HIGHLIGHTS India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025, 6 T20- Result, Scorecard

A win will definitely put India in pole position to qualify for the Super Fours, but just for the math, they will not get a Q tonight officially. Strutting their fearless approach, won't put it past them to chase this score in a canter, but a couple of quick wickets might just put a simmer of a doubt in their minds. The Indian openers are ready to get back to the middle - Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. It will be Shaheen Afridi to start things off with the ball. Abhishek to face. Wow. In that entire innings, barely remember seeing Gill on the field! Anyway, here we go!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, it’s over to India’s batters. With 128 runs needed in 120 balls, the target looks light, but Pakistan’s new-ball pair will come hard, hoping for early breakthroughs. Can India crush this chase in the first six overs, or will Pakistan’s bowlers conjure an unlikely twist? Also, seven of the last eight India-Pakistan T20Is have been won by the team batting second, which tilts heavily in India's favour, but let's see how it goes. The chase is about to begin, so don't go anywhere.

Kuldeep Yadav’s golden spell sealed Pakistan’s collapse. The wrist-spinner claimed Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz off back-to-back deliveries, before removing a defiant Farhan. Varun Chakaravarthy joined the party, trapping Faheem LBW, leaving Pakistan tottering at 97/8 by the 18th over. Bumrah then cleaned up Muqeem after a brief cameo of 10, reducing Pakistan to near submission. But Afridi’s fearless hitting at the death, at a 206.25 strike rate including four towering sixes, dragged them to 127/9, a score that looked impossible just three overs earlier.

The middle overs were where India’s spinners turned the screw. Axar Patel struck with Fakhar’s wicket, before trapping skipper Salman Agha for a scratchy inning. The runs dried up, the dot balls piled, and Pakistan’s frustration showed. At 49/4 in 10 overs, India were in complete control, with the surface offering slow turn and grip exactly as the bowlers had hoped. Pakistan’s batting looked sluggish and unsettled, unable to counter the relentless spin assault. Of the combined 13 overs bowled across four spinners used, they conceded only 65 runs, picking up 6 wickets, at an economy of under 6 runs per over.

It all began with chaos. Salman Agha won the toss and chose to bat, but Pakistan’s innings derailed in the first eight balls. Saim Ayub fell for a golden duck to Hardik Pandya's first legal ball after a wide first ball, and in-form Mohammad Haris followed soon after, dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah. At 6/2, disaster was written on the wall. Fakhar Zaman had a lifeline, overturning an LBW against Bumrah when playing just his second delivery, but pressure remained thick. Still, along with Sahibzada Farhan, he dragged Pakistan to 42/2 at the end of the Powerplay.

TWO SIXES in the final over from Shaheen Afridi have lifted Pakistan past 120, but is 127 enough against India’s fiery batting lineup? That would remain the question. On paper, the answer might be a 'No,' yet cricket loves a surprise, and Pakistan will pray and hope that their bowlers can pull off something magical. For India, the target screams of opportunity to kill the game in the Powerplay, make use of the fielding restrictions, and take away every ounce of hope from their rivals.

Hardik Pandya to Shaheen Afridi, Into the pitch again, with pace taken off. Shaheen Afridi tries to whack it over mid-wicket, but mistimes it over mid on. The ball lands short in front of the incoming long on fielder. Two taken. Shaheen Afridi remains unbeaten on 33 off 16 balls. An expensive final over from Hardik Pandya as he goes for 16 runs! PAKISTAN FINISH WITH 127/9 ON THE BOARD!

Hardik Pandya to Shaheen Afridi, STRAIGHT UP! JUST SHORT! Slower bouncer by Hardik, on top of off. Shaheen Afridi mistimes the pull shot, over mid-wicket. Tilak Varma from deep mid-wicket charges forward from the deep and dives in front to scoop the catch, but it just lands inches short of him. Two taken.

Hardik Pandya to Shaheen Afridi, Into the pitch, short and angling away from the batter. Shaheen Afridi swings wildly at it, to pull over the leg side, but loses his shape in process to hit it too hard. Misses.

Hardik Pandya to Shaheen Afridi, SIX! THAT HAS GONE MILES! Much-needed for Pakistan! Hardik serves a low full toss, on off. Shaheen Afridi gets his bat properly under the ball and swings across. Deposits the ball high into the stands behind deep mid-wicket. Moves to 29 off just 13 balls, does Afridi!

Hardik Pandya to Shaheen Afridi, SIX! Number 3 for Shaheen! He is playing a blinder here! Slower and fuller-length delivery, wide on off. Shaheen Afridi clears the front leg away and slogs it massively over long on for half a dozen.

Hardik Pandya to Shaheen Afridi, Pace off, outside off, full in length. Shaheen Afridi tries to drag that across the line, but misses as he is beaten by the pace.

Abrar Ahmed walks in next to bat. Will Pakistan get bundled out? That is the sole question as they have six deliveries to survive. India have been magnificent with their pinpoint bowling, whether it is a pacer or a spinner. They would want to exert more pressure and a psychological impact on Pakistan to bowl them out. Hardik Pandya to bowl these final six balls.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sufiyan Muqeem, OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! After conceding two back-to-back boundaries followed by a No Ball, Bumrah has made a brilliant comeback in the rest of the deliveries! He gets his second. Spots Muqeem shuffling far across the off stump line, and trying to play the scoop shot, Jasprit Bumrah fires in a laser-straight yorker, on the stumps. The ball beats the inside edge and shatters the stumps. Sufiyan Muqeem departs for 10 (6) and Pakistan are 111/9.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sufiyan Muqeem, Excellent execution of the yorkers from Bumrah! This one is slanted on the leg stump line, Sufiyan Muqeem moves leg side, and tries to carve it out, but misses to lay his bat on ball.

Jasprit Bumrah to Shaheen Afridi, Pinpoint yorker at 137.6 kph, on the leg stump line. A very little could Shaheen Afridi do and he flicks this to the leg side for a single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sufiyan Muqeem, Around the stumps, a yorker, on middle. Sufiyan Muqeem jams it out to the off side for a quick run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sufiyan Muqeem, FOUR! INTO THE GAP! Two in two for Muqeem! Short of a good length, outside off. Sufiyan Muqeem again creates room and cuts it over backward point for a boundary. 10 off the over already!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sufiyan Muqeem, FOUR! WHAT A SHOT! These are important runs for Pakistan! Bumrah searches for the yorker but misses by a margin and offers a full ball, on off. Sufiyan Muqeem backs away, creates room and hammers it down the ground for a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Shaheen Afridi, A searing yorker, on the leg stump line. Shaheen Afridi flicks it to the right of mid-wicket for an easy single. Uh, oh! The siren echoes, which means Jasprit Bumrah has overstepped, and it is a NO BALL. 100 UP FOR PAKISTAN! Free Hit to follow...

Jasprit Bumrah (3-0-16-1) is back on for the final over of his spell.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Shaheen Afridi, Much fuller and straighter, around middle, nudged away to deep square leg for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sufiyan Muqeem, Very full and on the pads, flicked away to wide long on for a single.

Sufiyan Muqeem is in at 10.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Faheem Ashraf, OUT! LBW! TRAPPED IN FRONT! However, Faheem Ashraf has reviewed it straightaway! Very full from around the wicket, around middle, Faheem Ashraf gets down on one knee, changes his stance, and looks to reverse-sweep it but misses. The ball sneaks past under the bat and gets rapped low on the front pad. A huge appeal for LBW goes up from the bowler and the keeper, and the umpire has obliged. The third umpire is called in, and there is nothing on the UltraEdge. The Ball Tracking presents three reds as the ball is projected to smash into the leg stump. Faheem Ashraf walks back for 11 (14) and Pakistan lose a review. The innings of Pakistan hasn't gone anywhere, and they are on the verge of getting bundled out.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Shaheen Afridi, Flatter and shorter, outside off, Afridi shuffles across and whacks it to wide long on for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Shaheen Afridi, SIX! BLUDGEONED! A bit shorter and outside off, Shaheen Afridi backs away and thumps it over the wide long off fielder for a biggie. Another fine shot from Afridi.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Shaheen Afridi, BEATEN! Short and turns away, outside off, Shaheen Afridi presses back and looks to defend it but gets beaten past the outside edge.

Varun Chakaravarthy to wrap up his spell. 3-0-15-0 so far. The question is, how much will the Pakistanis manage to score in the 18 legal deliveries remaining?  They do have Faheem Ashraf who is no mug with the bat, and Shaheen Afridi as well, who has the ability to strike a few lusty blows as well. Will be interesting to see this final stretch. Anything above 130, and Pakistan will feel they have a game.

Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, Floated up and around off, tucked away to mid-wicket off the back foot. Kuldeep Yadav is done for the night, and his figures read 4-0-18-3. Impressive numbers, indeed.

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, Good running! Short and outside off, Afridi waits and opens his bat face to guide it to short third. Runs the single hard and though Jasprit Bumrah throws it towards the bowling end but he misses his shy.

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, Short and outside off, Shaheen Afridi gets cramped a bit as he presses and looks to punch it but gets an inside edge that rolls down beside the strip on the leg side.

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, SIX! TONKED! A very good hit! A loopy full ball, around middle, Shaheen Afridi clears out his front leg, gets down on one knee, and picks it up to deposit it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, Full and outside off, Afridi lunges and taps it towards cover.

Into the Pakistani tail now. Here's Shaheen Afridi in at number 9.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, OUT! CAUGHT! GONE! Sahibzada Farhan, the opener who was playing from the first over, perishes now. Kuldeep flights it up, full and a bit outside off, Sahibzada Farhan gets down on one knee and looks to take on the bowler as the pressure is growing on him. However, he mistimes his big lofted shot downtown towards long on. Hardik Pandya runs across to his left, judges the catch well, and takes it over his head. Sahibzada Farhan departs for 40 but off 44 deliveries. Pakistan are 83/7 down now and Kuldeep has his third.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Faheem Ashraf, Absolute peach from Varun! Goes with the arm, across the batter, quicker one, on a length, around off. Faheem Ashraf does not pick the variation and pace, and is beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Full in length, on the stumps, this is drilled hard, down to long off for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Faheem Ashraf, Down leg, drifting on a fuller length. Faheem Ashraf gets down on his knee and sweeps it very fine, towards deep fine leg. Hardik Pandya from deep backward square leg runs across and cuts it off. The batters cross each other thrice.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Faheem Ashraf, Angles it into the batter, on off, on a length. Faheem Ashraf plays it close to the body and stabs it back to the bowler with soft hands.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Faheem Ashraf, Outside off, on a length at 94 kph, Ashraf is happy to leave it alone.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Darted on middle, on a length. Sahibzada Farhan is forced to go on the back foot and tries to block, but inside edges towards short fine leg for a single. They are just not picking up the spinners here.

Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, FOUR! In the gap! Lands it behind fuller length, outside off, but this one stays a bit too low on the bounce. Faheem adjusts well and lofts it over wide mid off for a cracking boundary. Kuldeep Yadav's figures read 3-0-11-2 so far, as just 6 runs come off his third over.

Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, Another play and a miss! Spins away a touch, full and outside off. Ashraf goes for the reverse and is beaten all ends up on that one.

Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, Quicker delivery again, at 90.3 kph, just around off, on a length. Faheem Ashraf chop-cuts it to first slip.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, Quicker one, on middle, Sahibzada Farhan rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a single only.

Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, Too full in length, in front of the sticks. Faheem Ashraf reverse sweeps it to the right of Bumrah at backward point. A diving stop there by the seamer allows the batter to pinch just a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, Tossed up, full and on middle, Faheem forces the drive toward cover.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! A boundary amidst the chaos! Much shorter and down the leg side, Sahibzada Farhan backs away but gets a bit cramped. However, he pulls it despire the ball getting extra bounce. He finds the gap between deep mid-wicket and wide long on for a boundary.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Tossed it up and outside off, defended back to the bowler off the front foot.

Axar Patel to Faheem Ashraf, Short and around middle, Ashraf nudges it towards backward square leg and takes a single.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Short and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan uses his feet and he has to adjust his shot as he punches it to long off for a single.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, DECISION OVERTURNED! An arm ball, full and around middle and leg, Sahibzada Farhan lunges and looks to just push at it, but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball hits the front pad, and there goes a big appeal for LBW from the bowler and the keeper, and the umpire instantly raises his finger. However, Sahibzada Farhan takes a review and refers it upstairs. The third umpire is called in, and there is nothing on the UltraEdge, but the Ball Tracking presents that the ball would have missed the leg stump. A successful review from Pakistan and Sahibzada Farhan survives.

Axar Patel to Faheem Ashraf, Full and outside off, driven through covers for a single.

Prior to this match, in the middle overs in T20Is (7-15), Kuldeep had the best bowling strike rate of 11.5 among bowlers from Test-playing nations (Minimum Wickets - 50).

Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, Short and around off, Faheem Ashraf prods forward and looks to defend it but gets an inside edge that rolls away towards backward square leg. They cross. No hattrick for Kuldeep Yadav but nonetheless, a successful over for India.

Faheem Ashraf walks in next, at number 8, replacing Mohammad Nawaz, and to face the HAT-TRICK BALL.

Kuldeep Yadav to Mohammad Nawaz, OUT! LBW! However, Mohammad Nawaz has reviewed it. A bit shorter and a googly, around middle and leg. Mohammad Nawaz presses back and looks to tuck it into the leg side, but plays all over it. Gets beaten on the inside edge, and the ball thuds onto the front pad. A huge appeal goes up for LBW from the bowler and the keeper and the umpire raises his finger. The third umpire is called in and there is nothing on the UltraEdge. The Ball Tracking presents three reds and Pakistan lose a review and Mohammad Nawaz. Indians are overjoyed and Kuldeep Yadav will be on the hat trick on the next ball. Pakistan are 64/6!

Mohammad Nawaz walks in next, at number 7, replacing Hasan Nawaz.

Kuldeep Yadav to Hasan Nawaz, OUT! TAKEN! Gone on the next ball! Kuldeep slows it up and pitches it full and around off, Hasan Nawaz sits down on one knee and looks to take on the bowler. He tries to slog sweep it across the line but only manages to get a top edge that flies high miles in the air beside the strip on the off side. Axar Patel calls for the catch from first slip and takes it, running to his left. Hasan Nawaz departs for 5 (7) and Pakistan are 64/5.

Kuldeep Yadav to Hasan Nawaz, A chance and DROPPED! Nagging length and outside off, as it seems the ball has held onto the surface. Hasan Nawaz looks to nudge it away into the leg side but ends up chipping it off the upper half of the bat to the right of the bowler. Kuldeep Yadav goes with both hands on that side but fails to hold onto it. The ball spills down, and how costly will it prove?

Kuldeep Yadav to Hasan Nawaz, Touch short and around off, punched down to cover off the back foot.

Kuldeep Yadav to Hasan Nawaz, Floated up but down leg, Hasan Nawaz sits down on one knee and sweeps it to the right of deep backward square leg for two runs.

India's spinners performed superbly well against UAE in the last match, with Kuldeep shining the brightest by taking 4 wickets, while Varun and Axar took 1 wicket each, but all 3 of them had an economy below 4.5 in the match. So far, the spinners' combined bowling figures read - 7-0-28-2! Kuldeep Yadav is back on. 1-0-2-0 so far.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Length ball, on the leg stump, stabbed back to the bowler. 8 off Axar's third and his figures show 3-0-11-2 so far.

Axar Patel to Hasan Nawaz, A bit of yes and no, but no harm done. Fuller in length, around off, Nawaz gets off the inside edge and the ball rolls to the square leg region. A single taken as Sanju Samson runs to his left and prevents any other run.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Fuller delivery, on the leg stump line, sliding in with the arm. Sahibzada Farhan leans on and steers it wide of mid-wicket, to his right for a single.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Tight line and length, on a length, on off. Sahibzada Farhan knocks it off the back foot, straight back to Axar.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, An in-drifter on a length, around off. Punched by Farhan to the right of short cover.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! BOOM! Tossed it up and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and extends his arms to deposit it straight down the ground for a biggie.

Meanwhile, a no show in Nottingham! After creating a world record in the previous T20I, with England crossing 300, everyone was anticipating a humdinger for the final match of the 3-T20I series between England and South Africa. But rain has played spoiltsport, with the game being called off in a shade under 2 hours. So, the 3-match series ends 1-1. Earlier, the ODI series went to the Proteas, claiming that 3-match series 2-1.

Abhishek Sharma to Sahibzada Farhan, A full toss, around off, Sahibzada Farhan slaps it across for a single at long on.

Abhishek Sharma to Sahibzada Farhan, Closer to the body, on a length, sliding in. Sahibzada Farhan is hurried to go deep in the crease and taps it to the right of Abhishek. Sharma dives to his right, and parries the ball towards the mid-wicket fielder.

Abhishek Sharma to Hasan Nawaz, Full than a length, Hasan works it down to long on for another solo.

Abhishek Sharma to Sahibzada Farhan, Full and sliding on the leg stump line. Sahibzada Farhan lunges forward and drives it to the left of mid-wicket for a single.

Abhishek Sharma to Hasan Nawaz, Too full again, on off, Hasan Ali drives it along the carpet to deep extra cover for a single. Gets off the mark, does Hasan!

Abhishek Sharma to Sahibzada Farhan, Looped up by Sharma, full and around off, Farhan drills it down to long off for an easy single.

DRINKS BREAK. Batting has never really been Pakistan's forte, has it? Say, post Inzy's retirement? And without Babar and Rizwan, it looks even weaker. Pakistan came into this game with excellent form but a critic would agree that they were tested severely in that tri-series by both. UAE and Afghanistan. And come the real big game, they have faltered again. Barring a few overs in the Powerplay, they have barely got going and only one over - the third - has gone for double digits. The Indians are keeping a fine check on their counterparts and it might all be about playing out the 20 overs and get SOME score to defend, for Pakistan. Sahibzada Farhan falls into an unfamiliar role of holding the innings, against his attacking nature. But how much time does he have? Here's Abhishek Sharma - spinner number 4! Also, Hasan Nawaz has walked in next, at number 6, replacing his skipper, Salman Agha.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, OUT! CAUGHT! Wicket number 2 for Axar and the Indians are back in control. Slower through the air, full outside off, Salman Agha reaches out to play the slog sweep but is unable to adjust to the pace off the pitch. Gets a top edge which goes towards deep mid-wicket. Simple catch for Abhishek Sharma. Agha departs for 3 (12) and from 45/2, Pakistan are now 49/4!

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Length, in-drifter, punched back to the bowler off the back foot. Agha has looked all but comfortable against spin so far.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Similar length and line, Agha weighs back and cuts it to the left of the diving backward point fielder for a couple of runs. Axar is not happy and thinks there could have been a better effort.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Landed short and on off, Salman tries to cut it away but finds the fielder at cover-point.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Drags the length back a bit, around off, Salman Agha is forced to go on the back foot and punches it into the cover region.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Slower and fuller, outside off, spinning away off the deck. Salman Agha sits down to sweep, but misses as the ball spins away.

282 chased down with ease. With 8 wickets and 35 balls to spare. This is an update from the 1st match of a 3-ODI series between India Women and Australia Women, in Mullanpur. After electing to bat first, half centuries from Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol gave the home side a good start, but there was a lack of acceleration in the middle overs. India posted a decent enough total of 281/7, but had they been a bit more mobile post the 10th over, they might have got to 320. Australia made a literal mockery of the chase, with plenty of help from their counterparts as the Indians dropped catches left, right and centre, with special love for Phoebe Litchfield, who was allowed plenty of opportunities to get a century but fell short by 12 runs. Ellyse Perry retired hurt due to cramps but nearly all the batters got some decent batting practice. Earlier, Australia struggled to pick up wickets but managed to keep the Indians quiet.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Short and drifting in on middle. Sahibzada Farhan chops it off the back foot, straight to Varun.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Salman Agha, Length, quick into the off stump line. Salman works it in front of cover for a quick single. Off the mark, is the Pakistani skipper.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Salman Agha, This one turns back into the batter, full and from outside off. Salman Agha probably did not pick the delivery off Varun's hand and is beaten past the inside edge as the ball raps on the front foot.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Salman Agha, BEATEN! Quicker at 95.4 kph, full and outside off, going straight on. Salman Agha plants the front foot out and tries to work it through covers, but gets beaten past the outside edge by a kitten-whisker.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Salman Agha, DECISION OVERTURNED! What a terrific review from the Pakistan skipper. This looked dead in real time. But he survives. Full in length, outside off, it was the googly and Salman Agha tried to paddle it down the leg side. He missed and got hit right in front of the stumps and the umpire raised his finger on the LBW appeal. Agha took the review immediately as well and he was proved right, as Ball Tracking projected the ball to be spinning down the leg side!

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Slides into the batter, on a length, on top of off and middle. Sahibzada Farhan backs away and punches a bit uppishly through the vacant mid off region for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy returns. 1-0-8-0 so far.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, This one comes with the arm, drifts into the batter off a length. Salman Agha negotiates well and plays it very late. Opens the bat face and deliberately works it to short third. A successful start for Axar. A wicket and just a single off it.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Nice and full, outside off, Agha leans forward and works it to the backward point region.

Skipper Salman Agha walks in next, at number 5, replacing Fakhar Zaman.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, OUT! CAUGHT! The 39-run stand has been broken by Axar. The left-arm spinner comes from around the wicket but perhaps sees Fakhar Zaman jump out of his crease a touch early. That much is enough for the experienced spinner. Just shortens his length a fraction and Fakhar, already through his shot of going big down the ground, gets a bit too close to the ball. As a result, he skies this up in the air, getting a lot of height, but not enough distance. It goes towards long on where two fielders converge - long off to his left and long on to his right. Eventually, Tilak Varma takes a good running catch to his right at long on. Zaman departs for 17 (15) and Pakistan are now 45/3 after 7.4 overs!

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, Very slow through the air, wicket-to-wicket on a fuller length. Fakhar Zaman shapes to play the scoop shot, but gets a bottom edge and the ball rolls towards Axar.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Full and darted in at 90 kph, around off. Sahibzada Farhan tries to drive inside out through cover, but inside edges it through square leg for a single.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Stays low on the bounce, around off, on a length. Farhan backs away and punches it hard to cover.

Prior to this match, Kuldeep Yadav had the best bowling strike rate (11.9) in T20Is among Test-playing nations (Minimum Wickets - 50). Spin from both ends. Time for the third spinner - Axar Patel.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, Drags the length, around off, Sahibzada Farhan is quick to hang back and pulls it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a single as the man from long on cuts it off to his right. Just 2 singles off Kuldeep's first.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, Into the blockhole, on off. Sahibzada Farhan carves it out to the right of Kuldeep. Three dots, on the trot. Overall four in this over so far.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, Flatter, at 85.5 kph, on middle. Sahibzada Farhan hangs deep and punches it to short cover.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, Some inward turn, full and around off. Sahibzada Farhan takes a huge stride forward and eases it to the off side.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, In the air... and just short! Spotting Fakhar charging down the track, Kuldeep shortens his length by a yard, on middle and off. Fakhar Zaman mistimes it but clear mid on and the ball lands in front of the fielder charging in from long on. One taken.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Slowish delivery, at 86.2 kph, on a length, just outside off. Fakhar Zaman waits for it and dabs it late to the left of the first slip fielder.

That can be called as India's Powerplay. But having lost two wickets in the first 8 legal balls, Pakistan will be happy with the way they finished the fielding restrictions phase. Kuldeep Yadav, fresh from a 4-fer, is here to test Pakistan's footwork against his spin.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Follows up with a bumper, angling towards the leg stump, at shoulder height. Sahibzada Farhan swivels to pull, but misses. Samson gathers it to his left. Jasprit Bumrah's figures read 3-0-16-1 as he goes for 8 runs in his third. Pakistan end their Powerplay with 42/2 on the board.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Bit of a late drama! Yorker, outside off, Farhan backed away to the leg side an tried to hammer it through the off side. Now, Sanju Samson started to appeal for catch but Bumrah indicated that the ball skid through, past the bat. Irrespective, the umpires decide to check for a bump catch. Means, it is an umpire's review, not the team's. The replays are a touch inconclusive and the ball seems to have taken the inside edge, but bounced immediately.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Short at 141.3 kph, on middle and leg. Sahibzada Farhan is hurried on the shot and mistimes the pull shot, but somehow, he manages to clear mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! BOOM! And that too, against Boom. It was a slower ball, yes, but because this batter is in good form, he picked that change in pace. Additionally, that ball was short and angling down the leg side. Sahibzada Farhan picked the length in a trice, got outside the line and pulled it with power over backward square leg. The stand moves to 34 (25).

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Goes for the yorker, but ends as a full toss, worked to mid on by Farhan.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, A well-directed bumper, on top of the stumps, just folding back into the batter. Sahibzada Farhan ducks under it.

Talking about recent form of both the teams in T20Is, each has won 4 out of its last 5 T20I matches.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Flatter, full and around middle, Sahibzada Farhan backs away and knocks it down to the left of long on for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Short and outside off, Farhan presses back and cuts it hard towards cover point where Shubman Gill moves to his left and makes a good stop.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, On the fuller side and around leg, Zaman flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! BLUDGEONED! No need to run for that. Tossed up, outside leg, Fakhar jumps down the track pretty early, gets to the pitch of the ball and hammers it back past the bowler, through mid on.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Very full, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan punches it through mid off for a run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, A googly to start. Full, around middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman works it through mid-wicket for a single.

India and Pakistan have faced each other 3 times in Men’s T20 Asia Cups, in which, India have won 2 matches and Pakistan 1 - that one win coming in the last encounter in Dubai itself, in 2022. Trial by spin now. Here's Varun Chakaravarthy.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Nagging length and around off, Farhan chops it down to extra cover.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Almost carried! Bumrah goes for a yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, around off, Sahibzada Farhan comes forward and looks to just push at it but ends up playing it uppishly back to the bowler where Bumrah gets low in his followthrough but the ball lands ahead of him.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Hard length and outside off, Farhan gets on the top of the bounce and dabs it down to backward point.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! BLAST! That is a great shot. One with authority. Back of a length, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan waits for that ball, keeps his head straight and swings it cleanly over wide mid on! First six of the game.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Good, fast bowling. Fractionally short, a bit of width outside off, Farhan pokes at it without moving his feet and is clearly beaten by pace.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, On a good length, outside off, coming in, Sahibzada Farhan stays behind the line and pushes it back to the bowler.

Overall, this is the 14th meeting between India and Pakistan in T20Is. India lead the head-to-head 10-3.

Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Oh, nearly a chopped on! On a length and a bit outside off, angling away from the batter. Zaman throws his hands at it and looks to cut it, but gets an inside edge that goes past the off stump behind the wickets to the right of the keeper. Hardik Pandya has his hands on his head, in disbelief.

Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! SHOT! A low full toss, around middle, shaping in. Fakhar Zaman comes forward and flicks it through the gap between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary.

Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, THREE WIDES! Full and swings back in, but down the leg side, Fakhar Zaman leans onto the delivery and looks to flick it, but misses. The keeper, Sanju Samson, puts in a full-length dive with his extended right hand to his right, but gets his right hand on it only. The ball parries away towards deep fine leg where Kuldeep Yadav runs across to his left and cuts it off. Two byes taken and it is called a wide as well.

Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length and angling in, around middle, and also gets some extra bounce. Fakhar Zaman gets across and looks to tuck it into the leg side but misses. Wears it high on the thigh pads.

Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! Aha. Pakistan fans finally manage to see one ball cross the boundary. That is a rare bad ball from Hardik. Short but down the leg side, Fakhar Zaman swivels inside the line and pulls it to the fine leg fence.

Hardik Pandya to Sahibzada Farhan, Around off, pushed towards mid on for a quick run.

Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, A short ball, around middle, Fakhar gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through square leg for a single.

It has been roughly a year since Pakistan toured Australia. It was in early 2024 and at that stage, a lot was said about Saim Ayub. A guy who has got good technique but his last few innings have not been that fruitful. Including the one tonight, Ayub has been dismissed for 4 ducks in his last 8 international innings.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Bumrah ends with another yorker, right at the toes again, around off. However, Sahibzada Farhan brings his bat down in time and jams it out into the leg side. Pakistan are 7/2 after two overs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Pitched up and around off, Zaman backs away, clears his front leg away and drives it to the right of mid off for a quick single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, A successful review from Fakhar Zaman, and he survives a thrilling delivery. A searing yorker, at the toes, around the leg stump, Zaman gets surprised and tries to bring his bat down to block, but misses. He gets a bit late, and the ball hits the boot of the left leg. Huge appeal for LBW from the bowler and the keeper, and the umpire raises his finger. However, Fakhar Zaman has reviewed it. The Indians look convinced though. The third umpire is called in, and there is nothing on the UltraEdge. Oh, the Ball Tracking shows that it has pitched outside leg. The on-field call gets overturned. But this has been a breathtaking over so far from the Indian spearhead.

Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, On a length, around middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman looks to defend but there is an exaggerated seam movement, going well past the outside edge, towards the keeper.

Fakhar Zaman walks in next, at number 4, replacing Mohammad Haris.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mohammad Haris, OUT! CAUGHT! Second wicket goes down as well! A very good short ball, outside off, coming in with the angle of over the wicket. Mohammad Haris goes instinctively for the pull but there is extra bounce on that ball and that does him in. Gets it off the top half of the bat and the ball goes high in the air, but only as far as deep square leg. The man in the circle runs back while Hardik Pandya comes running in from the deep. Hardik makes a clear call for the catch and takes it calmly. Haris departs for 3 (5) and Pakistan are 6/2 after 1.2 overs!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Full, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan looks to drive without moving his feet and gets a thick outside edge, which flies well wide of slip, to his right, towards deep third. Single taken.

Interesting opening over. The pitch already looks slow, with the ball tending to hold onto the surface a bit. Hardik Pandya enjoys bowling against Pakistan and that opening over showed why. Hardik has taken the most wickets in India-Pakistan T20Is - 14 at an average of 11.5 and an economy of 7.15. No respite for Pakistan though, as it will be Jasprit Bumrah to share the new ball.

Hardik Pandya to Mohammad Haris, In the air.... but falls down safely! On a good length and wide outside off, Mohammad Haris clears out his front leg and looks to go for a big lofted shot inside out over covers. But due to an extra bounce, he ends up slicing it off the outer half of the bat over backward point. Both fielders, backward point and short third, run backwards and try to reach, but the ball falls down before them. Two runs taken and Pakistan are 5/1. The batters of Pakistan are showing intent rightaway.

Hardik Pandya to Mohammad Haris, A bit fuller with a hint of outward movement, outside off, Haris comes forward and eases his drive to extra cover. He wants a single but is sent back by his partner.

Hardik Pandya to Mohammad Haris, Swing and a miss! On a length and outside off, and it stays a bit lower than the batter would have expected it to be and also shapes away a touch. Mohammad Haris remains deep in his crease and tries to hoick it across the line but connects with thin air only.

Hardik Pandya to Sahibzada Farhan, Fuller, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan looks to drive but mistimes it towards cover. Gets the run though.

Hardik Pandya to Mohammad Haris, Landed outside off, moving away off a length, Mohammad Haris waits for the ball to arrive and dabs it past slip towards deep third, for a single to get off the mark.

Mohammad Haris walks in next, at number 3, replacing Saim Ayub.

Hardik Pandya to Saim Ayub, OUT! CAUGHT! Extended nets session, is it? Because it is a catching practice for ermmm... who is that? My dear - Jasprit Bumrah at point? Indeed it is! It is a very soft dismissal. Fractionally short of length, outside off, this one goes the other way. Saim Ayub pushes at it away from his body and gives a straightforward catch to Bumrah at that position. Really surprising choice of a shot from Ayub and even more surprising to see Bumrah at that position. Ideally, Ayub should have gone hard but maybe, cautiousness got the better of him. Ayub departs for a golden duck and Pakistan are 1/1 after 0.1 overs!

Hardik Pandya to Saim Ayub, WIDE. Down the leg side to start. Perhaps Hardik is checking the swing and wanted to start from around off stump. But he ends up drifting it a bit too straight and the ball goes down the leg side. Ayub looks to flick but misses.

The national anthems have been sung and we are ready for some cricketing action. The two openers for Pakistan - Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan - stride out to the middle. Hardik Pandya has the new ball in his hand. Ayub to face. Here we go.

The two squads walk out to the middle, for the national anthems. It will be Pakistan's first, followed by that of India's.

PITCH REPORT - Sanjay Manjrekar and Ravi Shastri are pitchside with their thoughts. Manjrekar points out that Pakistan’s decision to bat first seemed to have a lot to do with the nature of the surface. Ravi Shastri joins in and agrees. On the point of Pakistan going in with four spinners and just one specialist seamer, Shastri explains that Pakistan are going with a horses-for-courses approach. According to him, they believe that the track looks low and slow, and their idea is to play fearless cricket by putting runs on the board and then applying scoreboard pressure. Sanjay feels that this particular approach from Pakistan is a sign that they are completely revamping their strategy under Mike Hesson. Ravi adds that Pakistan’s spin options give them depth and flexibility, while India look like a very balanced side with all bases covered.

The Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, shares that they were looking to bowl, so he is happy with the toss result. Says that the preparations have been good and they are looking forward to this game. Highlights that they played their first game just one strip away and says it was a nice wicket overall and better to bat under the lights. Points that it is a bit humid, and hopes that the dew factor will come into play later. Informs that they are going unchanged for this game.

The skipper of Pakistan, Salman Agha, mentions that his team has been playing good cricket and the atmosphere is exciting. Talking about the surface, he feels that it looks like a slow wicket, so the plan is to bat first and put runs on the board. On the spin department, he confirms that they are going with the same side which played in the previous match. Speaking about playing in Dubai, he adds that the team has been here for around 20 days and is well used to the conditions.

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (C), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Abrar Ahmed.

TOSS UPDATE - The coin flip lands in favor of Pakistan and Salman Agha elects to BAT first.

India's KULDEEP YADAV is up for a quick chat with the broadcasters. He reflects and expresses that he is happy with the way he performed in the previous game and cites the importance of starting off on a positive note. Shares that it is always tough to sit out for many games but mentions it is purely because of the conditions and the demands of the team at the very point. Highlights that he has worked on his fitness and bowled around 35 overs in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy. Mentions that the conditions in Dubai tend to get a bit slow as the game progresses. About the nerves during an India-Pakistan game, he adds that it is just another game of cricket. Says every player in the side wants to do well because of the history of both teams.

India and Pakistan have met three times in Dubai, in T20Is, with Pakistan winning twice, including that memorable ten-wicket victory at the 2021 T20 World Cup, and during the 2022 Asia Cup Super 4s. But overall, India still hold a strong record at the venue with six wins in ten outings in the format. Pakistan, on the other hand, have far greater experience in this regard, having played 33 matches, winning 18 of them, although their recent run has seen three defeats in the last five. With all said, let’s hope for quality cricket between the two nations. Stay tuned for toss and team updates.

For Pakistan, the big question had been whether they could keep pace with the modern demands of T20 cricket, and lately they seem to have found some answers. Saim Ayub has quickly emerged as a pivotal figure for the future, while Salman Agha's leadership has added a proactive edge. The real challenge, though, is for this young batting unit to stand up against a high-quality Indian bowling attack. And when bowling quality is mentioned, Pakistan’s pace artillery always comes into focus. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have been lethal operators, especially with the new ball, and in the spin department, the trio of Mohammad Nawaz, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Abrar Ahmed will look to choke the opposition through the middle overs.

Staying true to their ultra-aggressive brand of cricket, India, under Suryakumar Yadav, are packed with power-hitters right through the order. The intent to go big from the very first ball is what makes this young side lethal. Abhishek Sharma showed flashes of that fearless approach in the previous outing, though the real test comes against stronger opposition like tonight. With the ball, the spinners led by Kuldeep Yadav enjoyed a productive day against the UAE, and similar conditions in Dubai suggest they could once again play a decisive role. India went in with just Jasprit Bumrah as the lone specialist quick, but Arshdeep Singh remains firmly in the frame. He has the second-best record for India among active players in the current squad, against Pakistan in terms of wickets, only behind Hardik Pandya, in T20Is. His inclusion, though, hinges on whether the team management is willing to sacrifice a batter to accommodate him.

The last time these two sides faced each other, India had the experience of Rohit Sharma, the aggression of Virat Kohli, and the electrifying presence of Ravindra Jadeja in the lineup. Pakistan’s batting card then was powered by their senior pros Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. Now, none of them are part of their respective squads of this format. Some have retired, while others have been moved aside. With the greats gone, the focus has shifted to a new generation, a group carrying youthful energy, intensity, and the hunger to create their own legacy.

A lot has been happening and being talked off the field and on social media, as always has been the case when these two sides are about to clash. But on the field, it is simply about playing cricket like any other regular day or against any opposition. However, it’s the environment that is a bit somber this time around, as there was absolutely no certainty whether this would even be played in the first place. In the context of the tournament, it is an important clash for both sides. They started off with strong wins against lesser competitive opponents, and a win here will almost confirm the berth for the Super 4s. A defeat, however, will make the hill steeper moving forward.

Rivalries in cricket, or rather in any sport, make it a lot more lively and competitive. Years have gone by, but in any multilateral event, one of the most talked-about ones is India vs Pakistan. These two fierce sides go hard at each other, and when national pride is on the line, it becomes about unity and giving absolutely everything. Dubai is the hotspot and is all prepared for a Super Sunday. On that note, a warm welcome to our coverage.

... MATCH DAY ...

Rivalry, emotion, and a stage that needs no introduction. When India and Pakistan walk out to face each other, cricket becomes more than just a sport. The Asia Cup 2025 now delivers its biggest moment yet as Match 6 takes center stage in Dubai, with millions of voices ready to turn the stadium into a cauldron of noise and passion. History, politics, legacy, and controversy have long shaped this clash, but on the field, it all comes down to bat versus ball, nerve versus nerve. The most important Group A contest is here, and the world will be watching. For weeks, the biggest question wasn’t about who might win, but whether this clash would even happen at all. Now that uncertainty has been put to bed, the stage is finally clear for a blockbuster. Off the field, the rivalry often feels like life or death - pun intended - but on the field, it’s simply cricket in its most electrifying form. And with India and Pakistan meeting only in multilateral events, every contest feels like a rare gem. Both sides have warmed up with convincing wins over associate nations, brushing aside early hurdles and storming into Dubai with momentum on their side. The Men in Blue made light work of UAE, putting on a commanding display across every department. In fact, the contest barely stretched past the halfway mark, lasting under 20 overs in total, such was the gulf in quality. Dubai’s pitch has already shown its true colors, with spin calling the shots. In the opening match here, India’s spinners combined to take six of the eleven wickets that fell across both innings, with Kuldeep Yadav leading the way. Pakistan’s clash with debutants Oman followed the same script, as their spinners shared nine of the seventeen wickets across both innings, including a run out, and with Ayub and Muqeem at the forefront. One key difference stands out. Pakistan’s batting unit has already faced a proper test, while India’s middle order is still waiting for its first real challenge. How that balance tips in Dubai could well shape the story of this contest. The last time India and Pakistan met in the Asia Cup’s T20I format was back in 2022, where Pakistan got the better of the Indian side. Additionally, on the international stage, their last meet was more than a year ago, at the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York. That night had every bit of drama, as India defended just 119 runs against a full-strength Pakistani side. Since then, the landscape has shifted. Pakistan seem to have finally moved on from Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam from the format, who once used to be the very pillars of the side. India too has seen its greats bid farewell, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja hanging up their boots after lifting the trophy in that very tournament. What remains are two teams in a transition phase, reshaped with new faces, combinations, and fresh ambitions. And now, they are about to be thrown straight into the furnace of the highest intensity. Batting in unforgiving warm and humid conditions on slow, low pitches will be a real test for both sides. For many players, this will be their very first time facing the opposition in a contest of such magnitude. Yet there are a few who know exactly what it means to deliver on this stage. Picture Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf charging in full tilt at Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, or Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav taking on Salman Agha and Mohammad Haris. These are the duels within the duel, the battles that can decide the outcome. Both teams are moving forward on the lines of being more receptive to the demands of modern-day T20 cricket. Power-hitting depth, leaning more toward youth energy, coupled with flexible batting orders and multi-skilled players, is slowly becoming the blueprint of the way forward in the future. India and Pakistan may be in transition, but their approaches show a clear intent to keep pace with the evolving game. One thing is certain - in the current climate, every action and every reaction will be viewed through a magnifying glass. The atmosphere may feel a touch somber this time, but the hope remains that cricket itself does not get overshadowed. A fascinating night lies ahead, with the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium ready to sparkle under the spotlight.