Having been impressed by Shah Faisal’s clever bowling, the legendary Pakistani bowler Akram sent out a strong message to the Men in Green’s pace spearhead, Shaheen Afridi, ahead of the blockbuster Super Four clash against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 21.
Wasim Akram sends a strong warning to Shaheen Afridi ahead of the India clash
Shaheen Afridi, who went wicketless in the earlier group-stage clash against India and conceded 23 runs in just two overs, has been under pressure to rediscover his magic. Akram has now urged the left-arm pacer to change his approach for the upcoming high-voltage game.
The former Pakistan captain has openly admitted that Shaheen’s predictable yorker strategy has been decoded by world-class batters, and unless he mixes up his lengths, he risks being punished again by India’s powerful top order in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 Super Four game.
Wasim Akram said on Sony Sports Network, “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.”
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Wasim Akram advises Shaheen Afridi to mix lengths, avoid consecutive yorkers against India
The King of Swing stressed that Afridi needs to hold back from firing yorkers one after another, as even a single mistake at that stage often ends up as a boundary with the limited field restrictions. Akram suggested Afridi take inspiration from Shah Faisal’s dream delivery against Gill and stick to fuller lengths and mix it up, which could trouble Indian batters much more effectively.
Akram added, “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 attacked and going for wickets, but mixing it up with length balls is better. One yorker, yes—but not straightaway, and not every ball.”
Well, Oman may have lost the game, but they walked away with their heads held high. Holding India to a victory margin of just 21 runs is no small feat, especially against a powerhouse team.
Their spirited fight surprised everyone and showed weaknesses in the Indian side that many thought didn’t exist. Instead of being outplayed, Oman managed to rattle one of the strongest teams in the world.