DUBAI – India maintained their dominance in Asia Cup cricket with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in a Group A clash of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan faltered against a disciplined Indian attack and managed only 127/9 in their 20 overs despite a fighting 40 from opener Sahibzada Farhan and a late 33-run cameo by Shaheen Shah Afridi. India’s chase was powered by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 31 off 13 balls at the top, followed by a steady 56-run partnership between captain Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. Suryakumar anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 47 off 37 deliveries, guiding India home with 25 balls to spare. For Pakistan, Saim Ayub was the only bowler to make an impact, claiming all three Indian wickets, though his effort came too late to prevent a one-sided outcome.
Earlier, Pakistan slipped to 64/6 after losing wickets in quick succession, with Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/20) leading India’s bowling charge. Shaheen’s fireworks at the death gave Pakistan something to defend, but the total proved far from enough against a ruthless Indian batting unit.
Scores in Brief
INDIA 128/3 in 15.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 47*, Abhishek Sharma 31, Tilak Varma 31; Saim Ayub 3-35) beat PAKISTAN 127/9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 40, Shaheen Afridi 33; Kuldeep Yadav 3-18, Bumrah 2-20, Axar 2-23) by 7 wickets.
