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"My Brother Is Special": When Shaheen Lauded Naseem Shah's Heroics vs AFG In Asia Cup 2022

Jatin

Shaheen Afridi hailed Naseem Shah [Source: @proudpctfan, @JamshaidAli94/x.com]Shaheen Afridi hailed Naseem Shah [Source: @proudpctfan, @JamshaidAli94/x.com]

With the Asia Cup 2025 just around the corner, fans are already counting down the days to some high-octane cricket. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the rest of the Asian giants are set to lock horns from September 9–28 in the UAE.

And if history has taught us anything, this tournament never runs short of drama. Just ask Pakistan’s Naseem Shah whose bat, not ball, stole the limelight in Asia Cup 2022 in one of the most nerve-wracking finishes the tournament has ever seen.

Pakistan Edged Afghanistan In A One-Wicket Cliffhanger

During a Super 4 match in the 2022 edition, Pakistan found themselves chasing a modest 130 against Afghanistan in Sharjah. But this was no walk in the park.

Afghanistan’s left-arm pace duo, Fareed Ahmad Malik and Fazalhaq Farooqi had Pakistan gasping for air with three wickets apiece. With 11 runs needed off the final over and only one wicket in hand, the stage was set for heartbreak or heroics.

Naseem Shah was batting on two off two. And on the first two balls of the final over bowled by Farooqi, he tonked two balls sent over the ropes to seal a dramatic win. Just like that, Pakistan snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

As the ball disappeared into the Sharjah night, Naseem took off on a celebratory sprint, while Afghan players could only console each other after a gut-wrenching loss.

Shaheen Afridi Lauded Brother Naseem Shah’s Heroics

Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi was nursing a knee injury and had been ruled out of that Asia Cup. But even from the sidelines, he wasn’t missing the action.

Moments after the win, Shaheen took to Twitter to hail Naseem’s match-winning cameo, calling him his "brother" and saying he always knew he was "made for something special."

“Always knew that my brother is made up for something special, and this was very special @iNaseemShah A team full of stars. Best of luck for the final Team Pakistan!” wrote Afridi.

How The Final Chapter Unfolded

Pakistan’s fairytale run, however, met a tough ending. Sri Lanka put on a clinical performance in the final as they won by 23 runs to lift the Asia Cup 2022 trophy. But Naseem’s last-over fireworks against Afghanistan still remain one of the tournament’s most iconic moments.