The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium promises a thrilling contest. It’s the third time these teams will meet in the tournament, with India having won the previous two matches. However, the final brings added pressure. The clash will pit India’s top order against the bowling prowess of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. The key question: Which Pakistani bowler poses the biggest threat to India’s key batsmen?
India’s top order comprises Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav. Let’s examine how Afridi and Rauf have fared against them.
**Abhishek Sharma’s Encounters**
In the Asia Cup 2025, Shaheen Shah Afridi has proven expensive against Abhishek Sharma. He has conceded 31 runs off just 14 balls, with a striking strike rate of 221, including sixes and fours. Against Haris Rauf, Abhishek Sharma has only managed one boundary, scoring 11 runs off 9 balls.
**Shubman Gill’s Performances**
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. Facing Haris Rauf, Shubman scored 14 runs off 22 balls and was dismissed once.
**Suryakumar Yadav’s Battles**
Suryakumar Yadav, who is likely to bat at number 3, has scored 6 runs off 6 balls against Shaheen, with a number of dot balls. He hasn’t been dismissed by Shaheen but struggled. Haris Rauf’s record against the Indian captain is superior. Rauf has dismissed Suryakumar Yadav three times, while conceding only 11 runs off 10 balls.
After considering the data, Haris Rauf appears to be a greater threat to the Indian top order in the Asia Cup 2025 final. Rauf’s impact is also reflected in his wicket-taking count, having already taken 9 wickets and leading the tournament’s fast bowlers.