India’s Kuldeep Yadav (left) and Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi pictured throughout Asia Cup match in UAE on September 14, 2025. — Reuters/AFP
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has heaped reward on Pakistan’s left-arm pacer and star bowler Shaheen Afridi forward of the much-anticipated match between the arch-rivals within the Asia Cup 2025 Tremendous 4 stage on September 21.
“Shaheen [Afridi] is in excellent form, a small mistake can be costly [against him],” Kuldeep mentioned throughout a press convention, including that the gamers’ motivation was additionally excessive within the match in opposition to Pakistan.
The 2 sides went up in opposition to one another on September 14 of their Group A fixture, the place the Males in Blue secured a seven-wicket win after chasing down the Inexperienced Shirts’ 128-run goal.
Group A fixtures are but to be accomplished, although India and Pakistan have already sealed qualification.
India will play their remaining group-stage match in opposition to Oman on Friday on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium.
Group B fixtures concluded on Thursday with Sri Lanka remaining unbeaten, profitable all three matches to complete on the prime with six factors.
Bangladesh secured second place with two wins, amassing 4 factors regardless of a adverse internet run price.
Pakistani and Indian gamers line up for his or her nation’s nationwide anthems at their Asia Cup 2025 match in UAE, Dubai on September 14, 2025. — Reuters
The Tremendous 4 stage begins on Saturday in Dubai, the place Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka. On Sunday, arch-rivals Pakistan and India will conflict as soon as once more on the identical venue.
Monday has been designated a relaxation day earlier than Pakistan meet Sri Lanka on the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 23.
The upcoming conflict between Pakistan and India is extremely anticipated by followers world wide not solely as a result of historical past of their conventional rivalry, however as a result of their first encounter within the ongoing match was marred spiralled into a significant controversy after the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Andy Pycroft instructed either side to keep away from the customary handshake.
India didn’t cease there. The workforce additionally refused to shake palms after the match ended. This didn’t sit effectively with the Pakistani aspect. They registered a protest with the ICC, and the state of affairs escalated.
Nonetheless, days after the match, the referee apologised, following which Pakistan determined to proceed with the continued occasion.
Asia Cup 2025 Tremendous 4 fixtures
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka — Dubai, September 20Pakistan vs India — Dubai, September 21Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Abu Dhabi, September 23Bangladesh vs India — Dubai, September 24Pakistan vs Bangladesh — Dubai, September 25India vs Sri Lanka — Dubai, September 26Final — September 28
