Kolkata : India delivered a clinical performance to defeat Pakistan by seven wickets in their DP World Asia Cup clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After Pakistan captain Salman Agha chose to bat first, India’s bowlers quickly took control and never let go.
Pakistan lost opener Saim Ayub to the very first ball. Hardik Pandya followed up with the wicket of Mohammad Haris as the scoreboard read 6 for 2. Sahibzada Farhan attempted to rebuild with a patient 40 off 44 deliveries, striking one four and three sixes, but the middle order collapsed around him. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer, dismantling the batting with figures of 3 for 18. Axar Patel’s steady 2 for 18 and Bumrah’s 2 for 28 tightened the screws further. Only a late burst from Shaheen Afridi, who hammered four sixes in a 16-ball 33, lifted Pakistan to 127 for 9 from their 20 overs
.India’s chase was assertive from the outset. Abhishek Sharma blazed 31 off 13 balls to seize the momentum, including two towering sixes. After both openers fell inside the powerplay, captain Suryakumar Yadav guided the innings with a composed 47 not out from 37 deliveries, finding gaps and rotating strike smartly. Tilak Varma added a steady 31 before Saim Ayub, Pakistan’s surprise bowling option, claimed his third wicket. By then the required rate was well under control, and India crossed the finish line at 131 for 3 in just 15.5 overs, with 25 balls to spare.Kuldeep Yadav’s three-wicket spell earned him the Player of the Match award.
