'If Pakistan get Abhishek Bachchan out early on': Shoaib Akhtar's masterplan for Asia Cup final against India goes viral

During the cricket talk show "Game On Hai", former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar made an amusing blooper that quickly went viral.

Discussing Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming Asia Cup final against India, Akhtar remarked: “If Pakistan get Abhishek Bachchan out early on in a hypothetical situation, then what is going to happen with the middle-order? Their middle-order hasn’t performed well.”



The slip of tongue drew immediate laughter from the host and fellow panellists, who wasted no time in correcting him.

Akhtar had meant to say Abhishek Sharma, India’s rising opener, but instead named Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan.

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The moment highlighted the charged atmosphere around the final while also providing comic relief ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested clash.

India and Pakistan will meet in Dubai for their first Asia Cup title showdown, a fixture layered with political and sporting tension.

Pakistan booked their spot in the final after a hard-fought 11-run win over Bangladesh, while India remain unbeaten in the tournament.

Recent encounters between the two sides have been heated, with players skipping post-match handshakes and celebrations spilling into political symbolism.

India, defending T20 world champions, enter as favourites. Abhishek Sharma has been in superb form with back-to-back half-centuries, while Kuldeep Yadav leads the wicket tally.

However, India’s fielding has raised concerns, with 12 dropped catches attributed to the “ring of fire” effect under Dubai’s floodlights.

Pakistan, meanwhile, rely heavily on their fiery pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, though their batting remains fragile.

Akhtar’s blooper added levity before a high-pressure final.

While fans laughed off the mix-up, it underscored just how deeply Bollywood and cricket intertwine in South Asia’s cultural imagination. Regardless, when the teams step out on Sunday, it will be the cricketers, not actors, deciding who lifts the trophy.

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