India outclassed Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 by seven wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The Men in Blue chased down a modest 128-run target with ease, finishing the contest with 25 balls to spare.
India began the run chase aggressively despite losing Shubman Gill in the second over. Abishek gave the innings early firepower with a rapid 31 off just 13 balls. His knock included four boundaries and two sixes before Saim Ayub removed him in the fourth over.
With the score at 41 for 2 in 3.4 overs, Tilak Varma joined skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the crease. The pair consolidated India’s position by adding 56 runs for the third wicket. Varma played a steady knock of 31 runs, striking two fours and a six, before Saim dismissed him in the 13th over.
Suryakumar, however, ensured there were no hiccups. He anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 37 deliveries, featuring five boundaries and a six. It was his highest score against Pakistan in T20 internationals and carried India home comfortably.
Saim Ayub was the lone shining light in Pakistan’s bowling attack, claiming all three Indian wickets for 35 runs in his four overs. But it was Kuldeep Yadav who made the real impact on the game. He dismantled Pakistan’s batting order and was deservedly named Player of the Match after returning with figures of 3 for 18.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to bat first proved costly. The Green Shirts could only muster 127 for 9 in their 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan stood firm with a fighting knock but lacked support from the other end.
The innings began in disaster. Openers Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris were sent packing for zero and three by Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah in the opening overs. With only six runs on the board, the pressure mounted instantly.
Fakhar Zaman, scoring 17, tried to steady the ship with Farhan. Together, they added 39 runs for the third wicket. However, Axar Patel broke the partnership by dismissing Fakhar in the eighth over. That triggered a middle-order collapse, leaving Pakistan reeling at 64 for 6 in 12.5 overs.
Farhan continued to resist, striking one four and three sixes in his 40-run innings. But his dismissal in the 17th over, caught off Kuldeep, deepened Pakistan’s woes.
Shaheen Shah Afridi then provided late fireworks. Batting at number nine, he smashed 33 off just 16 balls, which included four sixes. Faheem Ashraf added 11 and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with 10, but Pakistan’s total remained below par.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav was outstanding, while Bumrah and Axar picked up two wickets each. Varun Chakravarthy and Hardik Pandya also claimed one wicket apiece.
India’s dominant victory in the Asia Cup 2025 clash not only highlighted their depth but also exposed Pakistan’s fragile middle order. The win strengthened India’s position in the tournament and reaffirmed their supremacy in high-pressure matches.