The stage is set for the India-Pakistan final in the Asia Cup 2025, to be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This will be the third meeting between the two teams in the tournament, with India having won both prior matches. However, the final carries enormous weight, with the title on the line. This highly anticipated match will witness an exciting contest between the Indian top order and Pakistani bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. The crucial question is, which bowler poses the biggest challenge to India’s top order?
The Indian top order consists of Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav. Let’s analyze the performances of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf against these three batsmen.
**Abhishek Sharma’s Performance against Afridi and Rauf**
In the Asia Cup 2025, Shaheen Shah Afridi has had a costly outing against Abhishek Sharma. He has conceded 31 runs off 14 balls, with a high strike rate of 221, including 3 sixes and 2 fours. Against Haris Rauf, Abhishek Sharma has only managed a single boundary, scoring 11 runs from 9 balls.
**Shubman Gill’s Performance**
Shubman Gill has scored 62 runs off 53 balls against Shaheen in this Asia Cup, with a strike rate lower than 120 and an average of 31. He has been dismissed by Shaheen twice. Against Haris Rauf, Shubman has accumulated 14 runs from 22 balls and was dismissed once.
**Suryakumar Yadav’s Performance**
Suryakumar Yadav, likely to bat at number 3, has scored 6 runs off 6 balls against Shaheen, with 4 dot balls. He hasn’t been dismissed by Shaheen but has faced difficulties. Haris Rauf’s record against the Indian captain is stronger. Rauf has dismissed Suryakumar Yadav three times, while conceding 11 runs off 10 balls.
Based on these statistics, Haris Rauf appears to be a greater threat to the Indian top order in the Asia Cup 2025 final compared to Shaheen Shah Afridi. Rauf’s threat is highlighted by his wicket-taking record, having taken 9 wickets, the most by any fast bowler in the tournament.