Bharath Ramaraj in Dubai
In what turned out to be a virtual semi-final, Pakistan emerged victorious over Bangladesh to secure a place in the final of the 2025 Asia Cup. The subplot to Pakistan winning the game was that, for the first time in the 41-year history of the tournament, they will meet archrivals India in the final.
So, given that backdrop, here is an analysis on their strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths
The lower order: More than the core of the batting unit, it is the lower order that seems to have the required firepower to hurt opponents. In the game against Bangladesh, Pakistan were reeling at 49 for 5. Mohammad Haris, the wicketkeeper-bat, alongside Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf powered Pakistan to a fighting score of 135.
In one of the group games against the UAE, Pakistan were once more struggling at 88 for 5. Shaheen came to their rescue with a quickfire 14-ball 29. Even in a couple of India-Pakistan matches, Shaheen and Faheem had played crucial hands.
Shaheen’s wrist v Bangladesh: Shaheen is yet to pick up a wicket against India in this tournament. In fact, he has gone for 63 runs in just under six overs. Perhaps he was trying too hard. The resultant outcome could be some tension in his wrist. The Indian top order also comprises quality batters.
The Pakistan think-tank, though, would be pleased with how Shaheen has bowled in his previous two matches. While facing Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, he seemed to be cocking the wrist. Or rather, it was firm and relaxed. And he was getting more movement. The litmus test, however, would be against India. Meanwhile, Haris Rauf bowled with a burst of pace on Thursday, although India’s batters don’t seem to be worried by just that.
Weaknesses
The batting unit: None of Pakistan’s batters have a strike-rate of over 120. With a modest strike-rate of 117.39, Fakhar Zaman is the best of the lot. Salman Agha’s strike-rate of 78.04 wouldn’t even get him into certain ODI sides. Saim Ayub, the top-order batter, has made some valuable contributions with the ball in hand, but has had a wretched tournament with the willow, averaging under four. Sahibzada Farhan, the new kid on the block, has a strike-rate below 110.
Absorbing pressure in a big game: In both their matches versus India so far, Pakistan seemed to lose the plot under pressure. Probably their bowlers, including Abrar Ahmed and Saim, tried too hard while bowling to the Indian opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. In sport, it is about channeling your aggression in a certain way that would help you to get the desired result.
Verdict: India are set to start as the favourites, and they would be expected to seal their ninth title. But any Pakistan side with some momentum can’t be underestimated. The Pakistan camp would believe it is about playing well on a given day. And they would intensify their focus on India’s in-form opening pair, especially a certain Abhishek Sharma.
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