Kuldeep Yadav, spearheading India’s spin attack in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, has heaped praise on Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi—not for his bowling, but for his batting. Shaheen has surprised many with back-to-back impactful performances down the order. Against India on September 14 in Dubai, he struck an unbeaten 33 off just 16 balls, and followed it up with a brisk 29 from 14 deliveries against UAE on September 17.
Speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi on September 18, ahead of India’s final Group A clash against Oman, Kuldeep Yadav acknowledged the value of Shaheen’s cameos. “Shaheen Afridi is playing really well. In the last two matches, he has played some attacking shots and made important contributions. Cricket is a game of learning—you improve every time you play,” he said.
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Shaheen’s knock against India came from the No. 9 position, where he hammered four towering sixes in the final overs. His assault lifted Pakistan to 127/9, giving their bowlers something to defend. However, the total wasn’t enough as Suryakumar Yadav led India’s chase with a composed unbeaten 47, sealing victory in just 15.5 overs.
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav praised Shaheen Afridi for contributing with the bat.#TOKInAsiaCup #ShaheenShahAfridi pic.twitter.com/IukZcZolQS
— TOK Sports (@TOKSports021) September 18, 2025
Against UAE, Shaheen continued his all-round form, contributing with both bat and ball in Pakistan’s commanding 41-run win. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award, further underlining his growing importance to the side beyond his role with the new ball.
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The spotlight now turns to Dubai once again, where India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the Super 4 stage on Sunday, September 21. With Shaheen in form and India’s batting firing, fans can expect another high-voltage clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
