DUBAI: Sahibzada Farhan struck a brisk half-century to guide Pakistan to 171 for five against arch-rivals India in their Asia Cup Super Four encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Sent in to bat first after India skipper Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to field, Pakistan recorded their highest powerplay score against India in T20 internationals, reaching 55 for one after six overs.
Openers Fakhar Zaman and Farhan added 21 runs for the first wicket before Fakhar was dismissed in the third over for 15 off nine balls.
The left-hander edged a slower delivery from Hardik Pandya to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who claimed a low catch that was upheld after a third-umpire review — a decision that sparked debate.
Farhan, however, held firm and partnered with Saim Ayub to add 72 for the second wicket. Saim made 21 from 17 deliveries before falling to Shivam Dube in the 11th over.
The right-handed Farhan continued to anchor the innings, hitting five fours and three sixes in his 58 off 45 balls. His dismissal to Dube in the 15th over left Pakistan at 110 for three.
Brief contributions from Hussain Talat (10) and captain Salman Ali Agha (17 not out) kept the scoreboard moving. Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with 21 off 19, while Faheem Ashraf provided late fireworks with 20 not out off just eight balls, striking two sixes and a four to push Pakistan past 170.
For India, Dube was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav took one apiece.
Pakistan’s total was boosted by their aggressive start, with the 55-run powerplay eclipsing their previous best against India in T20Is — 54 at Ahmedabad in 2012. Their other notable efforts include 53 at Johannesburg in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and 44 in Dubai in 2022.
The match marked the second meeting between the two sides in this year’s Asia Cup, with both teams under pressure in the Super Four stage of the tournament.
Pakistan Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris(w), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.
India Playing XI
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson(w), Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.
