The India vs Pakistan rivalry once again grabbed the spotlight in the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. On 21 September, India chased down 172 in style, winning by 6 wickets with 7 balls to spare. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 74(39) and Suryakumar Yadav’s steady 47*(37) guided India past Pakistan’s 171/5. Here’s a fresh look at how the key battles unfolded.
Next Clash Alert: India and Pakistan will now face each other in the Asia Cup 2025 Final on 28 September, 8:00 PM IST at Dubai Stadium. With India unbeaten so far, Pakistan will need their seniors to fire in the summit clash.
1. Shubman Gill vs Shaheen Afridi – The Opening Duel
Gill fell cheaply again, scoring only 10(7), while Shaheen Afridi struggled, conceding 0/40 in 3.5 overs. Pakistan’s main strike bowler has gone wicketless twice against India this tournament — a worrying sign ahead of the final.
| Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | SR | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 29 | 28 | 2 | 103.6 | 14.5 |
| 2025 | 53 | 39 | 2 | 135.9 | 26.5 |
| Total | 82 | 67 | 4 | 122.4 | 20.5 |
2. Jasprit Bumrah vs Saim Ayub – Early Pressure
Bumrah was economical again, while Saim Ayub fell for 0(1) to Hardik Pandya in the first over. Pakistan’s batting was rocked early, slipping to 31/3, before Fakhar Zaman rebuilt briefly.
3. Hardik Pandya vs Pakistan Middle Order
Hardik Pandya bowled only one over (1/5), but his breakthrough set the tone. Later with the bat, he added a handy 7(7), keeping the chase steady.
4. Kuldeep Yadav vs Fakhar Zaman – Spin Test
Kuldeep struck in the middle overs, tightening India’s grip. Fakhar managed 40 but never looked fluent against India’s wrist spin, eventually falling under pressure.
5. Suryakumar Yadav vs Pakistan’s Death Bowlers
Suryakumar played the anchor role with 47*(37). He soaked up pressure and rotated strike before accelerating late, ensuring India crossed the line without panic.
6. Abhishek Sharma – The Game Changer
Player of the Match Abhishek Sharma smashed 74 off 39 balls with 5 sixes. His fearless batting took the game away from Pakistan early and highlighted India’s dominance in the powerplay.
Read more: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Head-to-Head
Points Table – Super Four (After IND vs PAK, 21 Sept)
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | +0.913 |
| Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | +0.329 |
| Sri Lanka | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -0.450 |
| Bangladesh | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | -0.880 |
Conclusion
The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash showed India’s depth and calmness under pressure. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting and Suryakumar’s composed finish defined the win, while Pakistan’s lack of wickets up front proved costly. With the final set for 28 September, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will need to rediscover their wicket-taking form if Pakistan hopes to stop India’s unbeaten run.
