The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan is set to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This will be the third encounter between the two teams in the tournament, with India winning the previous two matches. However, the final carries immense pressure, with both teams vying for the championship title. This match presents an intriguing battle between the Indian top order and the Pakistani bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. The question is, which of the two pacers poses a greater threat to the Indian top order?
The Indian top order here refers to the trio 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 vs. Shaheen and Rauf**
Shaheen Shah Afridi has proven expensive against Abhishek Sharma in the Asia Cup 2025. He has conceded 31 runs off 14 balls with a strike rate of 221, including 3 sixes and 2 fours. Against Haris Rauf, Abhishek Sharma has only managed to score a single boundary, accumulating 11 runs off 9 balls.
**Shubman Gill vs. Shaheen and Rauf**
Shubman Gill has scored 62 runs off 53 balls against Shaheen in this Asia Cup, with a strike rate below 120 and an average of 31. He has been dismissed by Shaheen twice. Against Haris Rauf, Shubman has scored 14 runs off 22 balls and has been dismissed once.
**Suryakumar Yadav vs. Shaheen and Rauf**
Suryakumar Yadav, who is likely to bat at his preferred number 3 position in the final, has scored 6 runs off 6 balls against Shaheen, with 4 dot balls. Although he hasn’t been dismissed by Shaheen, he has struggled against him. Haris Rauf’s record against the Indian captain is even more impressive. Rauf has dismissed Suryakumar Yadav three times, conceding 11 runs off 10 balls.
After analyzing the data of India’s top 3 batsmen, it’s clear that Haris Rauf poses a greater threat than Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Asia Cup 2025 final. Rauf’s effectiveness can be gauged by his wicket-taking ability. He has taken 9 wickets so far and is the leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers in the tournament.