DUBAI: Pakistan’s batting faltered under pressure in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday, as the team was bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs against India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Despite a strong start, the collapse left fans deeply frustrated with the middle order.
Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman had provided Pakistan with a solid platform, putting up an 84-run stand in just 9.3 overs. Farhan top-scored with 57 off 37 balls, while Fakhar added 46, but their dismissals triggered a slide that saw Pakistan reduced to 133 for six by the 16th over.
The middle order failed to build on the early momentum, with quick wickets of Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris adding to the pressure. Apart from the two openers, no other batter managed to make a significant contribution, leaving Pakistan short of a competitive total in the high-stakes contest.
Fans praised Sahibzada Farhan’s fearless hitting, particularly against Jasprit Bumrah, with many noting how the batter dominated the world’s top pacer early in the innings. Social media was flooded with admiration for Farhan’s stroke play, while others lamented the team’s inability to push towards a 200-run target on what was described as a batting-friendly pitch.
As wickets tumbled, supporters voiced disappointment at the collapse, calling it a familiar failing in critical matches. With Pakistan facing India for the third time in the tournament after two earlier defeats, fans had hoped for a turnaround, but the batting slump reignited criticism of the side’s consistency in pressure situations.
