The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan took place on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, delivering high drama but ending in a dominant seven-wicket win for India. Pakistan, having elected to bat first, struggled to build momentum against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
Early breakthroughs came through Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris cheaply. Despite some resistance from Sahibzada Farhan, who top-scored with 40 runs, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered.
Kuldeep Yadav’s crafty spin dismantled the middle order, claiming key wickets in consecutive deliveries. Axar Patel also played a vital role with his spin, dismissing Fakhar Zaman and Agha Salman. Pakistan’s late fightback came through Shaheen Afridi, who struck powerful sixes in the death overs, but the team could only muster 127 runs in their 20 overs.
Chasing a modest 128-run target, India’s opening pair gave the side a fiery start. Abhishek Sharma dominated early proceedings, smashing 31 off just 13 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, before falling to Saim Ayub.
Shubman Gill followed soon after, but India never looked in trouble. Tilak Varma added stability with a composed 31, while captain Suryakumar Yadav guided the chase with calculated aggression.
Pakistan’s spinners tried to apply pressure, with Saim Ayub claiming three wickets, but India’s batting depth ensured a comfortable pursuit. By the 15th over, India had sealed the win, cruising past the target with seven wickets to spare.
The fixture carried added intrigue beyond the cricketing rivalry. Despite the historic significance of an India-Pakistan clash, hundreds of tickets remained unsold on the morning of the match, with prices ranging from $205 to $245 for regular seats and $1,645 for hospitality packages.
Reports suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) staged an “invisible boycott,” with senior officials absent from the venue. Meanwhile, Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi was present, meeting both teams and presenting the trophy before the match.
Dubai Police also issued advisories for fans, emphasizing discipline and sportsmanship. Ultimately, the high-stakes contest ended with India asserting their dominance, leaving Pakistan to reflect on a batting collapse that cost them dearly.
