KEY POINTS
- Pakistan collapsed from 84/0 to 146 all out in 19.1 overs, squandering a strong start in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul led a ruthless Indian bowling attack that dismantled Pakistan’s middle and lower order.
DUBAI: In a dramatic twist to what began as a promising innings, Pakistan collapsed to 146 all out in 19.1 overs in the high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 Final against India on Sunday.
At one stage, cruising at 84/0, Pakistan’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure, losing all 10 wickets for just 62 runs in the final 9.3 overs. A tight Indian bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul, turned the tide after an early onslaught by the Pakistani openers.
Farhan and Fakhar Lay Strong Foundation
The innings started brightly for Pakistan, with openers Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35) putting on a solid 84-run partnership in just 9.4 overs. Farhan played with confidence, dispatching 5 fours and 3 sixes, while Fakhar rotated the strike well and chipped in with two sixes of his own.
But once Varun Chakravarthy broke the stand, removing Farhan and then Fakhar within five overs, the innings spiraled downward.
Middle-Order Meltdown
Pakistan’s middle order failed to withstand the pressure as wickets fell in clusters: Saim Ayub fell to Kuldeep Yadav after a brisk 14. Mohammad Haris, Salman Agha, and Hussain Talat all departed cheaply. The lower order offered no resistance, with three batters, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, and Haris Rauf, falling within six balls. From 113/1, Pakistan found themselves at 134/8 in a matter of minutes.
India’s Bowling Dominance
The Indian bowlers staged a brilliant comeback after a quiet first half: Kuldeep Yadav was the standout, finishing with 4/30 and dismantling the middle and lower order. Jasprit Bumrah picked up 2/25, including the vital wickets of Nawaz and Rauf.
Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with two wickets each, keeping the scoring rate in check. Shivam Dube bowled economically, conceding 23 in his three overs.
Turning Point: The Collapse
The real damage was done between overs 10 and 17, where Pakistan lost seven wickets for 26 runs. The required acceleration never came, and pressure from tight fielding and disciplined spin caused panic across the Pakistani batting ranks.
What’s Next?
India now need 147 runs to win their ninth Asia Cup title and extend their dominance over Pakistan in T20Is. The chasing side has often found success at this venue, and the dew could further tilt the balance in India’s favour as they look to end the tournament unbeaten.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will need something extraordinary with the ball to defend what now looks like a below-par total, especially after having had such a commanding start. Early breakthrough might change the momentum in Pakistan’s favour.
Score Summary:
Pakistan: 146 all out in 19.1 overs
Top Scorers: Sahibzada Farhan 57, Fakhar Zaman 46
Top Bowlers (India): Kuldeep Yadav 4/30, Jasprit Bumrah 2/25, Axar Patel 2/26
Target for India: 147 in 20 overs
