Dubai witnessed a flash of nostalgia on Sunday night as Shaheen Shah Afridi evoked memories of his father-in-law, Shahid Afridi, with a breathtaking late assault in Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash against India.Walking in with his side reeling at 83/7, Shaheen turned what looked like a meek collapse into an innings with bite. He smashed 33 not out off just 16 balls, studded with four towering sixes, rescuing Pakistan from complete despair and lifting them to 127/9 in their 20 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The most eye-catching moment came in the final over against Hardik Pandya. Pandya served up a low full toss that Shaheen launched over long-on for his fourth six of the night. Just a ball earlier, the left-hander had knelt down and smoked another into the stands, drawing loud cheers from Pakistani fans and sparking inevitable comparisons with Shahid “Boom Boom” Afridi, famous for his fearless six-hitting.Watch:Earlier, India’s bowlers dominated the innings. Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) sliced through the top order, while Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy claimed two wickets apiece. Pakistan’s batting card made for grim reading, with only Sahibzada Farhan (40) and Fakhar Zaman (17) showing brief resistance.Hardik, otherwise sharp with three wickets and quick strikes in the powerplay, ended up conceding 34 off his three overs, with Shaheen’s onslaught leaving him visibly frustrated.For India, it was a reminder that against Pakistan, the fight often comes from unexpected quarters. Shaheen Afridi, usually feared with the ball, showed he could echo the explosive spirit of Shahid Afridi with the bat too.
