India and Pakistan finally met on the field in the Asia Cup, leaving behind the shadow of political tensions. But in the much-anticipated encounter, Pakistan failed to put up a fight as India cruised to a convincing 7-wicket win with 27 balls to spare.
An India-Pakistan match is always special, and the cricketing world had its eyes fixed on this battle of pride. However, Pakistan’s batting collapse left them far short of a competitive total, and India dominated with both ball and bat.
In the sixth match of the ongoing Asia Cup, held on Sunday (14 September), Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, posting 127 for 9 in their 20 overs. In reply, India comfortably chased down the target in 15.3 overs, moving a step closer to the Super Four.
Chasing 128, India got off to a flying start thanks to Abhishek Sharma. Although fellow opener Shubman Gill departed for 10 off 7 balls, Abhishek powered the innings, smashing 31 off 13 balls to help India score 61 runs in the powerplay.
Tilak Varma contributed 31 off 31 balls, while captain Suryakumar Yadav anchored the chase with 47 off 37. Shivam Dube (10* off 7) finished the job as India sealed the win with ease. Pakistan’s Saim Ayub picked up all three Indian wickets.
Earlier, Pakistan suffered a disastrous start as opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball of the match by Hardik Pandya. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the second over, removing Mohammad Haris (3), leaving Pakistan reeling at 6 for 2.
Opener Sahibzada Farhan (40 off 44) and Fakhar Zaman (17) tried to rebuild, adding 39 runs, but Axar Patel dismissed both Zaman and captain Salman Ali Agha (3) to leave Pakistan 49 for 4.
Kuldeep Yadav then ripped through the middle order in the 13th over, claiming two wickets in one over — Hasan Nawaz (5) and Mohammad Nawaz (0). Pakistan’s hopes of a big score faded quickly.
Faheem Ashraf (11) and Shaheen Shah Afridi added some late resistance, with Afridi launching a counterattack. He remained unbeaten on 33 off just 16 balls with 4 sixes, while Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with 10 off 6. Pakistan eventually finished on 127 for 9.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, taking 3 for 18, while Bumrah and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each.
Kuldeep was named Player of the Match for his match-winning spell.
