Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has reignited the intensity of the Asia Cup 2025 by sending a bold message to India, declaring his side is determined not just to reach the final but also to settle scores with their arch-rivals.
Speaking after Pakistan’s much-needed five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, Afridi brushed aside India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s recent claim that “India-Pakistan is not a rivalry anymore.” The left-arm quick made it clear that Pakistan are ready to let their cricket do the talking if the two sides meet again in Sunday’s final in Dubai.
> “We’re focused, we’re hungry, and the final will prove everything,” Shaheen said confidently, insisting that Pakistan still has unfinished business in the tournament.
India, who have already beaten Pakistan twice in this edition, boast a dominant record in recent encounters—winning 12 of the last 15 T20Is between the two nations, including seven consecutive victories since 2022. That lopsided history, however, hasn’t dented Pakistan’s spirit, with Afridi stressing that his team’s belief remains unshaken.
Pakistan’s latest win over Sri Lanka has thrown Group B wide open, and much now hinges on Bangladesh’s results against both Pakistan and India. If results fall in Pakistan’s favor, cricket fans could be treated to another high-octane showdown between the two old foes, this time with silverware on the line.
The possibility of a Pakistan-India final in Dubai has already sent ripples of excitement across the cricketing world. For Afridi, though, the focus remains simple: keep winning and keep proving the doubters wrong.
With the Asia Cup final looming, the stage is set for a contest that could either cement India’s dominance or revive Pakistan’s pride. And as Afridi warned—this rivalry is far from over.
