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DUBAI: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi shared a lighthearted moment when he forgot about Bangladesh’s nickname ‘Tigers’ ahead of their Super Four clash against them in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.
Ahead of Pakistan-Bangladesh clash, Shaheen was asked about Pakistan’s playing XI against the ‘Tigers’.
“Tigers who?” the pacer laughed and replied, “I’ll ask the head coach—sorry, I don’t know.”
Looking ahead to the Bangladesh game, Shaheen said Pakistan were fully focused.
“Bangladesh are a good team and have been playing good cricket recently. In such games, you must land the first punch and not give them opportunities. We will have to play well in all three departments—batting, bowling and fielding—to win,” he told reporters.
He also discussed the increased aggression from Pakistan’s fast bowlers, particularly against India in the Super Fours encounter.
“It’s nothing new. We’ve always been aggressive since the day we started playing cricket. That’s how fast bowling is played. When a fast bowler shows aggression, it lifts the energy of the whole team. There is no special plan for this—our job is to show aggression and take wickets,” he remarked.
“Everyone has their own opinion, but our job is to play cricket. We won the tri-nation series; now we are here to win the Asia Cup. As a team, we are working hard to give Pakistan joy,” he added.
The 25-year-old shed light on his performances with the bat and ball that lifted Pakistan out of the trouble.
“My role is to give 100% in whatever position I’m asked to play—batting, bowling, or fielding. Even if I’m unwell or injured, I never show it. My focus is to keep the team’s morale high and play with full energy,” he said.
“If you are in the team, you should be ready to do everything—batting, bowling, and fielding. Everyone has to contribute in whatever role they are given so that Pakistan benefits,” he said.
READ: Shaheen Afridi sends Asia Cup warning as third India clash looms
