DUBAI ( The COW News Digital) India outclassed Pakistan in a completely one-sided Asia Cup encounter, securing a seven-wicket victory in just 15.5 overs and leaving Pakistani fans and cricket pundits disappointed. The high-voltage clash, played at Dubai International Stadium, saw Pakistan fail with both bat and ball, allowing India to dominate from start to finish.
After winning the toss, Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bat first. However, the decision quickly backfired as the Pakistani batting lineup collapsed yet again. Openers and middle-order batters failed to provide stability, with the team losing two wickets inside the first two overs for just seven runs. Sahibzada Farhan was the only top-order batter to make an impact, scoring 40 off 44 deliveries, while Shaheen Shah Afridi’s aggressive 33 off 16 balls gave the team a late push.
Despite these contributions, Pakistan could only post 127 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Five batters, including Fakhar Zaman (17), Faheem Ashraf (11), and Sufiyan Muqeem (10), could not cross double figures. India’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Kuldeep Yadav shining as the star performer, taking three wickets for just 18 runs in his four overs. Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah picked up two wickets each, while Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy claimed one apiece.
Chasing 128, India started aggressively with openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill taking on Shaheen Afridi in the very first over, smashing 12 runs with one six and one four. Pakistan had a brief moment of hope when young pacer Saim Ayub removed both openers and Tilak Varma, reducing India to 97/3. However, that was as far as Pakistan’s fightback went.
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav played a brilliant knock of 47 runs, steering India comfortably to victory with 25 balls to spare. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma contributed 31 runs each to seal the match for India in emphatic fashion.
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Cricket experts have criticized Pakistan’s lackluster approach in both departments, calling for urgent improvements in batting intent and bowling execution. The defeat puts Pakistan in a difficult position in the Asia Cup standings, with must-win matches ahead to stay in contention for a spot in the final.
