India beat Pakistan by six wickets in Asia Cup T20 Super Four clash

In the second match of the Asia Cup T20 Super Four stage, India defeated Pakistan by six wickets on Sunday.

At the Dubai International Stadium, India won the toss and opted to field first. Pakistan set a target of 172 runs, which India comfortably chased down in the 19th over at the loss of just four wickets.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 171/5 in 20 overs.

Pakistan’s first dismissal came at 21 runs when Fakhar Zaman was caught out after scoring 15. His wicket, taken by Hardik Pandya, sparked debate on social media with many users calling the decision controversial.

Following Fakhar’s dismissal, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub stabilized the innings, taking the score to 93 runs. At that stage, Saim Ayub was caught out off Shivam Dube after scoring 21.

Pakistan’s third wicket fell at 110 when Hussain Talat was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav for 10 runs. Shortly after, at 115, Sahibzada Farhan was caught out off Dube for a well-played 58 off 45 balls with three sixes and five fours.

Read more: Andy Pycroft stays as referee for Pakistan–India Super Four clash despite handshake saga

Mohammad Nawaz departed at 149 for 21 runs. Captain Salman Ali Agha contributed 17, while Faheem Ashraf remained unbeaten on 20 off eight balls.

In reply, India chased down the target with ease, losing just four wickets. India’s first casualty was Shubman Gill, who was bowled by Faheem Ashraf for 47. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for a duck by Haris Rauf.

At 123 runs, Abhishek Sharma was dismissed by Abrar Ahmed after a blistering knock of 74 off 39 balls, featuring five sixes. Sanju Samson was bowled by Haris for 13. Tilak Varma (30) and Hardik Pandya (7) stayed unbeaten to take India home.

Pakistan made two changes in their playing XI, bringing in Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat. The squad also included Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.

India also made two changes, recalling Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy.

The match was marred by controversy over the post-match handshake and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s political statement, further souring relations between the two nations. Notably, the captains of both teams did not shake hands after the toss.

It is worth mentioning that India had also beaten Pakistan by seven wickets in the group stage.