India dominated arch-rivals Pakistan to secure a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in Match No. 6 of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket
Stadium. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bat first, notably without a customary handshake with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.
Pakistan faltered early, losing two wickets cheaply as India’s bowlers struck with precision. The middle overs belonged to the Indian spinners, who dismantled the Pakistan batting order and restricted runs. Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with a patient 40 off 44 balls, while Shaheen Afridi’s late cameo of 33 off just 16 deliveries, laced with four sixes, lifted Pakistan to a modest 127/9 in 20 overs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav shone once again with figures of 3/18, while Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel picked up two wickets apiece.
In reply, India made light work of the chase as Abhishek Sharma provided a fiery start with 31 off 13 balls, before Suryakumar (47* off 37) and Tilak Varma guided the innings steadily to seal victory in 15.5 overs. Despite Pakistan’s Saim Ayub claiming three wickets for 35 runs, the target proved too small to defend. The win marked India’s second of the tournament, while Pakistan suffered their first defeat.
Key moments from IND vs PAK, Match 6 of Asia Cup 2025:
1. Kuldeep shines again against arch-rivals
The left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav carried his fine form from the opening match into the clash against Pakistan, once again proving to be India’s trump card. He dismantled the middle order by removing Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Nawaz, finishing with impressive figures of 3/18 from his four overs.
2. Abhishek replicates tournament opener brilliance
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma once again showcased his fearless batting against Pakistan, replicating the attacking flair he displayed in the tournament opener. He hammered a quickfire 31 off just 13 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and two sixes, striking at an impressive rate of 238.46 to give India a blazing start to the chase.
3. Suryakumar’s cakewalk finish over Pakistan
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav ensured a smooth finish to the chase, remaining unbeaten on 47 off 37 balls. His composed innings, decorated with five fours and a six, guided India home in style and sealed Pakistan’s first defeat of the tournament.
