Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrates after taking a wicket throughout their Tremendous 4 conflict in opposition to Sri Lanka on September 24, 2025 in Abu Dhabi — AFP
DUBAI: Pakistan tempo spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has declared that his workforce will attain the Asia Cup last and may beat India if the arch-rivals conflict once more.
Pakistan saved their marketing campaign alive with a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a Tremendous 4 conflict in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
India and Pakistan have met twice on this version of the regional competitors however the neighbours have by no means performed in opposition to one another in an Asia Cup last.
The regional match, performed this time within the United Arab Emirates beneath the Twenty20 format, began in 1984 and that is its seventeenth version.
Bangladesh, who face India on Wednesday and Pakistan on Thursday, stand in the best way of the nice rivals dealing with off in Sunday’s decider in Dubai.
India are holders and beat Pakistan in each earlier matches, however Shaheen was in bullish temper after taking 3-28 in opposition to Sri Lanka.
“They have still not reached the final, when they do, then we will see them,” stated Shaheen about dealing with India within the final recreation.
“We are here to win the cup, whichever team comes in the final we are ready to beat them.”
If each groups attain the ultimate, India will as soon as once more begin as robust favourites having gained 12 of 15 T20Is between the 2 nations.
India have additionally gained the final seven internationals in opposition to Pakistan since September 2022, 4 T20Is and three one-day internationals.
That sequence prompted India skipper Suryakumar Yadav to declare India-Pakistan “is not a rivalry anymore”.
In each wins for India within the UAE there have been no handshakes, including one other layer to an already intense rivalry.
“It is his opinion that, let him say that,” stated Shaheen of Suryakumar’s slicing feedback.
“When they reach the final then will see. Our job is to win the Asia Cup, and we will make a complete effort to do that.”
Pakistan stay in rivalry for a spot within the Asia Cup last after sealing a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a Tremendous 4 conflict on Tuesday.
Chasing a 134-run goal, the Inexperienced Shirts knocked the profitable runs for the lack of 5 wickets and 12 balls to spare.
