I definitely can see Shikamaru getting an upper hand over Sasuke with the excellent use of strategy and skill. There have been many examples throughout the Naruto series proving such; A particular one that immediately comes to mind would be the fight between Sasuke and Deidara. Both of them used their quick wits to outsmart the other, regardless of whatever or however much power they possessed.
I have always been of the opinion that brains > brawn. Pure brute strength can only get a man so far, but strategic intelligence works outside of the box and can supersede where strength could not.