Pakistan’s long wait to beat India in men’s cricket continues after the defending champions won the Asia Cup 2025 by seven wickets in Dubai.
Abhishek Sharma Leads India’s Chase
Opener Abhishek Sharma won the match with a brilliant 31 runs off just 13 balls. His aggressive start put Pak on the back foot quickly, taking the game away from them.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav supported the charge with 47 runs off 37 balls, guiding India to a comfortable victory. This win marked India’s second success in the tournament.
Sharma’s Power-Hitting Performance
Sharma showed why he is ranked as the top men’s T20 batter. He attacked Pak pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi from the very first over.
- Hit the first ball for a four.
- Followed that up with a six over the cover fielder.
- Added another six and three more fours before being dismissed.
While losing his wicket, India maintained control of the run chase, finally sealing the win with a six from Suryakumar in the 16th over.
Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles
Former Pak test spinner Saim Ayub was the only Pakistani bowler to take wickets. He struck out Sharma, Shubman Gill, who scored 10 runs off seven balls, and Tilak Varma, who scored 31 runs off 31 balls.
- Ayub’s primary role is as an opening batter, not a bowler.
- India’s batting remained strong despite losing three wickets.
India’s Confident Run Chase
India never appeared under pressure during the chase. Even after losing key wickets, their powerful batting and smart strike rotation allowed a smooth chase of Pakistan’s target.
Match Highlights: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025
- India won by seven wickets in Dubai, continuing their dominance over Pakistan.
- Abhishek Sharma starred with 31 runs off just 13 balls, attacking from the first over.
- Suryakumar Yadav contributed 47 runs off 37 balls to guide India home.
- Pakistan’s only wickets were taken by part-time spinner Saim Ayub.
- Early breakthroughs by Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya gave India control.
- Spin attack dominated: India’s spinners took six wickets in 10 overs.
- Match-winning six by Suryakumar Yadav in the 16th over sealed victory.
- Pakistan struggled on Dubai pitch, unable to build partnerships after early losses.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
Paki captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to take advantage of the slowing Dubai pitch. However, early wickets upset their plan.
- Saim Ayub was caught at point off Hardik Pandya’s first ball.
- One-down batter Mohammad Haris fell in the next over to Jasprit Bumrah.
Although Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman tried to revive the innings, India’s spinners dominated.
Spin Trio Dominates Pakistan
India’s spin attack took six wickets in ten overs, leaving Pak struggling to reach a respectable total. The slow Dubai pitch played into India’s hands, helping bowlers keep the pressure.
Match Summary
- India won by seven wickets.
- Abhishek Sharma scored 31 off 13 balls.
- Suryakumar Yadav contributed 47 off 37 balls.
- Saim Ayub took all three Indian wickets for Pakistan.
- India’s spin trio restricted Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
- Early wickets can change the game’s momentum.
- Aggressive batting in T20 matches is crucial.
- Spin bowling is very effective on slow pitches.
- Strong captaincy helps guide the team under pressure.
India’s victory continues their dominance over Pakistan in Asia Cup T20 matches, showing excellent strategy, strong batting, and disciplined bowling.
