Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Sets 128-Run Target for India

Dubai — In the high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 clash, Pakistan struggled with the bat and posted 127/9 in 20 overs against arch-rivals India.

Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered against India’s disciplined bowling attack, with only Sahibzada Farhan (40 off 44) and Shaheen Afridi (33 off 16)* making notable contributions. Afridi’s late fireworks, which included four sixes, helped Pakistan cross the 120-run mark.

India’s bowlers dominated the innings. Kuldeep Yadav was the star performer once again, taking 3 wickets for 18 runs, while Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy also picked crucial wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya kept things tight, with Pandya conceding 16 runs in the final over but still keeping Pakistan under pressure.

At the halfway stage, Pakistan’s scoring rate was under control, and regular wickets kept falling. From 60/4 in the 11th over, Pakistan slipped further but Afridi’s power-hitting in the death overs ensured the bowlers have something to defend.

India, eight-time Asia Cup champions, will now need 128 runs to win from 20 overs. Pakistan’s strong bowling attack, featuring Afridi and Naseem Shah, will aim to make this a competitive chase.