Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf celebrates after taking the wicket of India’s Shubman Gill throughout Asia Cup 2025 remaining at Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 28, 2025. — Reuters
India discovered themselves in early hassle through the Asia Cup 2025 remaining on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium, posting simply 36 runs within the powerplay — their lowest of the event.
In the meantime, this was additionally the third-lowest powerplay rating towards Pakistan in T20 internationals.
The early dismissal of opener Abhishek Sharma had a ripple impact on India’s batting lineup, slowing the scoring fee and injecting seen nerves into the chase. With out their in-form batter on the crease, the Indian high order struggled to claim management towards a disciplined Pakistani assault.
Delivering a slower ball extensive exterior off, Faheem Ashraf lured Abhishek into going for his trademark early six. As an alternative, the mistimed shot flew off the toe-end of the bat and was safely taken at mid-on, sending the left-hander again for a single-digit rating of 5 runs.
The breakthrough got here when Salman Ali Agha pulled off a dramatic catch to ship Suryakumar again. Dealing with a slower ball pitched exterior off, the Indian skipper mistimed his drive and lobbed the ball in the direction of mid-off.
Salman lunged ahead, juggled whereas tumbling over, and ultimately held on. The third umpire confirmed the catch had carried, forcing Suryakumar to depart in what was an enormous second for Pakistan.
Quickly after, Haris Rauf added to India’s woes with a sensational seize off Faheem’s bowling. Delivering a cutter wanting size exterior off, he drew Shubman Gill into an tried swat. The shot lacked elevation, and Rauf leapt excessive at mid-on to pluck the ball cleanly with each arms, leaving India reeling at three down contained in the powerplay.
The double strike put Pakistan firmly answerable for the competition, with India beneath intense strain to rebuild their innings towards a charged-up bowling unit.
