Asia Cup Super Four: Pakistan Set 172-Run Target for India in High-Stakes Clash

Dubai – In a crucial Asia Cup Super Four encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, Pakistan have set a target of 172 runs for India, finishing their innings at 171 for 5 in 20 overs. After winning the toss, India elected to field first under lights, citing the potential dew factor in the second innings.

Pakistan’s innings began with Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman opening the batting. Farhan survived an early scare as his catch was dropped in the very first over. The first breakthrough came for India when Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 15 by Hardik Pandya—a dismissal that quickly stirred controversy. Social media videos showed the ball possibly touching the ground as the catch was completed by the wicketkeeper, leading to fans questioning the on-field umpire’s decision.

“Not out thaa,” a fan posted, sharing slowed footage of the catch, which has since gone viral.

The next batsman to fall was Saim Ayub, who scored a brisk 21 off 17 balls, including one four and one six. Hussain Talat followed shortly after, scoring 10 off 11 deliveries. The standout performance of the innings came from Sahibzada Farhan, who anchored the innings with a solid 58 off 45 balls, featuring 3 sixes and 5 fours. He was the fourth wicket to fall.

Mohammad Nawaz added valuable runs in the death overs before being run out for 21 off 19 balls. Pakistan closed their innings at a competitive 171/5.

During the Powerplay, Pakistan scored 55 runs for the loss of one wicket, marking their highest powerplay score against India in T20 Internationals. Notably, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah bowled one of his most expensive spells in powerplay cricket.

Read more: Asia Cup Super Four: India Win Toss, Elect to Field First Against Pakistan

Earlier, at the toss, Indian captain Surya Kumar Yadav announced two changes to his side, bringing back Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy. He mentioned the pitch looked good for batting and expected dew to play a part later.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged the challenge of the fixture and also announced two changes in the playing XI: Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat replaced Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah.

An unusual moment repeated itself from a previous match—Surya Kumar Yadav once again did not shake hands with Pakistan’s captain at the toss, drawing attention on social media.

Playing XIs

Pakistan:
Salman Agha (C), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

India:
Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

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With India now chasing 172 under lights in Dubai, all eyes are on whether the batting lineup can handle Pakistan’s fiery bowling attack. The game promises to be a nail-biter in this high-stakes Super Four encounter.