India clinched a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second match of the Asia Cup T20 Super Four stage, played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
After winning the toss, Indian captain opted to field first, restricting Pakistan to a competitive total of 172 runs.
In reply, India successfully chased the target in the 19th over, losing just four wickets along the way.
India’s innings began with strong momentum, as the team reached 106 runs in just 11 overs despite losing two wickets.
Shubman Gill was the first to depart after scoring a brisk 47 before being bowled by Faheem Ashraf.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav followed shortly after, dismissed by Haris Rauf without scoring.
However, Abhishek Sharma turned the match firmly in India’s favor with an explosive knock of 74 runs off 39 balls, which included five towering sixes.
His innings kept the pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers and ensured India stayed ahead in the chase.
At 123 runs, Abhishek fell to spinner Abrar Ahmed, but by then, India were firmly in control of the match.
With composed batting from the middle order, the team completed the chase with an over to spare, securing an important win in their Super Four campaign and maintaining their dominance over Pakistan in the tournament.
Batting first, Pakistan endured an early setback when Fakhar Zaman was dismissed cheaply.
However, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub steadied the innings with a composed partnership, lifting the score to 93 runs.
Saim contributed 21 runs before falling to Dube, while Farhan played the anchor role, crafting a valuable 58 off 45 deliveries, laced with three sixes and five boundaries.
His departure at 115, also to Dube, stalled the momentum temporarily.
Hussain Talat (10) and Mohammad Nawaz (21) added modest contributions, but captain Salman Ali Agha and all-rounder Faheem
Ashraf ensured Pakistan finished strongly.
Salman struck a steady 17, while Faheem provided late fireworks with a brisk 20 not out off just 8 balls, propelling the team to 171 for seven by the end of the innings.
Earlier, India won the toss and asked Pakistan to bat first.
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav elected to field after winning the toss in Dubai.
The captains do not shake hands again.
Suryakumar said yesterday at training that there was a lot of dew, which had influenced his decision.
He added that they've been playing like all matches are knockouts, so nothing changes.
He highlighted the differences between the Abu Dhabi and Dubai pitches, with Dubai playing slower.
India made two changes as Jasprir Bumrah and Varun returned to the team, while Axar Patel was also ready to play after an injury scare.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha said he would have liked to bowl as well.
He said this game was a new challenge and they wanted to play good cricket.
Pakistan also made two changes as Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat got a nod ahead of Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah.
The Green Shirts have a chance at redemption as they face India again today in Dubai for the Super Four stage of the Men’s Asia Cup after their last game was marred by a controversy spiralling from the neighbouring team’s refusal to shake hands with their opponents.
The Group A clash between the fierce rivals last Sunday — their first meeting since the four-day military conflict between them in May — ended on a bitter note when the Men in Blue refused to shake hands with the Green Shirts after winning the game. There were no handshakes between the captains at the toss either.
Squads:
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris(w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson(w), Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy