Pakistan ‘Good Enough to Beat India’ in Asia Cup 2025 Final, Declares Salman Ali Agha
Asia Cup 2025 Final: Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha struck a confident tone after his side’s thrilling win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash in Dubai. His remarks, filled with belief and determination, have set the stage for one of cricket’s most highly anticipated encounters the final against India on September 28.
Agha’s Confident Message
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Agha didn’t hold back his excitement and bold prediction for the high-voltage final:
“Very excited. We know what we need to do, and we are a good enough team to beat anyone, and we will come on Sunday and try to beat them,” he said.
Pakistan, who successfully defended a modest target of 136 runs against Bangladesh, showcased resilience and sharp execution under pressure. Agha pointed to the team’s growing character:
“If you can win these kinds of games, you must be a special team. Everyone chipped in. The way Shaheen bowled and the way Haris bowled up front, it was special. We are finding ways to win.”
Pakistan ‘Good Enough to Beat India’ in Asia Cup 2025 Final, Declares Salman Ali Agha
Asia Cup 2025 Final: Road to the Final – Pakistan’s Strength in Tough Situations
While 135/8 wasn’t an intimidating score by T20 standards, Pakistan’s bowlers made it count. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf delivered lethal opening spells, dismantling Bangladesh’s top order. Saim Ayub’s two wickets further dented the chase, and the Men in Green eventually secured an 11-run victory.
This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Pakistan showed that even with an underwhelming batting performance, their bowling and fielding could carry them through. Teams that master the art of winning “ugly” games often go deep in tournaments.
Agha acknowledged the batting shortcomings:
“There are ways to improve, but we will be better in the final. We were 10-15 runs short – no way I am going to deny that. If we bowl the way we did up front, we will create pressure.”
Bowling as the Trump Card
Cricket history is full of examples where dominant bowling units tilt the balance in crunch matches. Pakistan’s pace attack has long been its crown jewel, and the Asia Cup 2025 is no different.
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Renowned for his early breakthroughs, his ability to swing the ball under lights makes him a nightmare for openers.
Haris Rauf: Consistently clocking speeds over 145 kph, his aggression and yorkers are game-changers in T20 cricket.
Support Acts: Spinners like Salman Ali Agha himself and Axar-like roles from all-rounders add flexibility to the attack.
When Pakistan’s pace battery fires in unison, they rarely lose. India’s star-studded batting lineup knows this all too well — one bad start could unravel the chase.
Fielding: A Silent Revolution
One area Pakistan has historically struggled with is fielding. Dropped catches and sloppy ground fielding have often haunted them in big tournaments. However, under fielding coach Shane McDermott and team director Mike Hesson, there has been a visible transformation.
Agha emphasized this new standard:
“Since Shane came, we have been working really hard. Mike, our coach said whoever cannot field, cannot be in the team so everyone is working very hard with Shane and I am happy with how everyone is fielding.”
This renewed focus is paying dividends. In the Super 4 clash, Pakistan’s sharpness in the field directly impacted Bangladesh’s momentum. Stopping singles, saving boundaries, and holding catches meant every run defended mattered.
India vs Pakistan is more than just a cricket match; it’s an event that grips millions. Both sides bring immense pressure into the contest, and often, the team that handles the nerves better triumphs.
Pakistan’s close win against Bangladesh may prove invaluable not just in cricketing terms but psychologically. Defending a low total against a competitive opponent builds trust within the team that they can thrive under pressure.
Agha captured this spirit:
“When you create pressure up front, it is tough to chase it down. Bowled well with the new ball, and once you bowl like this with the new ball, you win more often.”
This mindset could be decisive in the final, especially against a side like India, who rely heavily on strong starts from their top order.
Key Talking Points Ahead of the Final
As we head into the blockbuster clash, here are the factors that could define the final:
Pakistan’s Bowling vs India’s Batting: Can Shaheen and Haris neutralize India’s opening pair?
Middle-Order Firepower: Pakistan’s batting hasn’t fully clicked yet; the final demands bigger contributions.
Fielding Standards: Improved discipline in the field could save 15–20 runs the margin that often decides finals.
Handling Pressure: Both sides have superstar players, but the calmer team will hold the edge.
Conclusion
Salman Ali Agha’s remarks underline Pakistan’s belief that they are not just participants but serious contenders for the Asia Cup 2025 crown. By defending a small total and showcasing improvements in bowling and fielding, Pakistan enter the final with confidence and momentum.
For fans, the India-Pakistan final promises to be a historic occasion the first-ever in Asia Cup history. With Pakistan’s self-belief soaring and India’s batting giants waiting, cricket lovers worldwide are set for an unforgettable showdown.
