Pakistan’s opening batter Sahibzada Farhan once again delivered on the big stage, striking a crucial half-century in the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final against India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. His aggressive innings gave Pakistan the early momentum needed in this historic contest between the two arch-rivals.
India had won the toss earlier and elected to field first, putting Pakistan under pressure at the start of the innings. However, Farhan quickly turned the game in his side’s favor with an assertive approach at the crease. From the opening overs, the right-hander displayed his full range of strokes, confidently finding boundaries around the ground.
One of the highlights of his innings came in the fourth over when he took on Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, scoring 12 runs with a combination of a four and a six. This fearless assault set the tone for his innings and signaled Pakistan’s intent in the ultimate game of the tournament.
Farhan reached his half-century in just 35 balls, an effort decorated with five boundaries and two towering sixes. His clean striking not only entertained the fans but also established Pakistan’s commanding position during the first half of the innings. Before falling to Axar Patel while attempting another big shot, he had powered his way to 57 runs off 38 deliveries. At the time of his dismissal, Pakistan’s score had surged to 84 runs in just 9.3 overs.
This half-century marked Farhan’s second in the Asia Cup 2025, with both fifties coming against India. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure games against Pakistan’s fiercest rival has made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.
Farhan’s dominance against Bumrah has been particularly noteworthy. Earlier in the group-stage match on September 14, he became the first Pakistani batter ever to hit the Indian fast bowler for a six in international cricket. In this final, he once again showed no hesitation in attacking Bumrah, adding another six to his tally. Across their encounters in T20 internationals, Farhan has now scored 51 runs off 34 balls against Bumrah, hitting three sixes and six fours.
Fans and analysts alike praised Farhan for his confident approach and fearless batting, noting that his early fireworks provided Pakistan with the foundation to build a strong total. His form against India in this Asia Cup has turned him into one of Pakistan’s most reliable performers, especially in crunch situations.
The historic final itself has generated immense excitement, as it marks the first-ever Asia Cup title clash between Pakistan and India in 41 years. With Farhan stepping up to deliver another commanding knock, expectations remain high for Pakistan’s batting lineup to carry the momentum forward in this monumental contest.
