Dubai, Sep 14 (UNI) Pakistan’s decision to bat first in the sixth Group A match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium backfired spectacularly as India’s bowlers ran riot to skittle them for a paltry 127 for 9 in 20 overs. It was a classic case of Pakistan being unable to build partnerships, while India’s bowlers executed their plans with ruthless efficiency.
Right from the start, the innings looked ominous for Pakistan. Hardik Pandya struck early, removing Saim Ayub with his first legitimate delivery, a perfect outswinger that Ayub chased only to find Jasprit Bumrah at point. Mohammad Haris (3) followed shortly after, caught by Pandya off Bumrah, leaving Pakistan in tatters at 6 for 2. That was a warning sign: India had their line and length spot on, and the openers weren’t reading it.
Sahibzada Farhan tried to anchor the innings with some aggressive intent. He hit a couple of massive sixes, including one over long-on off Bumrah and another over mid-wicket off Kuldeep Yadav. But as always in T20 cricket, intent isn’t enough without support. Farhan fell for 40 from 44 balls, caught by Pandya, and suddenly Pakistan was 83 for 7. Fakhar Zaman’s 17 was polished but fleeting, and the middle order simply couldn’t counter the spin threat of Kuldeep and Axar Patel. Salman Agha (3), Hasan Nawaz (5), and Mohammad Nawaz (0) all fell cheaply, making little impression.
It was in the final overs that Shaheen Afridi tried to add some lustre to Pakistan’s innings. He threw his bat at Hardik Pandya’s slower balls and Varun Chakaravarthy’s spin, smashing consecutive sixes, and even pulled off a clever off-kilter shot for one run off a no-ball. But it was too little, too late. Sufiyan Muqeem, who looked like he might inject some late momentum, perished to Bumrah after a brief cameo of 10 off six balls. Pakistan limped to 127 for 9.
India’s bowling was clinical throughout. Kuldeed Yadav finished with 3 for 18, spinning his web in the middle overs, taking crucial wickets and constantly forcing the batsmen to play. Axar Patel supported brilliantly, claiming two wickets for 18, and pulling off an exceptional dismissal of Fakhar Zaman, caught by Tilak Varma at long-on. Jasprit Bumrah was accurate and incisive, finishing with 2 for 28, including the key wicket of Sufiyan Muqeem. Varun Chakaravarthy also played his part, trapping Faheem Ashraf LBW in the 17th over.
The innings had flashes of entertainment: Farhan’s sixes off Bumrah and Kuldeep, Shaheen Afridi’s two massive sixes in the death overs, and some sharp fielding, particularly Tilak Varma’s catch to dismiss Fakhar Zaman. But Pakistan’s inability to rotate strike and hold partnerships cost them dearly.
Brief score:
Pakistan Innings (20 overs) 127/9, Sahibzada Farhan 40(44) [4s-1, 6s-3], Shaheen Afridi 33*(16) [6s-4], Fakhar Zaman 17(15) [4s-3]; Kuldeep Yadav 3/18, Axar Patel 2/18, Jasprit Bumrah 2/28, Varun Chakaravarthy 1/6
With a modest target of 128, India will fancy their chances under the Dubai lights. The key will be starting cautiously, keeping wickets in hand, and then accelerating when the field spreads. Pakistan’s top order has been exposed, and if India’s batsmen can exhibit intensity, the match could be over before the middle overs even begin.
India’s bowlers executed a perfect game plan – swing and seam up front, spin in the middle, and variation at the death – and Pakistan paid the price. This is the kind of disciplined cricket that wins tournaments, and India will look to carry this momentum into their chase.
