LAHORE: As Pakistan gears up for a historic Asia Cup 2025 final against India, former captain Shahid Afridi has one regret—the absence of young pace spearhead Naseem Shah.
Speaking on a sports show, Afridi said the Dubai conditions were tailor-made for Naseem.
“Naseem Shah was perfect for these pitches. Honestly, I missed him,” Afridi admitted. “With Shaheen at the other end, the two would have formed a lethal pair. Naseem’s control, his line, and his length—that’s what makes him so special.”
Addressing questions about Naseem’s dip in form, Afridi defended the youngster. “Players like Naseem, Shaheen, and even Haris Rauf need rest after big series. Naseem’s outswing with the new ball is a treat, and in these conditions, he would have thrived,” he added.
While Afridi pondered what might have been, Pakistan’s current attack showed no signs of weakness. In the high-stakes Super Four clash, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf ripped through Bangladesh with three wickets apiece, while spinners kept the squeeze on. Pakistan’s gritty defense of 136 runs ended with Bangladesh stumbling to 124-9, giving the Men in Green an 11-run win and a ticket to the grand finale.
Now, for the first time in Asia Cup history, Pakistan and India will meet in the tournament’s final. With the cricketing world waiting, Afridi’s words hang in the air: Pakistan’s pace battery is strong, but how deadly could it have been with Naseem Shah in the mix?