Team India registered a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their second group-stage match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (September 14).
Pakistan’s innings was restricted to 127/9 in 20 overs after they won the toss and opted to bat first. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3-18) and all-rounder Axar Patel (2-18) led the charge, tightening the screws with stunning spells. Jasprit Bumrah (2-28), Varun Chakaravarthy (1-24) and Hardik Pandya (1-34) shared the remaining five scalps among them.
In reply, the Men in Blue made light work of the chase, reaching the target in 15.5 overs. While Abhishek Sharma’s stole the show with 13-ball 31 at the top, skipper Suryakumar Yadav finished the job with 37-ball 47*. Tilak Varma also contributed run-a-ball 31 before perishing.
Speaking to India Today, former spinner Harbhajan Singh has hailed India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan in the continental showpiece, calling it a moment of “national celebration.”
The game was held amidst heightened tensions between the two nations following the Pahalgam episode and the retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
The BCCI went ahead with the fixture after the Indian government gave the green light to participate in the eight-team tournament. In August, the Sports Ministry allowed India to compete against Pakistan in multilateral events, but maintained the ban on bilateral cricket.
“It was a much-needed victory. Before the game, there was a lot of debate — people wondered whether this match should even be played. But in the end, it’s a huge win for India. Full credit to the team — they played terrific cricket. They showed exactly what they’re capable of and why they are one of the best in the world. This is how India plays cricket,” Harbhajan said.
Harbhajan mentioned that Pakistan’s batters were found wanting against the Indian spinners, who stuck to their plans and bowled with discipline
“Absolutely, 100%. The Indian team showed how T20 cricket should be played,” Harbhajan stated. “Even though we had a young side, we had multiple match-winners. On any given day, these youngsters can win a game on their own. On the other hand, when Pakistan was batting, they looked clueless against our spinners. Team India held their nerves, stuck to the plan, and bowled brilliantly to bowl them out cheaply.”
According to Harbhajan, victories over Pakistan are never ordinary as they carry an emotional weight.
“Every time India beats Pakistan, it’s a moment of national celebration — no doubt about that,” he remarked. “Beating Pakistan is always special. It’s an emotional moment, and I truly hope everyone celebrates this win. For those who chose not to watch the match, I can only say this: as players, the one thing we can do is represent the country with pride and do everything we can to win.”
With two wins from as many matches, India sit on top of the Group A points table. With a place in the next round, the Super 4s, all but confirmed, they will take on Oman in their final group-stage match in Abu Dhabi on September 19.
India and Pakistan might face each other twice more in the ongoing Asia Cup, provided both teams qualify for Super 4s and final.
