Suryakumar Yadav-led India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in a high-profile clash against the overhyped rivals to become the first team in the eight-team tournament to seal a berth in the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. Suryakumar Yadav finished the proceedings in MS Dhoni's style by smashing a six off Sufiyan Muqeem on the second last ball of the 16th over.
After opting to bat, Pakistan were off to an expected start as Hardik Pandya got the first breakthrough on his first legal delivery, dismissing Saim Ayub. The Men in Green were looking for a recovery. After losing two quick wickets, the Saim Ayub-led side looked to rebuild as Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman stitched a 39-run stand for the third wicket. But Jasprit Bumrah also struck early, removing Mohammad Haris on the second ball of his first over. Pakistan were 64/5 in 12.4 overs.
After early breakthroughs by the pacers, the spin trio, Axar Patel (2/18 in 4 overs), Kuldeep Yadav (3/18 in 4 overs), and Varun Chakravarthy (1/24 in 4 overs), were immaculate in terms of line and length, as none of the Pakistani batters showed the wherewithal to play them.
Between Axar, Kuldeep, and Varun, they delivered 40 dot balls, with another 15 added by Jasprit Bumrah, and one can understand the plight of the Pakistani batters. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi's (33 not out off 16 balls) cameo helped the side post 127/9.
In reply, Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13 balls) flayed their biggest bowling hope, Shaheen Shah Afridi (0/23 in 2 overs), with utter disdain, while Suryakumar celebrated his 35th birthday with a fine 47 not out off 37 balls in a chase completed in 15.5 overs. Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13) and Tilak Varma (31 off 31) were the other Indian batters who made significant contributions.
Brief scores:
Pakistan: 127/ 9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 40, Shaheen Afridi 33 not out; Kuldeep Yadav 3/18, Axar Patel 2/18).
India: 131/3 in 15.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 47 not out, Abhishek Sharma 31, Tilak Varma 31; Saim Ayub 3/35).