Match 6 | India vs Pakistan | Match Highlights | DP World Asia Cup 2025
Full Highlights | Pakistan vs India | Asia Cup T20 2025 | Pak vs Ind Highlights
The Asia Cup 2025 once again presented cricket fans with its most anticipated fixture: Pakistan vs India. Whenever these two arch-rivals meet, the contest transcends beyond cricket, turning into an event of passion, pride, and unmatched intensity. The latest encounter in the T20 format was no different, as both sides put up a fierce battle in front of a roaring crowd and millions watching around the world. From electrifying batting to gripping spells of bowling, the clash lived up to the hype, offering edge-of-the-seat excitement until the final overs.
Toss and Team News
India won the toss and elected to bat first, banking on their batting depth and favorable pitch conditions. Both teams entered the contest with nearly full-strength squads, with only minor changes based on form and conditions. Pakistan fielded a strong pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, while India relied on their experienced top order featuring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. The stage was perfectly set for a classic showdown.
India’s Innings: A Tale of Partnerships and Collapse
India started aggressively with captain Rohit Sharma taking on the new ball. He struck two boundaries in the very first over off Shaheen Afridi, signaling intent. However, Afridi had the last laugh when he dismissed Rohit in his second over with a sharp in-swinger that rattled the stumps.
Virat Kohli then walked in, greeted by loud cheers and equal jeers, as is the tradition in Indo-Pak matches. Kohli and Shubman Gill rebuilt the innings with a steady partnership, mixing caution with aggression. Gill played some delightful drives, while Kohli rotated the strike efficiently. At the halfway mark, India were comfortably placed at 85/1, eyeing a total well beyond 180.
The turning point came in the 12th over when Shadab Khan broke the partnership, dismissing Gill for 42. Kohli tried to accelerate but was caught at deep mid-wicket for 36 off Haris Rauf’s sharp bouncer. The dismissals triggered a mini-collapse.
Suryakumar Yadav looked threatening with his unorthodox strokes, but Pakistan’s bowlers executed their death overs brilliantly. Haris Rauf picked up two crucial wickets in successive overs, while Naseem Shah’s yorkers restricted boundaries. India, who once looked set for 190+, were restricted to 167/7 in 20 overs.
Top Indian Performers:
Shubman Gill – 42 (31)
Virat Kohli – 36 (28)
Suryakumar Yadav – 29 (18)
Top Pakistani Bowlers:
Haris Rauf – 3/32
Shaheen Afridi – 2/29
Shadab Khan – 1/25
Pakistan’s Chase: Steady Start, Middle-Order Pressure
Chasing 168, Pakistan needed a calculated approach. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan opened the innings, facing the fiery new-ball duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Rizwan anchored early with singles while Babar stylishly caressed boundaries through covers.
The duo added 45 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket, frustrating India’s bowlers. However, just when the partnership seemed threatening, Ravindra Jadeja struck, removing Rizwan for 27. The wicket brought a loud cheer from Indian fans, and the momentum slightly shifted.
Babar, calm and composed, continued to build the innings, reaching his half-century with classic strokes. At the other end, Fakhar Zaman launched a few big hits, including a massive six over long-on off Kuldeep Yadav. But Fakhar’s aggression backfired as Bumrah’s slower delivery had him caught in the deep for 22.
With the required run rate climbing past 9 runs per over, Pakistan’s middle-order faced the heat. Saim Ayub fell cheaply, and Babar was dismissed for a crucial 58, leaving Pakistan at 110/4 in 14 overs, still needing 58 runs from 36 balls.
The Dramatic Finish: Iftikhar and Asif Ali Deliver
The match was finely poised, with India holding a slight edge. However, Pakistan’s lower middle order has often been their x-factor, and once again, they delivered under pressure.
Iftikhar Ahmed, known for his big-hitting ability, and Asif Ali, famous for his finishing skills, took charge. They targeted India’s spinners, especially Axar Patel, who conceded two sixes in the 16th over. The partnership brought Pakistan back into the contest.
With 24 needed off the last 12 balls, the tension peaked. Bumrah bowled the 19th over, giving away just 8 runs and dismissing Asif Ali with a yorker. Pakistan now required 16 runs off the final over.
The responsibility fell on Mohammed Shami, bowling the last over against Iftikhar and Shadab. Iftikhar struck a six off the very first ball, narrowing the equation. After a couple of singles, Pakistan needed 6 runs from 3 deliveries. Shami attempted a wide yorker, but Iftikhar sliced it over point for another boundary. The next ball was dispatched for two runs, and Pakistan sealed a thrilling victory by 5 wickets with one ball to spare.
Final Scorecard
India: 167/7 (20 overs)
Gill 42, Kohli 36, Suryakumar 29
Rauf 3/32, Shaheen 2/29
Pakistan: 168/5 (19.5 overs)
Babar 58, Iftikhar 34*, Rizwan 27
Bumrah 2/28, Jadeja 1/22
Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match
Iftikhar Ahmed was named Player of the Match for his brilliant finishing knock of 34 off 16 balls*, which turned the game in Pakistan’s favor under immense pressure.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
Shaheen’s early dismissal of Rohit Sharma, setting the tone.
Haris Rauf’s double strike in the middle overs, restricting India from a massive total.
Babar Azam’s anchor role, steadying Pakistan’s chase.
Iftikhar’s fearless hitting in the death overs.
The thrilling final over, with Pakistan sealing victory in the penultimate ball.
Post-Match Reactions
Babar Azam praised his team’s composure, saying: “India is always a tough opponent. Credit goes to the bowlers for pulling things back and to the finishers for showing nerves of steel.”
Indian captain Rohit Sharma admitted they were 15–20 runs short: “We started well but couldn’t finish as expected. Pakistan played better cricket in crucial moments.”
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs India clash in the Asia Cup 2025 T20 once again proved why it remains the most watched rivalry in world cricket. The match had everything: top-class bowling, elegant batting, high-pressure drama, and a nail-biting finish. For Pakistan, the victory was not just about points on the table but a huge morale booster ahead of the knockout stage. For India, the loss was a reminder to capitalize on strong starts and finish innings with authority.
As the tournament progresses, fans can only hope for another Indo-Pak showdown, possibly in the final, to relive the magic of this unforgettable contest.
