Shaheen Afridi Reveals the Batsman He Struggles to Bowl to Most, Not Kohli

Shaheen Afridi is set to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s fast bowling attack for the Asia Cup 2025, which begins on September 9. As one of the leading pacers in the team, his ability to take early wickets and maintain pressure with pace and swing will be pivotal for Pakistan’s chances in the tournament. Interestingly, this edition of the Asia Cup will see Shaheen and Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli missing a direct clash, as Kohli has retired from T20 International cricket, leaving fans curious about Shaheen’s toughest opponents on the field.

In T20I cricket, Shaheen has had some memorable battles with Kohli. Across four innings against the Indian star, Kohli has scored 88 runs, while Shaheen has successfully dismissed him twice. Despite Kohli’s consistency and talent, Shaheen recently revealed that the batsman he finds most difficult to bowl to is not Kohli, nor other contemporary greats like Joe Root or Steve Smith. In a candid discussion on a podcast, reported by NDTV, Shaheen singled out former South African great Hashim Amla as his toughest challenge.

Shaheen elaborated on his admiration for Amla’s batting technique, saying, “I have played Test and ODI matches against him, and he is a tough opponent. I also played a match against him in the Vitality Blast, a T20 tournament held in England. I thought he was a very good batsman, and the best at what he does. Virat Kohli is a different player, but Hashim bhai is even tougher than him. The toughest.” This statement highlights not only Shaheen’s respect for Amla’s cricketing ability but also the nuances of facing different styles of batting, where technique and temperament often outweigh raw statistics or recent form.

The Asia Cup 2025 is eagerly awaited by cricket fans worldwide, with Pakistan and India expected to draw maximum attention. The tournament will kick off on September 9, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the opening match. The marquee encounter between India and Pakistan, scheduled for September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, is set to be the tournament’s highlight. Matches like these are always high-stakes, given the historic rivalry and the intense pressure that players like Shaheen face. His ability to deliver under such circumstances will be closely watched.

This edition of the Asia Cup features eight teams divided into two groups of four. Group A includes Pakistan, India (defending champions), the host UAE, and Oman, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. The format ensures that the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, setting the stage for more competitive cricket. Pakistan will start their campaign against UAE on September 10, giving Shaheen the first opportunity to make an impact and gain momentum before facing more formidable opponents, including India in the high-pressure clash on the 14th.

Shaheen Afridi’s form and mindset heading into the Asia Cup will be crucial for Pakistan. His insights about facing batsmen like Hashim Amla also reveal his analytical approach and respect for skill, which can translate into smarter bowling strategies against different teams. As Pakistan navigates through the group stages and aims for the Super Four, Shaheen’s experience, pace, and ability to adapt to varying conditions will be key. With expectations running high, particularly in matches against rivals like India, all eyes will be on Shaheen Afridi to deliver the performances that could define Pakistan’s campaign in Asia Cup 2025.