India cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup, chasing down 128 with 25 balls remaining on 14 September at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Political rivalry always adds an extra layer to India-Pakistan cricket clashes. Beyond major tournaments, the two neighbours rarely meet, which only fuels hype from organisers and keeps fans’ interest at its peak. Yet, looking back over the past decade, there haven’t been too many memorable contests, most matches have ended with India dominating. Sunday evening’s Asia Cup meeting in Dubai was no different.
At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan managed only 127 for 9 in 20 overs, undone by India’s two left-arm spinners, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. In reply, Abhishek Sharma’s fiery 31 set the tone before captain Suryakumar Yadav’s composed 47\* sealed a seven-wicket win for India with 25 balls to spare, all but securing their Super Four spot.
Pakistan’s scorecard looked a touch more respectable thanks to two late sixes from Shaheen Shah Afridi in the final over. But in defence of their modest total, they dropped several catches and failed to create any real contest. The only bright spot was off-spinner Saif Ayub, who claimed three wickets, including Abhishek, Shubman Gill (stumped off a carrom ball), and Tilak Varma (bowled).
Apart from him, no Pakistani bowler managed to halt India’s batting rhythm. The 56-run partnership between Suryakumar and Tilak proved decisive, especially since Abhishek had already given India the early momentum in the powerplay.
Earlier, Pakistan lost a wicket off the very first ball after opting to bat. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah combined to remove both openers: Saim Ayub was caught at point by Bumrah off Hardik, while Mohammad Haris was dismissed in the next over, caught at backward square leg off Bumrah.
Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan briefly revived the innings with a 39-run stand for the third wicket. But Pakistan never recovered from the spin duo’s grip. Fakhar holed out to Tilak at long-on trying to hit Axar, while captain Salman Agha fell sweeping against the turn.
Kuldeep then took charge, threatening a hat-trick in the 13th over after dismissing Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz off consecutive balls. Later, he ended Farhan’s resistance (40), forcing him into a catch to Hardik. Kuldeep finished with 3 for 18 from four overs, including 15 dot balls, while Axar matched him for economy and dot deliveries, returning 2 for 18.
India’s control with ball and bat left Pakistan outclassed once again in this storied rivalry.
