DUBAI: Pakistan faced off against India for the second time in the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, after a disappointing group-stage loss. The Super Fours match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, saw mixed reactions from fans regarding Pakistan’s batting performance.
In an attempt to change their fortunes, Pakistan opted to promote senior batter Fakhar Zaman up the order to open the innings alongside Sahibzada Farhan. This move came after regular opener Saim Ayub struggled throughout the group stage, failing to score a run in three games.
Fakhar, however, did not last long, departing early following a third umpire’s call, which many fans felt was controversial. With Pakistan at 21 for 1 after just 2.3 overs, Farhan stepped up to take control of the innings. Alongside Saim Ayub, the pair formed a solid 72-run partnership off 49 balls, pushing Pakistan to 93 in 10.2 overs.
Despite Saim Ayub’s departure for 21 off 14 balls, Pakistan achieved their highest-ever T20I powerplay score against India, reaching 55 for 1, thanks to a flurry of boundaries – including nine fours, six singles, and four doubles. Fans praised Pakistan for their aggressive approach during the powerplay, which gave them an early advantage.
However, some pointed to India’s sloppy fielding, which allowed Pakistan to capitalize on missed chances. Farhan remained Pakistan’s main aggressor, striking a solid 58 off 45 balls, including five fours and three sixes, before being dismissed by Shivam Dube.
Despite his early success, Farhan’s wicket marked a noticeable slowdown in Pakistan’s run rate, as the middle overs proved challenging. The batting lineup faltered further, with fans expressing frustration over the manner in which Pakistan skipper Salman Agha was run out.
In the final stages, Faheem Ashraf provided a late surge, finishing unbeaten on 20 off 10 balls, which included a four and two sixes. His efforts helped Pakistan reach a total of 171 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs, a score that left fans both hopeful and critical of their team’s inconsistent batting performance.
this pakistani team can’t even beat India’s mighty Team D, forget about India’s main team. Bhag chutiyas bhag… madhuct gandu idiot pakistanis