India Defeats Pakistan by 6 Wickets in Asia Cup Super Four Clash 

DUBAI: India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in a thrilling Asia Cup Super Four match held at the Dubai International Stadium, successfully chasing a target of 172 runs and intensifying the long-standing cricket rivalry between the two nations.

After winning the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to field first. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 171 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs. India reached the target comfortably in the 19th over, losing only four wickets.

The match was marked by an early controversy when Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman was given out for 15 runs off Hardik Pandya’s delivery. Despite the ball appearing to bounce before reaching the wicketkeeper’s gloves, the third umpire ruled Fakhar out. This decision sparked widespread criticism and debate on social media, with many former cricketers and fans condemning the call.

Following Fakhar’s dismissal at a team score of 21, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub steadied the innings and took the score to 93. Saim Ayub was dismissed for 21 runs off Dubey’s bowling, while Hussain Talat contributed just 10 runs before being out to Kuldeep Yadav. Sahibzada Farhan was the top scorer for Pakistan with 58 runs off 45 balls, featuring 3 sixes and 5 fours before falling to Dubey. Mohammad Nawaz added 21 runs, captain Agha Salman remained not out on 17, and Faheem Ashraf contributed an unbeaten 20 runs off 8 balls.

India’s innings started steadily with Shubman Gill scoring 47 runs before being dismissed by Faheem Ashraf. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was out for a duck, dismissed by Haris Rauf. The star performer was Abhishek Sharma, who smashed a brilliant 74 runs off 39 balls, including 5 sixes, before being dismissed by Abrar Ahmed. Sanju Samson was also bowled by Haris Rauf for 13 runs. India comfortably reached the target with Tilak Varma unbeaten on 30 and Hardik Pandya on 7.

In bowling, Pakistan’s Haris Rauf took 2 wickets, while Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed claimed one wicket each.

Pakistan made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat. Their squad included Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Agha Salman (captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. India also made two changes, with Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy returning to the side.

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Tensions between the two teams were palpable as both captains refrained from shaking hands at the toss for the second time in the tournament. Post-match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s political comments further escalated the already strained relations, drawing criticism from Pakistani officials and fans.

With this victory, India has now defeated Pakistan twice in the Asia Cup – first by 7 wickets in the group stage and now by 6 wickets in the Super Four stage – increasing pressure on Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the final.