Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has thrown down the gauntlet, declaring his team will be ready for India if both sides reach the Asia Cup final.
We are here to win the Cup.
Road to a Historic Final
The archrivals have never clashed in an Asia Cup final in 16 editions of the tournament. That possibility remains alive with India needing to beat Bangladesh on Wednesday in Dubai, while Pakistan must overcome Bangladesh a day later.
Let India first reach the final. We need to win one more match and then whoever comes in the final we are here to win the Cup. We are confident that we will win a third time. We need to play aggressive cricket and that we will do.
Responding to India’s Jibes
Shaheen also brushed aside Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s remark that Pakistan’s repeated losses had dulled the edge of the rivalry.
What he said is his opinion. Let them reach the final, then we will see them.
Leading From the Front
Shaheen struck with the new ball yet again, claiming his 21st first-over wicket in international cricket and finishing with figures of 3-28. His effort restricted Sri Lanka to 133-8, with Kamindu Mendis’ fighting half-century the only resistance.
I always try to give my 100 per cent on the field. My job is to raise the morale of the team – whether with bat or ball. I scored runs for my team and in the same way I take wickets for my team.
Respect for Bangladesh
Despite Pakistan’s strong record, Shaheen insisted Bangladesh cannot be underestimated. “We respect all our opponents,” he said of a side Pakistan beat 3-0 at home but lost to 2-1 away in a recent T20I series.
Young Team, Big Ambitions
Shaheen credited Pakistan’s young side for steadily achieving their targets. “We are a young team but we are winning matches and achieving goals. We came here to win the tri-series and we did that. Now we are here to win the Asia Cup and we will win that.”
Pakistan arrived at the tournament after clinching the Sharjah tri-series with a win over Afghanistan, and now have their sights firmly set on lifting the continental crown.
