Dubai,September 15(HS): India stamped their authority over arch-rivals Pakistan with a commanding seven-wicket victory in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night. Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls, guiding India to chase down a modest target of 128 in just 15.5 overs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Suryakumar dedicated the emphatic win to the Indian armed forces and the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. “We stand in solidarity with the families of those affected by the Pahalgam attack and salute the bravery of our armed forces. This victory is for them,” he said.
“Few things are ahead of sportsmanship. We stand with the families of Pahalgam. And also the brave armed forces during Operation Sindoor. We gave a proper reply. We are aligned with the BCCI and the government,”Suryakumar duirng post-match briefing.
India’s bowling unit had earlier dismantled the Pakistan batting order, restricting them to 127/9 in 20 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/18, while Axar Patel (2/18) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) provided crucial support.
Pakistan struggled for partnerships, with Sahibzada Farhan’s 40 the lone resistance before Shaheen Afridi struck some late blows with four sixes to lift the total past 120.In reply, India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma set the tone with an explosive 31 off just 13 deliveries.
Despite a flurry of wickets halted by Pakistan pacer Saim Ayub, who claimed three scalps, the chase never looked in doubt. Suryakumar anchored the innings, ably supported by Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma, before finishing the contest with a flourish.
Kuldeep Yadav was named Player of the Match for his clinical three-wicket haul. Reflecting on his performance, the left-arm spinner said, “The first ball is always a wicket-taking ball. I try to focus on execution and learn day by day. There’s still room for improvement.”
With this win, India all but secured their place in the Super Four stage of the tournament, while Pakistan were left to rue their lack of batting depth and inability to build meaningful partnerships.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
