Shaheen Afridi fires back at Suryakumar Yadav's 'no rivalry' claim, issues massive warning

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi opened up about India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s claim that there is no real T20 rivalry between the two sides. Afridi said that the debate can only be settled if both teams meet again in the Asia Cup 2025 final, which is set to be played in Dubai on Sunday, September 28.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by five wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 23. Afridi, who had struggled against India in the Super Four clash, bounced back by claiming three wickets for 28 runs in four overs. Pakistan must win their remaining Super Four match to stay in contention.

Let Him Say What He Wants - Shaheen Afridi Responds to Suryakumar Yadav's Claim

Suryakumar Yadav had said that Pakistan have been struggling against India, adding that they have lost seven consecutive encounters in recent years. However, Shaheen Afridi stated that both sides have yet to reach the Asia Cup final. Afridi emphasized that Pakistan’s sole focus is winning the tournament.

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"Let him say what he wants. Neither has he reached the final yet, nor have we. We will see when the moment comes. It is our job to win. We have come to win the Asia Cup. We will do our best," said Shaheen Afridi.

The Men in Blue recorded convincing wins against Pakistan, extending their head-to-head record to 12–3 in the T20I format. Pakistan struggled to match India’s batting and bowling. India first defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the group match, followed by a six-wicket win in the Super Four.

My Job Is to Raise the Morale of the Team - Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi also stated that his primary focus is to give his best in every aspect of the game. He stated that, whether batting, bowling, or fielding, he always gives 100% and strives to uplift the team’s morale.

"Like the last two matches, the way you said about batting, my job is that whenever I get a position, I bowl. Batting, fielding, bowling, whatever I get, I give my 100%. Because it is obvious," Shaheen stated.

"Whenever I play, I try to give my 100%. Whether I am sick or injured, whatever I am, but it doesn't show outside. So my job is to raise the morale of the team and play all the cricket with energy," he added.

India Have Secured Seven Consecutive Victories Over Pakistan Since T20 World Cup 2022

Since the ICC T20 World Cup in 2022, India have dominated Pakistan in white-ball cricket, securing seven consecutive victories. Their consistent batting depth and disciplined bowling have repeatedly proven too strong for their arch-rivals.

Pakistan posted 91/1 in the first 10 overs of the Super Four clash, aided by a couple of missed catches from the Indian fielders. However, India’s bowlers regained control in the second half and restricted Pakistan to 171/5, 20 runs short considering their strong start.

While chasing, India openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill added a 105-run stand for the first wicket in just 9.5 overs. Abhishek Sharma scored 74 off 39 balls, including six boundaries and five sixes.

Tilak Varma scored an unbeaten 30 off 19 balls with two fours and two sixes, guiding India to a seven-wicket victory with seven balls to spare. Sharma was named Player of the Match for his outstanding batting performance.

Also read: Ishant Sharma reveals what Indian players think of the Pakistan Cricket Team