NewKerala.com

Key Points

Shaheen Shah Afridi is confident about Pakistan's chances in the Asia Cup. He pointed out that the team has won most of its recent games. The fast bowler stressed the importance of taking the initiative against a strong Bangladesh side. Pakistan's final Super Four match will be crucial for reaching the tournament final.

Key Points: Shaheen Afridi Confident Pakistan Will Win Asia Cup

  • Shaheen Afridi highlights Pakistan's strong record in most recent games
  • He acknowledges fewer recent matches against top-ranked teams
  • Pakistan aims to strike first against in-form Bangladesh
  • Team must perform well in all three departments to win
  • The crucial Bangladesh match could decide final qualification
  • Recent win against Sri Lanka showcased strong team resilience
2 min read

We are here to win Asia Cup: Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi dismisses form concerns, stating the team's sole focus is winning the Asia Cup ahead of their crucial match against Bangladesh.

"We are here to win the Asia Cup, and that's all we're focused on now - Shaheen Shah Afridi"

New Delhi, September 24

Pakistan seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi emphasised that his team isn't struggling with wins overall, having secured most of their last dozen games.

He acknowledged that they haven't won against top-ranked teams in recent matches, primarily because they haven't faced them much and said Pakistan's focus is entirely on winning the ongoing Asia Cup.

"It's not that we're not winning. We've won most of our last dozen games. It's true we haven't won against higher-ranked teams, but most of our recent games haven't been against them. We were here to win the tri-nation series, and we won that. We are here to win the Asia Cup, and that's all we're focused on now," Shaheen Shah Afridi said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

Pakistan will face Bangladesh in their last fixture of the Super Four on Thursday. The match against Bangladesh could play a significant role in their qualification for the final.

Afridi also emphasised the importance of taking the initiative against Bangladesh, which has been in good form. He stressed the need to strike first and not give them opportunities to gain momentum.

"Bangladesh has been playing good cricket of late. Whenever you play such teams, you should try to strike first. You shouldn't give them an opportunity. We'll have to perform well in all three departments if we are to get past them," he added.

Pakistan is heading into the clash with a commanding five-wicket win in the must-win Super Fours fixture at the ongoing Asia Cup at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan was in a dire spot with half of the side in the dugout, but Talat and Nawaz retained poise to steer the Men in Green past the finishing line. Nawaz was the aggressor with an unbeaten 38 off 24, while Talat preserved his wicket and returned unbeaten on 32(30).

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Bangladesh has been really impressive lately! This match will be crucial for Pakistan's final hopes. The Asia Cup is getting exciting! 🏏
A
Arjun K
Good to see confidence from Shaheen, but the real test is performing under pressure. Their comeback against Sri Lanka was impressive though. The Bangladesh match will be a proper challenge!
S
Sarah B
Nawaz and Talat showed great composure in the last match. Pakistan definitely has the talent, but consistency against quality opponents is what separates good teams from great ones.
V
Vikram M
Every team talks about winning tournaments, but execution matters most. Bangladesh is no pushover anymore - this will be a tight contest. Best of luck to both teams! 🤝
M
Michael C
Shaheen's point about striking first against Bangladesh is spot on. In modern cricket, momentum shifts quickly. Should be an interesting tactical battle!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50