By Zainab Shafiq 
The ongoing Asia Cup 2025 has witnessed plenty of breathtaking performances, but none more surprising than Shaheen Shah Afridi’s batting in Asia Cup. Known globally for his lethal left-arm pace, Afridi has now added explosive lower-order batting to his arsenal. His fearless stroke play has captured headlines, left opponents wary, and even forced India’s Kuldeep Yadav to acknowledge his impact.
It’s not often a frontline bowler becomes a talking point for his batting. Yet, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s batting in Asia Cup has quickly become one of the tournament’s defining stories. Fans are celebrating his six-hitting cameos, while cricket experts agree his ability to rescue Pakistan in pressure moments gives the side a new edge.
Kuldeep’s Praise and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Batting in Asia Cup
On the eve of India’s final group-stage clash against Oman, Kuldeep Yadav was asked about his strategy against opposition players. Instead of offering technical details, the left-arm wrist-spinner shifted the focus toward Afridi. He described Pakistan’s talisman as “playing really well,” highlighting how the bowler-turned-hitter has forced rivals to rethink their plans.
“When you are bowling, you try to read the opposition batters. There are some good batters who play well. Shaheen Afridi is playing really well. In the last two matches, he has played many attacking shots.
“Cricket is a game where even when you make mistakes, you learn. No game is perfect for you, and it is not a failure for you at the same time. From every game you improve and learn how to get better.”
Afridi’s innings against India was the biggest example. Walking in at 83/7, he turned a collapse into a late counterattack with an unbeaten 33 off 16 balls, hammering four towering sixes. Earlier, against UAE, his unbeaten 29 from 14 deliveries with three fours and two sixes proved equally vital in setting up a defendable total.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s batting in Asia Cup is more than just a string of cameos—it’s reshaping Pakistan’s balance. Traditionally dependent on their top order for runs, Pakistan now boasts a genuine lower-order finisher. Kuldeep’s comments underline that even opposition camps are taking notice.
With the Super Four stage approaching, Afridi’s dual role as a strike bowler and unexpected power-hitter could tilt matches in Pakistan’s favor. If his form continues, he may end up being remembered not only for his devastating yorkers but also for his game-changing sixes.
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