Sports Desk
India thrashed Pakistan by seven wickets by easily chasing a 128-run target in the Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 129-run target, India comfortably knocked the winning runs for the loss of three wickets and 25 balls to spare.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan struggled to build momentum and managed just 127/9 in 20 overs. Their innings faltered early as Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris departed cheaply, leaving them reeling at 6/2. Sahibzada Farhan (40 off 44) anchored one end, adding a brief partnership with Fakhar Zaman (17), but a middle-order collapse saw the side slump to 64/6. Shaheen Shah Afridi provided late fireworks with a quickfire 33 off 16 balls, smashing four sixes, but India’s bowlers remained dominant. Kuldeep Yadav starred with 3/18, while Bumrah and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each.
In reply, India’s chase was set alight by Abishek’s explosive 31 off 13 balls, even after Shubman Gill’s early exit. Tilak Varma chipped in with a steady 31 before falling to Saim Ayub, Pakistan’s lone standout bowler with 3/35. Captain Suryakumar Yadav then steered India home with a composed, unbeaten 47 off 37, his highest T20I score against Pakistan.
The comprehensive win further cements India’s strong campaign in the tournament.