5 Players To Watch Out For In IND-A Vs PAK-A Emerging Asia Cup Match

Abhishek Sharma will look to get back in form [Source: @abhisheksharma_4/instagram/.com]Abhishek Sharma will look to get back in form [Source: @abhisheksharma_4/instagram/.com]

The much-anticipated showdown between India A and Pakistan A at the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 promises to be a barnburner. This is a high-voltage face-off where India A will look to avenge their loss to Pakistan A in the previous edition's final.

With several young stars eager to make their mark, let’s dive into the top five players to watch out for in this thrilling contest.

5. Abbas Afridi (Pakistan A)

Abbas Afridi is a name that Pakistan fans have high hopes for, especially in the fast-bowling department. After making his international debut in January 2024 against New Zealand, Afridi showcased his knack for taking wickets, albeit at the cost of leaking runs.

With 16 wickets in just 10 T20Is, his ability to break partnerships could prove crucial for Pakistan A. Though his economy rate of 9.26 may raise eyebrows, if he can tighten the screws, Afridi could turn out to be a handful.

He has shown glimpses of brilliance, picking up five wickets in 3 matches during the 2024 Champions One Day Cup. This tournament is Afridi’s chance to get back into the national team's scheme of things.

4. Qasim Akram (Pakistan A)

Qasim Akram, a versatile all-rounder and former U-19 World Cup captain, is a player who can both steady the ship and steer it to victory.

A batsman who bowls off-spin, Qasim is well-versed in stepping up during critical moments. His performance in the Champions One-Day Cup 2024, where he scored 113 runs in 4 matches, has underlined his capability with the bat. Akram's potential to shine with both bat and ball makes him a key player to watch.

He’s known for rising to the occasion, and Pakistan A will need him to be firing on all cylinders. Akram could well be the one pulling the rabbit out of the hat for Pakistan A when the chips are down.

3. Nishant Sindhu (India A)

A bowler with a Midas touch and a handy batsman, Nishant Sindhu has quietly been establishing himself as a player to reckon with. The left-arm orthodox spinner has picked up 11 wickets in 15 T20s with an impressive economy of 6.07.

His ability to stifle the opposition with his bowling and contribute valuable runs makes him an all-round asset. He also starred for Haryana, bagging 19 wickets in just seven matches.

With Ravindra Jadeja having retired from T20Is, Sindhu has a golden opportunity to stake his claim as India's next go-to all-rounder.

2. Tilak Varma (India A)

Tilak Varma, the captain of India A, has already shown flashes of brilliance in his short T20I career. The 21-year-old left-hander has been in scintillating form for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, amassing 416 runs in 2024.

However, his challenge is to transition his IPL success to international cricket, where he has yet to cement his place in India’s middle order. Leading India A in this high-pressure match against arch-rivals Pakistan A will test his leadership and composure.

If Varma can guide his team to victory while playing a match-winning knock, it could well be the moment that elevates him from a budding star to a seasoned match-winner. His bat will need to do the talking, and if it does, Pakistan A could be in for a rude awakening.

1. Abhishek Sharma (India A)

At the top of the list is India’s dynamic all-rounder, Abhishek Sharma, who is looking to bounce back after a slump in form. Having made his T20I debut in 2024, Sharma set the stage ablaze with a century in just his second international match.

However, his form took a nosedive soon after, and a lacklustre performance in the recent series against Bangladesh only compounded his woes. But make no mistake, Sharma is a ticking time bomb ready to explode.

With 484 runs in the 2024 IPL at a strike rate of over 200, he has shown his ability to dismantle bowling attacks. This Emerging Teams Asia Cup could be his redemption arc, and his role in the India A vs Pakistan A clash will be crucial. If he can fire on all cylinders, Sharma may just help India A settle the score with Pakistan A, serving them a cold dish of revenge.