India eased past Pakistan by seven wickets with 25 balls to spare in their Asia Cup group-stage match Sunday at Dubai International Stadium.
Chasing 128, India reached 131-3 in 15.5 overs, powered by captain Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 47 off 37 balls. Abhishek Sharma gave India a flying start with 31 off just 13 deliveries, smashing four fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 238. Shubman Gill added 10 from seven balls, while Tilak Varma contributed 31 before falling to Saim Ayub. Shivam Dube (10 not out) partnered Yadav to finish the chase.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub was the standout bowler, taking 3-35 in four overs. Abrar Ahmed was economical with 0-16 in his four overs, but Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz and Sufiyan Muqeem all went wicketless under India’s aggressive batting.
Earlier, Pakistan managed only 127-9 in their 20 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat. The total proved inadequate as India’s batting lineup dominated the chase.
The win puts India in a strong position in the group stage of the Asia Cup, while Pakistan faces mounting pressure to keep its campaign alive.
