The stage is set for one of the biggest clashes in world cricket. Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 11 runs on Thursday, September 25, to secure their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final, where they will meet their archrivals, India. The much-anticipated final will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28.
While the cricketing world is buzzing with excitement over the India vs Pakistan showdown, one man has already lit the fire ahead of the blockbuster contest—Shaheen Shah Afridi. The Pakistani pace spearhead delivered a brilliant all-round performance against Bangladesh and capped it off with a short but powerful message for India that has gone viral: “We are ready.”
Pakistan Holds Its Nerve Against Bangladesh
The Super Four match between Pakistan and Bangladesh was a must-win game for both sides. Batting first, Pakistan posted a modest total on the board, but their bowlers ensured the score was enough.
Shaheen Afridi, as always, was the man to lead from the front. He first contributed 19 runs from just 13 balls in the final overs to help Pakistan push their total to a competitive score. Then, with the ball in hand, Afridi turned the game on its head.
- He dismissed opener Parvez Hossain Emon for a duck with a fiery delivery in the very first over.
- He struck again to remove Towhid Hridoy for just 5.
- Later, he returned to break a threatening partnership by dismissing Shamim Hossain, who had scored 30.
Afridi finished with 3 wickets for 17 runs in his four overs, a performance that rightfully earned him the Player of the Match award. His spell ensured Pakistan restricted Bangladesh to 124 while defending 135, sealing an 11-run victory.
“We Are Ready”—Afridi’s Viral Message
Following the win, Shaheen Afridi was asked about the upcoming final against India. His response was brief yet bold: “We are ready.”
These three words immediately caught fire on social media. Pakistani fans hailed Afridi’s confidence and fighting spirit, while Indian fans took it as a direct challenge. The simple statement has already added more spice to what is already cricket’s most heated rivalry.
Afridi has a history of performing against India, and his message clearly shows that Pakistan will not be intimidated by the Indian juggernaut.
India vs Pakistan – Clash of Titans
India enters the final as the undisputed favorites. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side has been in sensational form throughout the Asia Cup, winning every game with relative ease. Young opener Abhishek Sharma has been India’s standout performer, scoring quick runs at the top, while bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah have kept the opposition in check.
Pakistan, on the other hand, has had a more turbulent journey. Their batting has been inconsistent, but their bowling unit, led by Shaheen Afridi, has carried them through crucial matches. Players like Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Haris have also stepped up in key moments.
For Pakistan, the challenge will be to overcome India’s dominance and maintain their composure under pressure. Afridi’s words suggest that the team is mentally prepared for the battle.
Historical Significance
The Asia Cup 2025 final will be historic in more ways than one. This will be the first time in 17 editions of the Asia Cup that India and Pakistan meet in the final. Both nations have a long history of fierce encounters in ICC and continental tournaments, with memories of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final—where Pakistan stunned India by 150 runs—still fresh in fans’ minds.
This final, however, will write its own story. India will aim to assert their supremacy once again, while Pakistan will be eager to recreate the magic of 2017 and claim continental glory.
Conclusion
Shaheen Afridi’s “We are ready” message has set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan. His all-round heroics against Bangladesh proved that he thrives in pressure situations, and his confidence has boosted Pakistan’s morale ahead of the grand finale.
On September 28, Dubai will witness history as two of the greatest cricketing rivals face off for the Asia Cup crown. Whether Afridi’s bold statement translates into victory for Pakistan or fuels India’s fire remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the cricketing world is in for an electrifying contest.
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