PAK vs IND (14th Match) – Highlights
Dubai once again became the stage for a classic India vs Pakistan encounter, and this time, it was India who emerged victorious with a commanding six-wicket win in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2025. In a game filled with intensity, powerful strokes, and twists in momentum, Abhishek Sharma’s sensational knock lit up the night, guiding India past Pakistan’s competitive total with seven balls to spare.
PAK, batting first after losing the toss, managed to put up 171 for 5 on the board. Sahibzada Farhan anchored the innings with a well-compiled 58 off 45 balls, striking five boundaries and three sixes to hold the innings together. Fakhar Zaman started brightly with a quickfire 15, while Saim Ayub chipped in with 21. The middle overs, however, were marked by stumbles as Hussain Talat fell cheaply and Mohammad Nawaz’s run out halted momentum.
Skipper Salman Agha tried to accelerate with an unbeaten 17, but it was Faheem Ashraf’s explosive cameo of 20 runs from just eight deliveries that gave Pakistan the late push they desperately needed. Despite their effort, Pakistan’s total seemed slightly under par given Dubai’s chasing history.
IND bowling was steady, though far from flawless. Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf were Pakistan’s better bowlers later on, but India’s all-round options paid off. Shivam Dube’s golden arm delivered two vital wickets, including the dangerous Sahibzada Farhan, while Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with one apiece. Varun Chakravarthy’s control in the middle overs restricted Pakistan’s acceleration and helped India keep the target within reach.
When IND began their chase of 172, they did so with remarkable confidence. Abhishek Sharma stole the spotlight with a dazzling 74 from just 39 balls. The left-hander’s clean hitting, especially against spin, tilted the game decisively in India’s favor. He struck six boundaries and cleared the fence five times, showing a mix of composure and aggression that left the Pakistani bowlers rattled. Partnering with him, Shubman Gill was equally fluent, smashing 47 from 28 balls. Their partnership of 105 runs in under ten overs completely demolished Pakistan’s hopes of creating pressure.
After Gill’s dismissal by Faheem Ashraf and Abhishek’s wicket to Abrar Ahmed, India wobbled slightly. Suryakumar Yadav fell cheaply, and Sanju Samson struggled to find rhythm before falling for 13. But Tilak Varma played the finisher’s role to perfection, remaining unbeaten on 30 off 19 balls. Hardik Pandya’s composed 7 not out ensured India crossed the finish line with 174 for 4 in 18.5 overs, sealing a statement win.
For PAK, Haris Rauf was the standout with figures of 2 for 26, showing pace and accuracy. However, Shaheen Afridi and Saim Ayub proved expensive, leaking runs in the powerplay, which made Pakistan’s defense of 171 all the more difficult.
Pakistan vs India Scoreboard
Pakistan – 171/5 (20)
India – 174/4 (18.5)
Result – India won by 6 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma
PAK vs IND Playing XIs
Pakistan | Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (wk), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed |
India | Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah |
