Pakistan’s spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has vowed his team will see India if both reached the final of ongoing Asia Cup, proclaiming ‘we are here to win the Cup.’
Pakistan cruised to a five wicket win over Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi to open their Super Four account after losing a rematch against India by six wickets.
Bangladesh stands between a first-ever Asia Cup final between Pakistan and India. The archrivals have never met in an Asia Cup final in 16 editions of the regional event.
India need to beat Bangladesh on Wednesday to reach September 28 final in Dubai while Pakistan can join them by beating Bangladesh on Thursday.
Asked by Telecomasia whether he sees a third India-Pakistan clash, Shaheen replied: “Let India first reach the final.
“We need to win one more match and then whoever comes in the final we are here to win the Cup.”
“We are confident that we will win a third time. We need to play aggressive cricket and that we will do.”
Shaheen played down Indian captain Suryakumar’s brutal statement that Pakistan’s continuous loss against India has left the fiercest rivalry as non-existent. “What he said is his opinion. Let them reach the final then we will see them.”
Shaheen said he always tries to give his 100 per cent on the field. “My job is to raise the morale of the team so whether it is in batting or bowling I try my best. I scored runs for my team and in the same way I take wickets for my team.’
Shaheen finished with 3-28 – taking a first over wicket for the 21st time in his career. Pakistan kept Sri Lanka down to 133-8 with Kamindu Mendis hitting a fighting 50.
Shaheen said his team will not take Bangladesh lightly. “We respect all our opponents,” said Shaheen of Bangladesh against whom Pakistan won 3-0 at home but lost 2-1 in away T20Is series this year.
Shaheen said a young Pakistan team is achieving goals. “We are a young team but we are winning matches and achieving goals. We came here to win the tri-series and we did that. Now we are here to win the Asia Cup and we will win that.”
Pakistan beat Afghanistan in Sharjah to win the tri-series that preceded the Asia Cup.
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