On Sunday, September 21, India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium with yet another thrilling chase.
Suryakumar Yadav affirmed that his team will bowl first after the Indian team notably won the toss.
Sahibzada Farhan, the opener, and Saim Ayub, the number three, gave Pakistan a strong start. The two had a respectable partnership, with Ayub ending his run of three straight ducks with 21 runs from 17 balls and Sahibzada scoring a fluid 58 off 45 balls, including five fours and three sixes.
Mohammad Nawaz (21), captain Salman Agha (17*), and Faheem Ashraf (20*) all contributed to Pakistan’s innings in the middle overs, which helped the side post a respectable score of 171/5. Shivam Dube, who claimed two vital wickets in the middle overs, was India’s most impressive bowler. Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya each contributed one wicket. Dube’s final numbers were 2/33.
India’s openers, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, set the stage with a scorching 105-run partnership for the first wicket as they chased 172. Abhishek hammered 74 off 39 balls, while Gill scored 47 off 28 balls. However, Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian captain, left for a duck. Tilak Varma led India to a six-wicket victory with an undefeated 30 off 19 balls, while Sanju Samson contributed 13 runs.
Talking Points
1. Ayub and Sahibzada’s clinical collaboration
Pakistan had a solid foundation thanks to the 72-run partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub from 49 balls for the second wicket. Five fours and three sixes adorned Sahibzada’s 58, while Ayub overcame his previous setbacks to score 21 runs.
2. Dube’s middle-overs masterclass
Shivam Dube, who was brought in following the powerplay, had a big influence by getting rid of two set batsmen and returning figures of 2/33, which helped India regain control. He took Sahibzada’s wicket during his session after dismissing Saim Ayub with a superb catch by Abhishek Sharma.
3. The ferocious initial exchange between Abhishek and Gill
The pace of India’s chase was established by the opening 105-run partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. Their aggressive strategy cleared the path for a comfortable finish and maintained control over the necessary run pace. Abhishek hammered 74 off 39 balls, adorned with five sixes and six fours, while Gill struck 47 off 28 balls, including eight fours.
Who Made What Remark?
The Player of the Match is Abhishek Sharma.
Today was rather straightforward, and I did not enjoy the manner they were approaching us without any justification. I pursued them for that reason. For the team, I wanted to deliver. Since we like each other’s company and have been playing since school, we decided to do it today. I truly liked the way he was returning it. I practise a lot, and if it’s my day, I’ll win it for my team. If you see someone playing like that, that’s what I’m trying to do.
Salman Agha, the losing captain from Pakistan
Although we haven’t yet achieved ideal gameplay, we are making progress. It was a fantastic game, but they stole it from us during the powerplay. We could have had ten or fifteen extra overs after ten. Although 170-180 is a respectable total, they excelled in the powerplay, which made the difference. In T20 cricket, you must alter the situation if you observe that the bowlers are attempting to score runs. Numerous positives can be found in the manner Harry bowled, Farhan batted, and Fakhar batted.
India’s Suryakumar Yadav (winning captain)
The boys’ excellent performance in every game is making my job a lot easier. There was a lot of character about the lads. After the first ten overs (of India’s bowling innings), they were at ease. Following drinks, I informed them that the game had begun. That’s okay, he’s not a robot, and one day he will have a terrible day (referring to Bumrah). Dube saved us from the predicament. Between Abhishek and Gill, they are a great match. It is comparable to the mix of fire and ice. All of the guys that had butter fingers today received an email from our fielding coach following the first inning.
India
