India vs Pakistan in Super Four match in Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan booked their place in the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2025 with a hard-fought win against the UAE despite an early collapse. Captain Salman Agha fired a strong message ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster clash, declaring his side fully prepared for a high-voltage rematch with arch-rivals India.
Pakistan finally crossed the finishing line, though not without some nervous moments that kept their fans on edge - a familiar sight in major tournaments. The performance was far from perfect, but it showed clear improvement from their clash against India a couple of nights earlier. In the end, it was enough to overcome the UAE and seal a place in the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2025.
After slipping to 93 for 6 in 15.1 overs, Pakistan were rescued by a quick cameo from Shaheen Afridi, who smashed 29* off just 14 balls. His knock lifted the team to a fighting total of 146 for 9, which the bowlers defended strongly by dismissing UAE for 105 in 17.5 overs.
Pakistan will face none other than India in their opening Super Four clash on Sunday in Dubai. The high-voltage contest is expected to generate even more off-field drama than usual, especially after the heated moments that unfolded during their group-stage meeting last Sunday.
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At the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided shaking hands with Salman Ali Agha, setting the tone for a businesslike approach against Pakistan. The Indian team kept the same stance throughout the game, refusing handshakes before and after the match. This move sparked controversy, leading Pakistan to file an official complaint over what they called “unsportsmanlike behaviour.” They also demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing the former Zimbabwe cricketer of mishandling the toss.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially refused to play the must-win game against UAE unless Andy Pycroft was removed as match referee. This stand delayed the start of the match by nearly an hour, before play eventually began after PCB claimed that Pycroft had “apologised” to them.
India thrashed Pakistan by seven wickets in their previous meeting, continuing their recent dominance across formats. Asked about facing the same Indian side that refused handshakes during the group-stage clash, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha responded confidently, saying his team is ready for the challenge.
“We are ready for any challenge. If we continue playing the way we have over the past four months, we can compete strongly against any team,” Salman Ali Agha said at the post-match presentation.
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Fakhar Zaman’s quickfire 50 off 36 balls and a late unbeaten 29 from Shaheen Shah Afridi lifted Pakistan to a modest total of 146 for 9 after being asked to bat first.
Spinner Abrar Ahmed starred with figures of 2 for 13, while Shaheen Afridi (2 for 16) and Haris Rauf (2 for 19) chipped in as Pakistan bowled out the UAE for 105 in 17.4 overs.
Rahul Chopra was the lone fighter for UAE, scoring a steady 35 off 35 balls.
Salman Agha admitted that Pakistan must step up with the bat in the Super Four stage. “We got the job done, but our middle-order batting still needs improvement. That has been a concern and something we have to work on. We haven’t batted at our best yet — we’re still just managing around 150. If we use the middle overs better, we can easily push the score to 170 against any opposition. Shaheen’s batting has improved a lot, and with the ball he’s already world-class. Saim has also been turning games around for us, and I hope he continues this form till the end,” the skipper said.