India's legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar was left unimpressed by Salman Agha-led Pakistan's lack of competitiveness against Suryakumar Yadav-led side on September 14 in T20 Asia Cup 2025 clash. Gavaskar recalled when he used to go and watch former Pakistan batter Hanif Mohammad at Wankhede Stadium. He went on to say that this Pakistan team won't put up a challenge against other major teams in the T20 Asia Cup 2025.
“This did not look like the Pakistan cricket team to me. It looked more like a Popatwadi team. I have followed the Pakistan cricket team for decades. One of my earliest cricketing memories is running from Churchgate station to the Wankhede Stadium to watch the legendary Hanif Mohammad play. This is not the same team. I don’t think they will be able to challenge other teams too much,” Gavaskar said on Sony Sports after the match.
Pakistan’s poor start and wickets falling in middle overs
Pakistan lost two wickets for just six runs. Hardik Pandya got rid of Saim Ayub off the first delivery whereas Mohammad Haris was caught after skying one off Jasprit Bumrah. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman survived the powerplay overs but could not accelerate against spinners.
From 45/2, they lost six wickets for 64 runs. Farhan held on to one end while skipper Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawz were dismissed cheaply. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav did not let Pakistan off the hook. Eventually, Farhan's patience ran out and he holed one out to Pandya off Kuldeep's bowling. In the slog overs, it was Shaheen Afridi's cameo of unbeaten 16-ball 33 featuring four sixes which took Pakistan to 127/9.
Easy run chase for India
After the cameo with bat, Afridi could not do damage with the new ball. Abhishek Sharma took him to the cleaners, getting India off to a flying start. Registered golden duck with bat, Ayub made an impact with the ball, getting Shubman Gill stumped in the second over. In the fourth over, he ended Abhishek's stay at the crease. he contributed with a 13-ball 31.
Captain Suryakumar and Tilak Varma took control of the run chase. Ayub returned to break the partnership with Varma's wicket. In the 16th over, Suryakumar finished the run chase with a six off left-arm chinaman bowler Sufiyan Muqeem. Suryakumar remained unbeaten for 47 off 37 balls.