Dubai, September 14 – In one of the most politically charged India-Pakistan matches in recent memory, India delivered a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan by seven wickets in the Asia Cup 2025. A spin-inspired bowling effort restricted Pakistan to just 127/9, before India’s batting unit chased the target in 15.5 overs with flair and confidence.

First Innings: Pakistan Struggles Against Spin

Pakistan’s decision to bat first quickly backfired as they lost wickets inside the powerplay. India’s seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya removed the openers, setting the stage for the spinners to tighten the grip.

Kuldeep Yadav was the chief destroyer, bagging 3/18, while Axar Patel maintained pressure with a miserly spell and crucial breakthroughs.

Only Sahibzada Farhan (40 off 38) offered resistance at the top, while Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late cameo (33* off 18) helped Pakistan crawl to 127/9 in 20 overs.

Second Innings: India’s Clinical Chase

India’s chase was aggressive right from the first ball. Youngster Abhishek Sharma hammered 31 off 13 balls, putting Pakistan’s bowlers on the defensive. Tilak Varma (31 off 25) carried the innings forward before captain Suryakumar Yadav anchored the chase.

Suryakumar’s composed 47 not out guided India home, finishing with a stylish six to seal victory at 131/3 in 15.5 overs.

Key Turning Points

• Kuldeep Yadav’s three-wicket spell dismantled Pakistan’s middle order.
• Abhishek Sharma’s power hitting gave India early momentum in the chase.
• Suryakumar Yadav’s captain’s knock ensured calmness and control in the middle overs.

Full Scorecard

Pakistan Innings – 127/9 (20 overs)

• Sahibzada Farhan – 40 (38)
• Shaheen Shah Afridi – 33* (18)
• Babar Azam – 12 (14)
• Fakhar Zaman – 9 (10)
• Rest – single digits

Bowling (India):

• Kuldeep Yadav – 4-0-18-3
• Axar Patel – 4-0-22-2
• Hardik Pandya – 3-0-18-1
• Jasprit Bumrah – 4-0-23-1
• Arshdeep Singh – 4-0-32-1

India Innings – 131/3 (15.5 overs)

• Abhishek Sharma – 31 (13)
• Tilak Varma – 31 (25)
• Suryakumar Yadav (c) – 47* (34)
• Shivam Dube – 15* (10)
• Ruturaj Gaikwad – 4 (7)

Bowling (Pakistan):

• Shaheen Afridi – 3.5-0-28-1
• Naseem Shah – 3-0-24-1
• Haris Rauf – 3-0-32-0
• Shadab Khan – 4-0-25-1
• Imad Wasim – 2-0-20-0

Post-Match Context

The match carried more than sporting significance. Coming after the Pahalgam attack in May 2025, emotions were running high. The absence of handshakes between the teams at toss and after the game added to the tension.

India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, dedicating the win to the armed forces and victims of the attack, remarked that the team wanted to “play fearless cricket and give the country a reason to smile.”

Conclusion

India’s emphatic win not only strengthens their position in the Asia Cup but also highlights their balance across departments. For Pakistan, concerns remain about the fragility of their batting lineup, and they will need urgent improvements to stay alive in the tournament.