With the ever-intensifying cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan, the Asia Cup 2025 proved no exception. The match, conducted in the bustle of the United Arab Emirates, was marked by the return of the storied hostility between these two cricket giants on a bright Sunday, September 14. The action began at 3.30pm BST or 10.30am ET, with fans from both spheres avidly tuning into the live stream.
India’s cricket team, wearing the mantle of the reigning champions, had already embarked on a triumphant watch over their title. Initially, a significant victory was struck over the United Arab Emirates, with a convincing defeat by nine wickets.
Abhishek Sharma, a burgeoning talent at the forefront of the Indian lineup, started with sheer dominance. An impressive total of 30 runs in mere 16 balls marked his contribution, starting the innings on a high tone and establishing India’s initial momentum.
Kuldeep Yadav, a master of spin on the cricket pitch, played a decisive role in unraveling the opposition’s strategy. With his skill set, he managed to claim a staggering four wickets, asking only seven runs in return. The woeful consequence for the UAE was a lowly total of 57 runs, being declared all out.
The Indian squad’s depth was not limited to these performances, however. They possessed the exceptional services of Jasprit Bumrah, an extraordinary pace bowler whose addition made their attack formidable. Alongside him, team captain Suryakumar Yadav led with tactical acumen, making them a force to reckon with.
Whilst devising strategies for combating India’s formidable lineup, Pakistan’s cricketing prowess in the T20 format should not be understated. Their recent triumph in the tri-nation series against Afghanistan and the UAE at Sharjah, provided solid evidence of their potential going into the Asia Cup 2025.
On this Pakistani lineup, Hasan Nawaz stood tall as a potent force, brandishing an impressive strike rate of 174. His blistering batting form was expected to shape the early stages of Pakistan’s innings, providing the necessary momentum.
Additionally, the left-arm wizardry of Sufiyan Muqeem, a proficient wrist-spinner, added to their bowling prowess. Within less than two years since his initial induction, Muqeem had amassed an impressive tally of 25 wickets to his name.
Not to forget the intrinsic asset of pace bowler Shaheen Afridi gives Pakistan a definite edge. His fine skills with the ball in hand were recognised as a significant threat in their bowling attack.
Still, the game bore an unfortunate pall with the recent Pahalgam terror attacks clouding the atmosphere. Nonetheless, both teams were hopeful that their performances on the pitch could rise above the off-field grievances and provide a much-needed respite.
In terms of past encounters in this respective cup, India comes in with a slight edge, enjoying 10 victories against their rivals, while Pakistan have savored victory six times. However, each new face-off carries its own momentum, isolated from the baggage of past performance.
India’s playing XI for the match included the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson tasked with wicket-keeping roles, Suryakumar Yadav in the captain’s position, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel. Rounding off the bowling lineup were Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy. This balance of experience and young talent makes the Indian lineup a formidable one.
Pakistan, on the other hand, put forth a lineup that encompassed the likes of Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Salman Agha carrying the captain’s mantle. In addition, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris adjudged with wicket-keeping, Mohammad Nawaz, and Faheem Ashraf formed the core. The bowling lineup was reinforced by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Abrar Ahmed. Pakistan’s line-up was fully capable of providing fitting competition.
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