Shoaib Akhtar, a former Pakistani pacer, like many other former cricketers, was talking about the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final on Sunday, when a slip of the tongue moment from the menacing ex-bowler went viral. And the matter didn't end there, but the man in question, Abhishek Bachchan, actually took a sly dig at the former Pakistani national.

Talking on "Game on hai", which is a cricket talk-show, Shoaib Akhtar's blooper moment sent the host and the panellists into a fit of laughter. Talking about the crucial wicket of Abhishek Sharma, Akhtar stated, “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 talk-show host wasted no time in correcting him, but not before having a moment's laugh.

India's middle order has surely struggled in the ongoing Asia Cup, with star players like Suryakumar Yadav not playing at their best. In their most recent meeting, Abhishek Sharma's blistering knock at the top of the order was the point of difference between India and Pakistan.

Also Read: How India's middle order faltered after a flying start

More often than not, the Punjab-born opener has been successful in giving India a strong start with the bat in hand. Without his contributions in the tournament, India may have struggled more than they have leading up to the final.

Abhishek Bachchan, who is the son of possibly India's most renowned actor, Amitabh Bachchan, shares his first name with the 25-year-old batter. And took this viral moment as an opportunity to take a dig at Shoaib Akhtar. Replying to a tweet reporting the incident. Abhishek Bachchan tweeted, "Sir, with all due respect… don’t think they’ll even manage that! And I’m not even good at playing cricket."

Pakistan, no doubt, have been poor in this tournament, especially against India. And while the Pakistani camp will be hoping that the intent behind Shoaib Akhtar's words comes true, India will hope that the top-ranked T20I batter will unleash carnage against the Pakistani bowling lineup on Sunday. Who knows, he could even get that century that he has come close to a couple of times.