In the `Super Four` match against Bangladesh, Pakistan secured a dominating victory by 11 runs at the Dubai International Stadium.
Following the win, the “Green Shirts” have managed to secure a berth in the Asia Cup 2025 final against arch-rivals, Team India.
Speaking on the victory, Pakistan skipper, Salman Ali Agha, said, “If you win these kinds of games, then we must be a special team. Everyone played really well. There is some room for improvement in batting. But we will work on that.”
Pakistan have suffered two crushing defeats against the “Men in Blue” in the ongoing continental tournament.
The skipper gave special mention to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who scored 19 runs in 13 balls, including two maximums. With the ball, Afridi managed to snap three wickets for 17 runs in four overs.
Speaking on his performances, Agha said, “Shaheen is a special player. He does what the team needs from him. Very happy for him. We were 15 runs short. The way we bowled up front, we will create pressure. We bowled well with the new ball. More often than not, you will win games if you bowl like this”.
“We have been fielding well. Shane has been working hard for us. We have been having extra sessions. Mike Hesson said if you can`t field, you won`t be on the team. We are a good enough team to beat anyone. We will come back on Sunday and try and do that,” he concluded.
Shaheen was named as the `Player of the Match` for his crucial contributions with the bat and ball. He dedicated his award to his wife and son, who were present in the stands.
Speaking on his performance, the pacer said, “I will dedicate this award to my beautiful wife and son, who are here. You need early breakthroughs. Those three overs made the difference in the power play. I was working on the slower ball. It came out well in the main time. The team decided I would go with Nawaz and Faheem behind me. I got two sixes, and that gave us the momentum”.
The “Green Shirts” will clash against Team India in the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28 at the Dubai International Stadium.
(With ANI Inputs)