Dubai [UAE]: After India’s victory over Pakistan in their Asia Cup Super Four encounter, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav declared that the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is “not a rivalry anymore.”
Chasing a challenging 171/5, powered by a half-century from Sahibzada Farhan and aided by a few dropped catches from the Indian side, India’s opening duo Abhishek Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill dominated Pakistani bowlers both with bat and confidence. Their century partnership guided India to a comfortable six-wicket win with seven balls to spare.
Since the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, this marks India’s seventh consecutive white-ball victory over Pakistan. In 15 T20Is against Pakistan, India has won 12 matches, losing just three. The gap has widened over the years following the retirements of several star Pakistani players, making the rivalry increasingly one-sided. Earlier in this tournament, India had also defeated Pakistan by seven wickets while chasing 128 runs in the group stage.
Addressing the competitiveness of Pakistan during the post-match press conference, Suryakumar said:
“I think you should stop asking questions on the rivalry. A rivalry exists when both sides have played 15–20 matches and the scoreline is close, like 8-7. When it’s 3-0, 10-1—whatever the stats are—this is not a rivalry anymore.”
Recent India-Pakistan clash results since the T20 World Cup 2022:
- Asia Cup 2025: India won by 6 wickets
- Asia Cup 2025: India won by 7 wickets
- Champions Trophy 2025: India won by 6 wickets
- T20 World Cup 2024: India won by 6 runs
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: India won by 7 wickets
- Asia Cup 2023: India won by 228 runs
- T20 World Cup 2022: India won by 4 wickets
Match Summary:
India won the toss and chose to field first. After Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal, a quick 72-run partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (58 off 45 balls, 5 fours, 3 sixes) and Saim Ayub (21 off 17 balls, 1 four, 1 six) kept Pakistan ahead. Later, contributions from Mohammed Nawaz (21 off 19 balls, 1 four, 1 six) and Faheem Ashraf (20 off 8 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes)* propelled Pakistan to 171/5 in 20 overs.
For India, Shivam Dube (2/33) was the standout bowler, while Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya picked up a wicket each.
During the chase, Abhishek Sharma (74 off 39 balls, 6 fours, 5 sixes) and Shubman Gill (47 off 28 balls, 8 fours) dominated the first ten overs, virtually deciding the game. Haris Rauf (2/26) tried to stem the flow, but Tilak Varma (30 off 19 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes)* and Hardik Pandya (7)* ensured India reached the target with seven balls to spare.
Abhishek Sharma was adjudged Player of the Match for his explosive innings.
