Pakistan’s six hitting machine Shahid Afridi shared his take the green team pace attack in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 ahead of the highly anticipated India clash.
For the first time since the tournament began in 1984, Pakistan and India will meet in the Asia Cup final
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 11 runs in the Super Four and sealed their place in the title match.
India had already qualified, which set up this historic showdown. The final is scheduled for Sunday and the stage is now clear for the two rivals.that he missed the presence of Naseem Shah, particularly in the current conditions and pitches for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 being played in Dubai.
Ahead of the high voltage clash, Shahid Afridi said that he is missing the speed gun Naseem Shah in the Asia Cup 2025.
“Naseem Shah was suitable for these conditions. Given the pitches here, I really missed him”, he stated. “Naseem and Shaheen Afridi’s partnership would have delivered an outstanding performance in these conditions. Naseem’s line and length are superb, which is why I like him so much.”
When asked about Naseem Shah’s recent dip in form, Afridi emphasized the importance of rest for players, including Naseem, Shaheen, and Haris Rauf.
“After a good series, players should be given time to rest,” he said. “Honestly speaking, Naseem Shah would have thrived in these conditions. His ability to bowl beautiful outswing with the new ball is exceptional. I truly miss the combination of Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi,” he added.
It is pertinent to mention here that Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf shared six wickets between them as Pakistan defended a modest 136-run target to defeat Bangladesh by 11 runs in their must-win ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 Super Four encounter.
Bangladesh, chasing 136, managed 124 for nine in their 20 overs despite a fighting 30 from Shamim Hossain.
Shaheen gave Pakistan the perfect start by dismissing Parvez Hossain Emon for a duck in the opening over, before quick strikes left Bangladesh reeling at 29 for three inside the powerplay.
Mahedi Hasan (11) and Nurul Hasan offered brief resistance, but Mohammad Nawaz broke the stand before Shamim tried to steady the innings with a brisk 30 off 25 balls.
His dismissal in the 17th over triggered another collapse as Haris Rauf struck twice in quick succession, finishing with three wickets alongside Shaheen. Saim Ayub took two scalps while Nawaz claimed one.
Also read: Mike Hesson has advice for Pakistan ahead of India Final
