Shaheen Afridi hasn’t been in great form for Pakistan, but bowling coach Ashley Noffke believes that the pacer is ready to hit the top gear in the Asia Cup 2025. The pacer was left out of the Pakistan squad for the Bangladesh T20I series, but was included in the squad for the West Indies series, where he fared better, and it paved the way for his selection.
Noffke said that Afridi is bowling in the 140 km/h range and would soon click the 150km/h mark.
“In terms of pace, he is aware it has dropped and he has experienced a dip in form,” Noffke said of Afridi ahead of the tri-series between Pakistan, hosts UAE, and Afghanistan as quoted by ICC.
“Recovering pace takes time, but we’re building nicely now. We’ve started seeing more balls in the 140km/h range during the West Indies series. He’s definitely on his way back, and his confidence is growing. There’s a bit of technique, mindset, and a good release point involved, all of which are crucial for bowlers presenting their best.”
Pakistan Rest Hopes On Afridi-Rauf Duo
If Afridi returns to form, and along with Haris Rauf – their bowling could be lethal. One of the major reasons why Pakistan have struggled in shorter formats is the below par performances of the bowlers, and ordinary batting. The team has tried to cover most bases in the Asia Cup and included genuine match winners. Pakistan would be desperate to do well at the Asia Cup where they could play three times if both teams reach the final. India and Pakistan will clash each other in the group stage on September 14 at Dubai International Stadium.
Pakistan squad for 2025 Asia Cup: Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem