Dubai witnessed a flash of nostalgia on Sunday evening as Shaheen Shah Afridi evoked reminiscences of his father-in-law, Shahid Afridi, with a panoramic late assault in Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 Group A conflict in opposition to India.Walking in with his facet reeling at 83/7, Shaheen turned what regarded like a meek collapse into an innings with chunk. He smashed 33 not out off simply 16 balls, studded with 4 towering sixes, rescuing Pakistan from full despair and lifting them to 127/9 of their 20 overs on the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The most eye-catching second got here within the ultimate over in opposition to Hardik Pandya. Pandya served up a low full toss that Shaheen launched over long-on for his fourth six of the evening. Just a ball earlier, the left-hander had knelt down and smoked one other into the stands, drawing loud cheers from Pakistani followers and sparking inevitable comparisons with Shahid “Boom Boom” Afridi, well-known for his fearless six-hitting.Watch:Earlier, India’s bowlers dominated the innings. Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) sliced via the highest order, whereas Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy claimed two wickets apiece. Pakistan’s batting card made for grim studying, with solely Sahibzada Farhan (40) and Fakhar Zaman (17) exhibiting temporary resistance.Hardik, in any other case sharp with three wickets and fast strikes within the powerplay, ended up conceding 34 off his three overs, with Shaheen’s onslaught leaving him visibly annoyed.For India, it was a reminder that in opposition to Pakistan, the combat usually comes from sudden quarters. Shaheen Afridi, often feared with the ball, confirmed he might echo the explosive spirit of Shahid Afridi with the bat too.
