Asia Cup 2025 Super 4: India Outclass Pakistan by 6 Wickets in a Fiery Clash at Dubai
The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan encounter in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 lived up to the hype, producing thrilling cricket, heated exchanges, and a charged atmosphere at the Dubai International Stadium. In the end, it was India who emerged victorious, chasing down Pakistan’s competitive total of 171 with six wickets in hand and seven balls to spare.
This clash wasn’t just about runs and wickets—it was also about emotions, intensity, and the sheer rivalry that makes an India-Pakistan game unmissable. From dropped catches to sledging battles, fans witnessed a classic contest that will be remembered for its drama both on and off the ball.
After India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl first, Pakistan’s openers were off to a brisk start. The first 10 overs produced 91 runs, giving the impression that Pakistan might cross the 200-run mark. Sahibzada Farhan, who anchored the innings, played a composed knock of 58 off 45 balls, mixing caution with aggression.
The Indian fielding, however, gave Pakistan a big lift in the early stages. Four catches were put down, gifting Pakistan additional runs and momentum. Those missed chances could have cost India dearly, but the bowlers fought back strongly in the middle overs.
The acceleration Pakistan were hoping for never really arrived. Despite a late cameo from Faheem Ashraf (20 off just 8 balls), Pakistan managed only 171/5 in their 20 overs—a good score, but not quite the massive total they seemed destined for after their power-packed start.
Among India’s bowlers, Shivam Dube was the standout performer. Brought on during the middle overs, he changed the complexion of the game with figures of 2/33 in 4 overs. On the other hand, India’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah had a rare off day, conceding 45 runs in his 4 overs, proving to be the most expensive bowler of the match.
India’s Response: A Dominant Opening Stand
Chasing 172, India’s openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill set the tone in spectacular fashion. Facing Pakistan’s strike bowler Shaheen Afridi, Abhishek announced his intent by smashing the very first ball for a towering six. The moment lit up the stadium and also sparked verbal exchanges between the two.
The duel between bat and ball soon turned into a duel of words, with sledging adding to the intensity. But the Indian pair wasn’t rattled; instead, they counter-attacked brilliantly. In the first 10 overs, Abhishek and Gill stitched together a 101-run partnership, effectively putting the game beyond Pakistan’s reach.
Abhishek Sharma was the star of the show with the bat, playing a breathtaking knock of 74 off just 39 deliveries, studded with 6 fours and 5 sixes. His fearless batting not only silenced Pakistan’s bowling attack but also put India firmly in control. Gill, meanwhile, was equally aggressive, smashing 47 off 28 balls, including some audacious strokes against Haris Rauf. The face-off between Gill and Rauf produced heated moments, as Gill responded to fiery bouncers with boundaries and a few choice words of his own.
Once the openers departed, India had already reduced the equation to a comfortable finish. Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma carried the chase forward. Tilak, in particular, showed maturity and flair, scoring a quick 30 not out off 19 balls to seal the victory with calmness.
India-Pakistan matches are never short of drama, and this contest was no different. The opening over six and Abhishek’s reply to Shaheen Afridi set the tone. Haris Rauf and Shubman Gill’s exchanges in the middle overs further added fuel to the fire, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
For Pakistan, the inability to capitalize on their strong start and India’s dominating batting partnership will be viewed as missed opportunities. The dropped catches in the first innings also stood out as a decisive factor in the final outcome.
Suryakumar’s Candid Take on the Rivalry
After the match, skipper Suryakumar Yadav made headlines not just for his team’s win but for his refreshingly honest views in the press conference. When asked about the much-talked-about rivalry with Pakistan, he downplayed the notion altogether.
“In my opinion, a rivalry only exists when two sides are trading blows evenly—like 7–7 or 8–7 across a series of games. But if one team keeps winning the majority, you can’t really call it a rivalry anymore. We’ve simply played better cricket, both with the bat and the ball, in the last several contests,” Suryakumar remarked with unusual bluntness.
His statement reflects India’s growing dominance in recent India-Pakistan encounters and also highlights the confidence within the Indian dressing room.
With this win, India took a significant step towards the Asia Cup 2025 Final, while Pakistan now face a must-win clash against Sri Lanka on September 23, 2025. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are coming into that game on the back of defeats, which makes the upcoming encounter a virtual knockout.
India’s confidence, meanwhile, will be sky-high. Their batting order looks in prime form, and despite a slightly expensive day for Bumrah, the bowling unit showed resilience when it mattered most.
Match Scorecard
Pakistan Innings – 171/5 (20 overs)
- Sahibzada Farhan – 58 (45)
- Faheem Ashraf – 20* (8)
India Bowling:
- Shivam Dube – 2/33 (4)
- Jasprit Bumrah – 0/45 (4)
- Kuldeep Yadav – 1/31 (4)
India Innings – 174/4 (18.5 overs)
- Abhishek Sharma – 74 (39)
- Shubman Gill – 47 (28)
- Tilak Varma – 30* (19)
- Hardik Pandya – 7 (7)
Pakistan Bowling:
- Shaheen Afridi – 0/40 (4)
- Haris Rauf – 2/26 (4)
- Saim Ayub – 0/35 (3)
Final Word
The India vs Pakistan Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025 had everything—runs, wickets, dropped chances, and fiery exchanges. Ultimately, it was India’s composure and the brilliance of their young guns that turned the match into a one-sided affair.
Surya Kumar yadav post-match remark about the “rivalry” may stir debate, but his words underline India’s current superiority. As Pakistan prepare for their do-or-die clash against Sri Lanka, the pressure is firmly on them. For India, the path to the final looks clearer, and their performance in this game will be remembered as a statement victory in one of cricket’s most storied fixtures.
