All-rounder Shaheen Afridi ensures first-ever India vs Pakistan final at Asia Cup, Bangladesh succumb to 11-run loss

It is official. India vs Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday for the Asia Cup 2025 title. Pakistan made it to the summit clash following their 11-run win over Bangladesh on Thursday. Shaheen Afridi starred with both bat and ball to get the Men in Green over the line. It will mark the first time the Asia Cup final is a IND vs PAK game.

Shaheen Afridi rescue act powers Pakistan to Asia Cup final

Pakistan simply failed to turn as Bangladesh ran them ragged in the first 10 overs. Their top order struggled as Rishad Hossain ensured Pakistan slipped to 46/4 at the halfway stage. In an inspired move, Shaheen Afridi was promoted to No.7 to try and inject some momentum into the innings.

Afridi did just that. After valuable cameos against UAE and India, the left-hander ensured the same against Bangladesh. He hit two sizes to push the run rate ahead. While Afridi was lucky with two dropped catches, his 13-ball 19 added much needed impetus to the Pakistan innings.

Shaheen had not lit the tournament alight with ball in hand. He however chose to do that in Pakistan’s biggest game. The 25-year-old dismissed Parvez Emon in the first over and then accounted for Towhrid Hridoy inside the powerplay. Afridi was miserly and extracted movement, making it difficult for the Bangladesh batsmen. Later in the game, he returned to dismiss the we’ll set Shamim Hossain to pull curtains on Bangladesh’s chase. Afridi finished with figures of 3/17, single handedly sealing a Pakistan win.

The post All-rounder Shaheen Afridi ensures first-ever India vs Pakistan final at Asia Cup, Bangladesh succumb to 11-run loss appeared first on Inside Sport India.

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