India Dominate Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 Clash

Cricket’s greatest rivalry lit up Dubai once again as India outclassed Pakistan by six wickets in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. In front of a packed stadium buzzing with energy, India chased down Pakistan’s target of 172 runs in just 18.5 overs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting display and solid support from Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma.

This contest was more than just another chapter in the India–Pakistan rivalry; it was a high-pressure clash where every over, every run, and every moment carried enormous weight. While Pakistan started steadily with the bat, India’s bowlers kept things in check before their batsmen unleashed an attacking masterclass to seal victory.

Pakistan Innings: Farhan Holds Fort, Ashraf Adds Firepower

Winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first on a flat Dubai pitch. Their innings got off to a cautious start with Indian bowlers keeping a tight line. Sahibzada Farhan played the anchor role, holding one end together with a steady knock of 58 runs from 45 balls, mixing timely boundaries with smart rotation of strike.

Opener Saim Ayub contributed 21 runs, but India’s spinners, especially Shivam Dube and Kuldeep Yadav, struck at important stages to keep Pakistan from running away with the game.

In the death overs, Faheem Ashraf (20 off 8)* and Salman Ali Agha (17 off 13) provided late acceleration, helping Pakistan cross the 170-run mark. Despite the finishing burst, their total of 171/5 felt slightly below par given the batting conditions.

India’s bowling effort:

• Shivam Dube (2/33) – picked key wickets of Farhan and Ayub.

• Kuldeep Yadav (1/31) – broke Pakistan’s rhythm in the middle overs.

• Hardik Pandya – bowled with accuracy, containing runs effectively.

• Jasprit Bumrah – unusually expensive, conceding 45 runs without a wicket.

India’s Chase: Sharma’s Power, Gill’s Elegance

India’s response began in electrifying fashion. The very first ball of the innings was dispatched for six by Abhishek Sharma off Shaheen Afridi, instantly shifting momentum. Together with Shubman Gill, he launched a relentless attack, putting Pakistan’s bowlers under immense pressure.

The pair added a blistering 105-run opening stand, which effectively killed the contest within the first 10 overs. Sharma was the star, smashing 74 runs off 39 balls, laced with towering sixes and elegant drives. Gill complemented him perfectly with a stylish 47 off 28 balls.

After their dismissal, Pakistan found a brief opening. Haris Rauf, bowling with aggression and pace, dismissed Suryakumar Yadav for a duck and threatened to tilt the match. However, Tilak Varma (30 off 19)* and Hardik Pandya ensured there were no late dramas, calmly guiding India to the target with seven balls remaining.

Pakistan’s bowling highlights:

• Haris Rauf (2/26) – fiery spell, best among Pakistan bowlers.

• Shaheen Afridi – expensive start, unable to contain India’s openers.

Off-Field Drama: Politics & Passion Spill Over

The contest wasn’t only about runs and wickets; off-field tensions were equally visible. Both captains avoided handshakes before and after the match, highlighting the political undertones surrounding the encounter.

On the field, emotions ran high when Abhishek Sharma and Haris Rauf exchanged heated words after a boundary, momentarily halting play. The umpires had to intervene, but the incident only added to the charged atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

• India’s dominance: This win reinforced India’s stronghold over Pakistan in recent years, especially in high-stakes tournaments. Their batting depth and fearless approach stood out.

• Pakistan’s struggles: Once again, their middle order failed to capitalize on the platform provided by the openers. Fielding lapses and lack of composure under pressure also proved costly.

• Haris Rauf’s spirit: Despite the loss, his fiery spell was a positive takeaway for Pakistan.

What It Means Moving Forward

For India, this victory gives them a crucial advantage in the Super 4 stage, bringing them closer to a place in the final. The form of Abhishek Sharma and Gill at the top, coupled with depth in the middle order, makes them favorites going ahead.

For Pakistan, the defeat raises serious questions about their middle-order stability and fielding under crunch situations. They will need a quick turnaround if they are to remain in contention for a place in the final.

As the Asia Cup 2025 progresses, this clash will be remembered not only for India’s commanding performance but also for the raw intensity, passion, and drama that always defines an India–Pakistan cricket match.