Dubai: Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed confidence in his team to beat India when they meet in the final of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan held their campaign alive with a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a super four collision in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
The green shirts chased a goal of 134 run and skipped the winning runs for the loss of five wickets and 12 balls.
India and Pakistan met twice in this edition of the regional competition, but the neighbors have never played against each other in an Asia Cup final.
The regional tournament, played this time in the United Arab Emirates under the Twenty20 format, began in 1984 and this is the 17th edition.
Bangladesh, who encounters India and Pakistan on Thursday, stands in the way of Sunday’s decision in Dubai.
India are the holders and beat Pakistan in both previous matches, but Shaheen was in a bullish mui after taking 3-28 against Sri Lanka.
“They still have not reached the final. If they do that, we will see them,” Shaheen said about encountering India in the ultimate game.
“We are here to win the cup; whatever team will be in the final, we are ready to beat them.”
If both teams reach the final, India will start again as strong favorites, after he has won 12 of 15 T20is between the two countries.
India has also won the last seven internationals against Pakistan since September 2022, four T20Is and three one -day internationals.
That series led India-skipper Suryakumar Yadav to explain that India-Pakistan is “no longer a rivalry”.
In both victories for India in the VAE there were no handshakes that added another low to an already intense rivalry.
“It is his opinion that, let him tell,” said Shaheen of Suryakumar’s cutting comments.
“When they reach the final, it will see. It is our job to win the Asia Cup, and we will make a complete effort to do that.” Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed confidence in his team to beat India when they meet in the final of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.
