India's chase was fast and furious
India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the first Super Four of the 2025 Asia Cup.
It was the second time the sides had played each other in the 2025 Asia Cup, with India comfortably winning.
But the post-match grabbed headlines when India left the field without shaking their opponents’ hands.
The Super Four fixture was more closely contested but ultimately, India prevailed.
The intense encounter began with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav winning the toss and electing to field first.
The tense atmosphere was palpable from the outset as both Yadav and his Pakistani counterpart, Salman Ali Agha, skipped the customary pre-match handshake.
Pakistan’s innings started aggressively with opener Fakhar Zaman immediately taking on Jasprit Bumrah, hitting him for consecutive boundaries.
His onslaught was brief, however, as Hardik Pandya claimed the first breakthrough for India, inducing an edge from Zaman (15) that was cleanly taken by wicketkeeper Sanju Samson after a review.
Despite the early wicket, Pakistan maintained a blistering pace, ending the powerplay on a strong 55 for one.
By the halfway stage, Pakistan established a commanding position, reaching 91-1.
India’s efforts were significantly hampered by a series of fielding errors that proved costly.
Sahibzada Farhan was given a life in the first over when he was dropped by Abhishek Sharma, and Saim Ayub also received a reprieve when Kuldeep Yadav dropped a simple chance.
Farhan capitalised spectacularly on his second chance, launching a blistering attack on the Indian bowlers. He was particularly severe on Bumrah, who conceded 34 runs in his first three overs.
Farhan reached 58 before he was caught out by the skipper.
India clawed their way back into the game and began to claim wickets.
But Pakistan remained resilient, with late cameos from Mohammad Nawaz (21), Salman Agha (17*), and a fiery 20 off just 8 balls from Faheem Ashraf.
Pakistan’s innings ended on 171-5.
With a challenging total on the board, the stage was set for a thrilling run chase.
In response, India’s chase was fast and furious, with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill at the crease.
They took the attack to Pakistan’s premier pacers, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, setting a commanding tone.
In just seven overs, they were 87-0.
Pakistan finally found a breakthrough, dismissing Gill and then captain Suryakumar Yadav for a duck shortly after, creating a brief flicker of hope.
Abhishek Sharma’s magnificent innings eventually ended on 74 from just 39 balls, an electrifying knock that included six fours and five sixes.
The flicker of hope for Pakistan grew when Sanju Samson was also dismissed, leaving India at 130 for 4 and creating a moment of tension.
However, the explosive start had provided India with a significant buffer.
Tilak Varma (30*) held his nerve amidst the brief collapse and, alongside the experienced Hardik Pandya (7*), calmly navigated the remaining runs.
The pair guided India home with seven balls to spare.
After the match, tensions did not ease as the sides avoided handshakes again.
The win gives India an early advantage in reaching the Asia Cup final. They will face Bangladesh on September 24.
Meanwhile, Pakistan take on Sri Lanka on September 23.
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