India vs Pakistan T20Is remain among the most anticipated clashes in world cricket, but in the latest Asia Cup 2025 encounter, the result followed a familiar script. India extended their dominance with a seven-wicket win in Dubai on Sunday, taking their overall record against Pakistan in T20 internationals to 11-3.
India’s Bowlers Take Charge
The tone of the contest was set right at the start when Hardik Pandya dismissed Saim Ayub off the first legal delivery of the match, caught smartly by Jasprit Bumrah at backward point. Bumrah himself struck in the following over, sending back Mohammad Haris, reducing Pakistan to 6 for 2.
While Sahibzada Farhan showed grit—becoming the first Pakistani batter to hit a six off Bumrah in international cricket—India’s bowling attack allowed little breathing space. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan were 42 for 2, already looking under pressure.
Spin Strangle After Powerplay
Once spin was introduced, Pakistan’s innings nosedived. The trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel squeezed runs and picked wickets, leaving Pakistan reeling.
It took Pakistan 31 deliveries after the powerplay to find their next boundary, a period that yielded just 12 runs and two wickets. Desperate slogs from Fakhar Zaman and Salman Agha only added to their woes.
The highlight came when Kuldeep Yadav deceived Mohammad Nawaz with a wrong’un for a golden duck, leaving him on a hat-trick.
Farhan, who battled his way to 40 off 43 balls, fell at the start of the death overs, summing up Pakistan’s struggles. A late cameo from Shaheen Shah Afridi—an unbeaten 33 off 16 balls with some clean hitting—lifted them to 128 for 8, but it was far from a competitive total.
India’s Confident Reply
India’s chase began with fireworks. Abhishek Sharma struck Shaheen Afridi’s first two balls for four and six, immediately silencing Pakistan’s hopes. Shubman Gill added successive boundaries off Ayub, taking India to 41 for 2 in just 3.4 overs, despite losing both openers in quick succession.
Although Pakistan’s bowlers managed to apply a brief squeeze, India always remained ahead of the rate. The middle phase brought 39 runs in seven overs with the wicket of Tilak Varma, but there was never a sense of panic in the Indian camp.
Suryakumar and Dube Finish It Off
The finishing touches came from Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, who ensured no late drama. Their steady strokeplay took India past the line in 15.5 overs, with 25 balls to spare.
Suryakumar’s fluent strokeplay complemented Dube’s power-hitting, as India crossed the target comfortably to secure their first of three possible wins against Pakistan in this tournament.
Bowling Figures Highlight India’s Dominance
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Kuldeep Yadav: 3 wickets
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Jasprit Bumrah: 2 wickets
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Axar Patel: 2 wickets
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Hardik Pandya: 1 wicket
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Varun Chakravarthy: 1 wicket
The clinical performance ensured no Pakistani batter apart from Farhan and Shaheen could cross 20.
Head-to-Head Record
This victory takes India’s T20I head-to-head record vs Pakistan to 11-3, underlining their dominance in this format. While the matches are always billed as high-stakes contests, India’s superior balance and bowling depth continue to make the difference.
Looking Ahead
The two sides could meet again later in the Asia Cup 2025, possibly in the Super Four stage and even the final, depending on results. For India, the win provides momentum and confidence, while Pakistan will have to regroup quickly to stay alive in the tournament.
