Pakistan skipper Salman Agha has issued a strong statement ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final, declaring that his team is determined to beat India in Dubai on September 28 (Sunday). Confident in Pakistan’s ability, he asserted that they can overcome any opponent in the tournament as they aim to avenge their two earlier defeats against the Men in Blue.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, enter the final as clear favourites after an unbeaten run. The defending champions registered convincing Super Four wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh to book their place in the summit clash.
Pakistan, meanwhile, secured their spot with a tense 11-run victory over Bangladesh in a must-win encounter on September 25. Defending a modest total of 135/8, the Men in Green relied on their pace attack, with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf delivering a brilliant bowling performance to seal the win.
“We Are Good Enough to Beat Anyone,” Says Salman Agha
“If you win games like this, it shows we are a special team. Everyone contributed well. Our batting still needs some improvement, but we’ll work on that. We’re very excited, we know what we need to do, and we are good enough to beat anyone. On Sunday, we’ll give our best to beat India,” Agha said during the post-match presentation.
Agha also praised Shaheen Afridi, calling him a “special player” who delivers in crucial moments. Afridi was named Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul and vital 19 runs with the bat against Bangladesh.
“Shaheen is a special player. He steps up when the team needs him the most. We were just 15 runs short, but the way we bowled up front created pressure. We bowled well with the new ball, and if you bowl like this, more often than not, you will win games,” Agha added.
Pakistan now face a tough challenge against India in the final, having lost to them twice in the tournament—by seven wickets in the group stage and six wickets in the Super Four round. Before the final, India will take on Sri Lanka on Friday, September 26.
