A strong performance by team India whipped out Pakistan with a comfortable seven-wicket win in the Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Following a target of 128, the Men in Blue finished the match in 15.5 overs to reach the Super Fours.
Early Wickets Leave Pakistan Struggling
Pakistan's captain, Salman Agha, decided to bat first on a dry pitch that was likely to assist spin bowlers. Within a single ball, the decision proved to be disastrous as Hardik Pandya first bowled Saim Ayub. Not long after, Jasprit Bumrah bowled Mohammad Haris. Pakistan was struggling to recover after being at 6/2 in less than 3 overs. Fakhar Zaman, who was able to score 17 runs, along with Sahibzada Farhan who was able to score 40 runs, helped with Pakistan's recovery but both fell to the spin bowling of Axar Patel along with Agha. Kuldeep Yadav was able to gain respect with a deadly spell of 4 overs 18 runs, taking 3 wickets. Pakistan fell to 64/6 with the middle order collapsing, only recovering to 127/9 with 33 runs from Shaheen Afridi.
Kuldeep Yadav Leads India’s Bowling Attack
Kuldeep Yadav was in his element, tearing through the batting order and ensuring his team controlled the middle overs. Axar Patel pulled off a commendable 2/18 while Varun Chakravarthy completed his spell with 1/24. Collectively, the Indian spinners bowled a remarkable 13 overs at an economy of 5 and took 6 wickets. Pandya and Bumrah’s early wickets further reduced any chances of a recovery for Pakistan.
India’s Chase Dominated from the Start
India’s response started off quite strongly. Abhishek Sharma took on Shaheen Afridi in the powerplay and hit 31 off 13 balls. While Saim Ayub impressed in the game against most of the frontline hitters grabbing 3/35 and with Shubman Gill managing 10 and Tilak Varma hitting 31. Suryakumar Yadav scored an undefeated 47 in 37 balls and anchored the innings. Suryakumar and Shivam Dube, who scored 10* won the match with a six during the 16th over of the innings.
No Handshakes Amid Rising Tensions
The unusual scenes after the match were as memorable as the match itself. The Indian players, after the victory, rather than the traditional handshake, went straight to the dugout. The Pakistan’s players, who by the boundary line, were also blanked and this certainly heightened the simmering tension surrounding the match.
Victory Dedicated to Pahalgam Victims and Soldiers
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and to Indian soldiers. “This win is for the victims of the Pahalgam attack and our brave soldiers,” he said.
Kuldeep Yadav, named Player of the Match, credited the team’s preparation and execution for the emphatic result.
India Marches Ahead, Pakistan in Trouble
The result almost guarantees India’s progression to the Super Fours. Pakistan, meanwhile, faces a must-win situation in its remaining group match to stay alive in the tournament.
India’s clinical performance once again underlined its dominance in high-pressure games against their arch-rivals.