Can Pakistan Still Reach Asia Cup 2025 Final After Defeat to India?

DUBAI: Pakistan once again faced defeat in the Asia Cup T20 2025 Super Four stage after losing to India, reducing their chances of qualifying for the final. To remain in contention, Pakistan must win both of their upcoming matches. Any further loss will eliminate the team from the tournament.

Pakistan’s next match will be against Sri Lanka on September 23, followed by a crucial clash with Bangladesh on September 25. Bangladesh has already secured one win in the Super Four stage.

Earlier, in the second Super Four encounter played at the Dubai International Stadium, India defeated Pakistan by six wickets. Winning the toss, India opted to field first.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 171 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman was the first to depart, dismissed by Hardik Pandya for 15 runs with the team total at 21. His dismissal sparked a debate on social media, with many users calling the decision controversial.

After Fakhar’s wicket, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub built a solid partnership, taking the score to 93. Saim Ayub was then caught by Dubey after scoring 21 runs. Hussain Talat became the third player out, scoring 10 runs before being caught by Kuldeep Yadav at a total of 110.

Sahibzada Farhan followed soon after, caught by Dubey for 58 runs with the score at 115. His innings included 3 sixes and 5 fours off 45 balls. Mohammad Nawaz was dismissed for 21 runs at a total of 149. Captain Salman Agha contributed 17 runs, while Faheem Ashraf remained unbeaten on 20 runs off 8 deliveries.

In reply, India successfully chased the target of 172 in the 19th over with four wickets down. Shubman Gill was the first to be dismissed, scoring 47 before being bowled by Faheem Ashraf. Indian captain Surya Kumar was dismissed for a duck by Haris Rauf.

At 123 runs, Abhishek Sharma fell to Abrar Ahmed after a brilliant 74 off 39 balls, which included 5 sixes. Sanju Samson scored 13 before being bowled by Haris Rauf. Tilak Verma remained unbeaten on 30, while Hardik Pandya stayed not out on 7.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf claimed 2 wickets, while Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed took one wicket each.

Read More: Watch: Haris Rauf Responds to Indian Taunts With ‘6-0’ Gesture