Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 stage produced yet another electrifying chapter of the India-Pakistan rivalry as India outclassed Pakistan by six wickets at the Dubai International Stadium. India won the toss and elected to bowl first; his decision was driven by the dew factor and India's recent success while chasing. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted he would have also preferred to bowl, setting up a fascinating tactical battle right from the start. India made the right decision; they restricted Pakistan to 171 /5 in 20 overs. Indian chased the total in 18.5 overs, 174/4. Abhishek Sharma and Shubham Gill performed so well.
Pakistan’s Strong Start Fades Away
Pakistan made a couple of changes at the top Sahibzada Frahan and Fakhar Zaman started well, but didn't last well. Zaman's catch was dropped in first over by Abhishek Sharma, but in 3rd over, he got dismissed by Hardik, and 21 21-run partnership ended in 15 balls. After that, Saim Ayub and Frahan survived and added 72 runs in 48 balls, but then Saim got out, and the Pakistan batting lineup started struggling. Only Frahan played a good innings of 58 runs in 45 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes. The middle orders put Pakistan under pressure. In the last, Faheem Ashraf got 20 runs in 8 balls from Pakistan, lifting the score to 171/5.
Indian Bowlers Below Par, But Effective Enough
India’s bowling lacked its usual sharpness. Jasprit Bumrah had a rare off day, conceding 45 runs in his four overs without a wicket. Only Varun Chakaravarthy was economical, 25 runs in the 4-over spell, but still went wicketless. Shivam Dubey got 2 wickets, and Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya got 1 wicket each, and still they managed to restrict Pakistan to 171 /5.
Gill and Abhishek Lead a Commanding Chase
Indian Openers Shubhman Gill and Abhishek Sharma dominated and showed why India is the No.1 team. They added 69 runs in the powerplay and rattled the Pakistani bowlers. They made a partnership of 105 runs in 59 balls. Shubman Gill got dismissed at 47 runs in 28 balls by Faheem Ashraf. After that, Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed on duck by Haris Rauf, but from the other en,d Abhishek continued and got 74 runs in 39 balls with 6 fours and 5 sixes. Nothing left, India comfortably chased down the total with Tilak 30 runs in 19 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes. India chased the total in 18.5 balls.
Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles Continue
Haris Rauf was the only standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 2/26 in his four overs. Shaheen Afridi went wicketless after conceding 40 runs in 3.5. Their mystery spinner Abrar, conceded 42 runs in his 4-over spell, with one wicket. Their inability to break partnerships hurt Pakistan’s chances badly.
Heated Exchanges Add Drama
Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf tried to distract the Indian openers during the powerplay, even making gestures related to “Operation Sindoor,” adding tension to the contest. However, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill remained unfazed, responding with commanding batting that left the Pakistani bowlers frustrated.
India’s commanding victory highlighted their batting depth and composure under pressure. Abhishek Sharma’s brilliance and Gill’s fluent knock ensured a comfortable chase. Pakistan, meanwhile, will need urgent improvements in both batting and bowling to stay alive in the tournament. For India, the only concern remains Jasprit Bumrah’s form, as the pacer will be crucial in the upcoming matches.