No matter who does what in the 2025 Asia Cup, conversations eventually circle around India v Pakistan.
On Tuesday, Pakistan overcame a mini collapse before dispatching Sri Lanka in their Super Four match at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. All eyes were on how Pakistan would respond to defeat to India in their first match of the stage and for a moment, doubts crept in as Salman Agha’s team slumped to 80-5 chasing 134.
But a composed effort from all-rounder Hussain Talat (32 not out to go with 2-18) and Mohammad Nawaz (38 not out) took them past the finish line in a five-wicket win, keeping their hopes of making it to Sunday’s final well and truly alive.
If Pakistan make it to the title match, there is every chance India will be there as well – for the third encounter between the arch rivals in the Asia Cup.
The rivalry has turned ugly during the course of the tournament with India first refusing to shake hands with their opponents following rising political tensions between the nations over the recent four-day war.
Pakistan then threatened to not take the field while protesting officiating parameters. Players then engaged in provocative actions during their Super Four match in Dubai on Sunday.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav added more fuel to the fire after the second win over Pakistan, stating that India against Pakistan is not a rivalry any more as results have been one-sided for some time now.
Pakistan fast-bowler Shaheen Afridi took those comments with a pinch of salt on Tuesday night, saying his team will set the record straight on the field if they face their neighbours again in the final.
“That is what he thinks. Let him say it. If we meet in the final, then we will know what is what. Our job is to win the Asia Cup,” the left-arm pacer, who set up victory with a spell of 3-28 against Sri Lanka, said.
When asked about the caustic atmosphere during the previous match that saw altercations and provocations between players and even the crowd, Afridi said it was better to focus on the game.
“Our job is to play cricket. Everyone is entitled to think the way they want, we respect that,” he added.
While the conduct of players can be debated endlessly, what is black and white is Afridi's below par performance with the ball against India in the Asia Cup. He has gone wicketless in both games against their rivals, although he has been in great form with the bat.
When asked about his indifferent form and the recent head to head record – India lead 8-2 across formats – Afridi had a short reply: “If Shaheen Afridi plays for Pakistan, he will put his life on the line.”
While Pakistan are in the race for the final, there are still areas of concern. They needed the middle order to rescue them against Sri Lanka, while the form of T20 batting specialists Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris has been a concern.
But the former T20 captain backed the team to get the job done.
“Everyone does not perform all the time. In T20s, generally, one or two players put in big performance. We need to give credit Talat and Nawaz. They handled the pressure chasing a low target.
“Haris scored a hundred against Bangladesh in Lahore. He has performed, so has Saim Ayub. It’s not like they don’t know batting. They are all good players.”
Pakistan's final Super Four stage match is against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday. They will fancy their chances against the Tigers who would be playing back-to-back T20 matches in energy sapping conditions after their game against India on Wednesday.
