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"Shaheen Needs To…,": Wasim Akram's Advice To Afridi For India Vs Pakistan Asia Cup Clash

Arunima Purohit

Wasim Akram and Shaheen Afridi [Source: @TheDesertVipers/X]Wasim Akram and Shaheen Afridi [Source: @TheDesertVipers/X]

The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled on September 21 in Dubai. After a memorable and controversial first match, the arch-rivals will be up against each other once again, increasing the thrill and excitement of the tournament. 

Ahead of the clash, Shaheen Shah Afridi got some advice from former legendary bowler Wasim Akram on improving his bowling. The Men in Green struggled a lot in the previous encounter, which India won comfortably by seven wickets. Hence, Pakistan's approach in the next game must be top-notch to beat India. 

Wasim Akram Urges Shaheen Afridi To Evolve

Pakistan's one of the best bowlers, Shaheen Afridi, is yet to flourish in the Asia Cup 2025. According to the former cricketer Wasim Akram, the batters have tackled the game plan set by Afridi during the matches, making it easy for them to go after the bowler. Hence, Akram urges Shaheen Afridi to change tactics and have a 'Plan B'.

"That's what I want Shaheen Afridi to do early on, because the whole world now knows the plan against him. They say, 'Okay, he'll be bowling yorkers first up.' So Afridi needs to have a Plan B. This is the length he should be bowling,"  said Wasim Akram on Sony Sports Network.

Akram gave him some bowling tips to follow in the next match to make things easier for the bowler. Shaheen Afridi opens the bowling in most matches, and if he takes wickets in the powerplays, Pakistan can put pressure on the opponents. 

"I'm fine with one-off yorkers, but not two or three consecutive ones, because if he misses even one, it's going for a boundary with only two fielders outside the circle. He ends up putting pressure on himself. I know he thinks he's being attacking and going for wickets, but mixing it up with length balls is better. One yorker, yes, but not straightaway, and not every ball," he added.

Can India and Pakistan Face Off For The Third Time?

Interestingly, India and Pakistan will play for the second time in the Asia Cup 2025. The epic rivalry between the two teams can be seen for the third time in the tournament if they qualify for the finals. 

As per the tournament's format, the top two teams in the Super Four will enter the finals. While Sri Lanka's performance has been incredible so far, and they might qualify for the finals, fans can still anticipate an India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 finals.