Asia Cup 2025: Shaheen Afridi challenges Suryakumar Yadav, eyes potential final showdown

Shaheen Afridi has countered India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s claim that there is “no real rivalry” between India and Pakistan in T20 cricket. Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s crucial Super 4 match against Bangladesh, the left-arm pacer said such debates can only be settled if both teams meet again in the Asia Cup final.

India’s dominance over Pakistan in recent encounters has been evident throughout the tournament. After a seven-wicket win in the group stage, India repeated their success with a six-wicket victory in the Super 4 clash, extending their unbeaten streak in T20 internationals against their rivals. Yadav highlighted this record to support his statement.

Afridi, however, dismissed the remarks, emphasizing that Pakistan’s focus remains on their campaign and the bigger goal of lifting the trophy. “Let him share his opinion; that’s his perspective. Right now, we are not in the final. If we get there, we’ll talk about it. For us, the priority is to play well and win the Asia Cup,” Afridi said.

Sunday’s contest in Dubai further underlined India’s superiority. Despite occasional wayward bowling and lapses in the field, India comfortably chased down Pakistan’s 172-run target, led by Salman Agha.