In the build-up to the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan, a hilarious slip of tongue by Shoaib Akhtar stole the show. While it was unintentional, the clip went viral. While analyzing Pakistan’s chances on the cricket talk show Game On Hai, the former pacer mistakenly referred to Indian opener Abhishek Sharma as actor Abhishek Bachchan.
“If Pakistan get Abhishek Bachchan out early, then what happens to the middle order? Their middle order hasn’t performed well,” said Akhtar after Pakistan qualified for the Asia Cup final by beating Bangladesh. The panel quickly corrected him, but the moment had already gone viral.
India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma has been in scintillating form this tournament, scoring 309 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 204.64. He has slammed a hat-trick of fifties in the Asia Cup and is one of the main reasons why the Men in Blue are still unbeaten.
Abhishek has starred against Pakistan twice and would hope to dominate once again in the summit clash. With both teams now set to face each other in the final for the first time in Asia Cup history, Akhtar’s mix-up has come across hilarious.
Abhishek Bachchan’s witty response wins the internet
Abhishek, who owns teams in both football and kabaddi leagues, is a known sports enthusiast and a passionate supporter of Indian cricket. The actor himself wasted no time in joining the fun. Sharing the clip on X, Abhishek Bachchan wrote: “Sir, with all due respect… don’t think they’ll even manage that! And I’m not even good at playing cricket.”
His reply, a cheeky dig at Pakistan’s struggling form, had fans in splits. Social media was flooded with reactions. One user wrote, “They’ve been Ghoomerized.” Another said, “No cricket skills needed when your wit’s already hitting sixes, AB.” Junior Bachchan might be pulling Akhtar’s leg but he certainly clean bowled the Pakistani veteran!
Considering how poorly Pakistan started this tournament, Bachchan’s response shouldn’t be surprising. Pakistan was on the verge of a loss against the UAE only to see Shaheen Afridi star with both bat and ball. A similar sight took place in a virtual semi-final against Bangladesh. Apart from catching, Pakistan have been far inferior to India so far in the tournament.
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