PAK vs UAE Power Battle: Can Muhammad Waseem Survive Shaheen Afridi's Deadly Spell?

Muhammad Waseem vs Shaheen Afridi player battle [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @dhillow_/X.com]

Pakistan is set to face the UAE in match 10 of the Asia Cup 2025 season in what is a virtual knockout contest for the men in green. Having lost to India in the last encounter, Pakistan will have to exit the group stages if they somehow fall short against the UAE.

Having said that, Pakistan, a full ICC member nation, holds an edge given their experience in the international arena. The UAE, an associate member, will be put to the task against the quality spin attack of men in green, featuring Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz and Sufiyan Muqeem. 

Apart from spinners, left-arm medium pacer Shaheen Afridi is a significant threat awaiting the UAE. But if there is one batter the UAE can count on, it is their captain, Muhammad Waseem.

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Muhammad Waseem’s Record Vs Left-Arm Pacers In T20

Captain Muhammad Waseem is the United Arab Emirates’ most experienced and senior member. In his 84-game-long T20I career, Waseem has scored 3010 runs with a 38.10 average and a 154.12 strike rate. 

Not only that, but he has slammed 3 hundred and 24 half-centuries for the UAE. His record against left-arm medium pacers, in particular, is noteworthy. In 39 T20Is, Waseem scored 304 runs off 222 balls faced with a 33.8 average, 136.9 strike rate and was dismissed 9 times.

In his T20 career, Wassem has hit 159 runs in 119 balls against left-arm bowlers with a 39.8 average, 133.6 strike rate and was dismissed 4 times.

Given the sample size, Muhammad Waseem seems to have fairly tackled left-arm pacers. Though his numbers aren’t flashy, his patience and perseverance will certainly take him a long way.

Muhammad Waseem Vs Shahen Afridi

Against Pakistan, Muhammad Waseem will face deceptive left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi. In their short face-off in T20Is, the UAE skipper has scored 4 runs off 4 balls, without getting dismissed.

In the Asia Cup 2025, Muhammad Waseem vs Shaheen Afridi's contest will be worth watching. Waseem, an aggressive opener, has the power to put pressure on pace bowlers early. If he gets the short ball right and plays positively, he can disrupt Afridi's line and length.

But Shaheen brings swing, angle, and experience, especially early in the innings when the ball is new. Recently, commentators and cricket experts have said Shaheen is back in rhythm, bowling in the 140 km/h range and looking sharper than he has been in some time.

Hence, if conditions favour swing or seam, Afridi likely has the upper hand in the early overs. But if Waseem manages to survive the early outburst and gain confidence, he may punish loose bowling.

All things said and done, Shaheen Afridi might just edge this duel, but Muhammad Waseem has the tools to steal the spotlight if he starts strong.

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