India Crushes Pakistan by 7 Wickets in Asia Cup Clash

DUBAI, Sept 14: Kuldeep Yadav’s craft and Axar Patel’s discipline proved too much for Pakistan as India secured a dominant seven-wicket win in the Asia Cup.

Despite calls for boycotting the match after the Pahalgam terror attack, nearly 85% of the Dubai crowd supported India as they clinically outplayed Pakistan. India’s spinners Kuldeep (3/18), Axar (2/18), and Varun (1/24) strangled Pakistan’s batting lineup, reducing them to 127/9 in 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) added further misery, as Pakistan batters played over 10 overs worth of dot balls.

In reply, Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13 balls) attacked Shaheen Afridi early, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav, celebrating his birthday, anchored the chase with 47* off 37 balls. India chased down the target in just 15.5 overs, sealing a lopsided victory.

Adding to the drama, Indian players did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts at the toss or after the match, reflecting heightened tensions.

Key Highlights

• Pakistan managed only 127/9 in 20 overs.
• Axar, Kuldeep, and Varun bowled 40 dot balls between them.
• Shaheen Afridi’s quick 33* prevented further embarrassment.
• India chased down the target in 15.5 overs with 7 wickets in hand.
• Suryakumar Yadav finished the game with a six on his 35th birthday.

Brief Scores

Pakistan: 127/9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 40, Shaheen Afridi 33*; Kuldeep Yadav 3/18, Axar Patel 2/18).

India: 131/3 in 15.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 47*, Abhishek Sharma 31, Tilak Varma 31; Saim Ayub 3/35).