In a bold statement ahead of the historic T20 Asia Cup 2025 final, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has warned the Indian team, asserting that his side is "good enough to beat anyone." This confidence comes after Pakistan secured a thrilling 11-run victory over Bangladesh in a virtual semi-final in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, setting up a title clash with arch-rivals India on September 28.
Despite defending a modest total of 135, Pakistan's bowlers, led by Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, staged a remarkable comeback. The win has visibly boosted the team's morale. "We are really settled. We are a good enough team to beat anyone. We are excited, and we will be looking to beat them in the final," Agha stated in the post-match presentation.
Echoing the captain's sentiment but with a strategic focus, Pakistan's head coach, Mike Hesson, emphasized the importance of peaking at the right time. "We know that we played on the 14th [Group Stage] and the 21st [Super Four]. But really, the only match that counts is the one at the end. That will be our focus: trying to play our best game when it counts," Hesson remarked in the press conference. India has won both previous encounters in this tournament.
Adding to the pre-final buzz, former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar offered crucial advice on a local sports show. He urged the team to "break the aura" India has built. "India ka aura jo bana hua hai, woh todh kar andar jaye (Break the aura India has created and go in with that attitude)," Akhtar advised, stressing an aggressive bowling approach to dismiss the Indian batting lineup.
The anticipation is palpable among fans, with a viral video showing a supporter passionately pleading with bowler Haris Rauf, "Badla lena hai. India ko chhorna nahi hai (We have to take revenge. Don't let India off the hook)."
All eyes are now on the Dubai International Stadium for what promises to be an electrifying finale to the Asia Cup.
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