DUBAI; India secured a convincing victory over Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, chasing down a modest target of 128 runs with seven wickets in hand.
Pakistan, sent in to bat first, struggled throughout their innings. The team managed only 127 for nine in 20 overs, playing more than 60 dot balls. Early setbacks derailed Pakistan’s momentum, with Saim Ayub dismissed for a duck in the first over by Hardik Pandya. Wickets continued to tumble, leaving the side reeling at 64 for five in 12.4 overs.
Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 41 off 44 balls, while Shaheen Shah Afridi offered late resistance with an explosive 33 from just 16 deliveries, including four towering sixes, giving Pakistan’s total some respectability. However, the lack of partnerships and poor shot selection proved costly.
India’s bowlers dominated the innings. Kuldeep Yadav led the attack with three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel picked up two each. Their disciplined bowling prevented Pakistan from building any substantial partnerships.
In response, India’s batting line-up looked comfortable. Captain Suryakumar Yadav anchored the chase with a composed 47, sealing victory in style with a six off Sufiyan Muqeem. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Verma contributed 31 runs apiece, ensuring India crossed the target in 15.5 overs. Saim Ayub was the only bowler to make an impact for Pakistan, claiming all three Indian wickets.
The electric atmosphere in Dubai reflected the intensity of this much-anticipated fixture. Fans from both nations packed the stands, but it was the Indian supporters who left celebrating.
This was the first cricketing encounter between the two countries since their brief military escalation in May earlier this year. Historically, the arch-rivals have clashed 20 times in Asia Cup history, with India now holding 11 wins compared to Pakistan’s 6, while three matches ended without result.
The defeat disappointed Pakistani fans, many of whom took to social media to vent their frustration at the team’s batting collapse. Some lamented the absence of former stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, while others turned to humour, recalling Pakistan’s military success in May when six Indian jets were shot down.
Despite moments of brilliance, including Farhan’s six off Bumrah, Pakistan’s shortcomings with the bat handed India a comfortable win and a strong start in their Asia Cup campaign.
