‘Plan B needed’: Akram offers tactical advice to Afridi for Asia Cup Super Four

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has advised Shaheen Shah Afridi to vary his lengths in order to counter Indian opener Shubman Gill ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash between Pakistan and India in Dubai on Sunday.

Akram’s remarks came after Indian vice-captain Gill was dismissed by Omani pacer Shah Faisal with a late-swinging delivery during India’s Group A match on Friday. The legendary fast bowler suggested that Afridi should learn from that example and avoid being predictable during his opening spell.

“That’s what I want Shaheen Afridi to do early on, because the whole world now knows the plan against him,” Akram said. “I’m fine with one-off yorkers, but not two or three consecutive ones. If he misses even one, it’s going for a boundary with only two fielders outside the circle. Mixing it up with length balls is better.”

The 59-year-old further highlighted Pakistan’s batting problems against Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who took three wickets in India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the group stage. Akram noted that Pakistan’s batters struggled to read Kuldeep from the hand, often resorting to risky sweep shots.

Pakistan, who managed only 127 for nine in that match, will be looking for a stronger performance in their first Super Four game against India.

Both teams have announced their squads for the tournament, with Suryakumar Yadav leading India and Salman Agha captaining Pakistan.