India need 128 to beat Pakistan in Dubai can Gill, Abhishek, and SKY keep calm under pressure?
The India vs Pakistan encounter in the Asia Cup 2025 has already turned out to be everything that was promised. Pakistan, after being limited to 127/9, left the people of Dubai curious with a mixture of excitement and suspense. Now, all eyes are on India’s batting lineup and whether they can hold their nerve in this high-pressure chase. A target of 128 may seem easy on paper, but against Pakistan's aggressive bowling attack, no score ever seems too simple.
India's opening pair, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, will be responsible for laying the groundwork. Gill, with his even-tempered nature and a skill to control an innings, can stabilize the chase. Abhishek, on the other hand, is more aggressive and likes to put pressure on bowlers right from the beginning.
If both the batters get into rhythm during the powerplay, India's task will become a cakewalk. That being said, Pakistan left-arm paceman Shaheen Afridi is starved for early wickets, and the first six overs could seal the fate of the match.
With the captain's armband, Suryakumar Yadav has the responsibility of expectations on his shoulders. Famous for his 360-degree strokeplay, SKY has the capability to counter-attack at any point, including when the pressure is mounting. His job would be to calm the ship if there is an early wicket loss and keep the scoring going against spin in the middle overs.
More significantly, his captaincy in the pursuit will be tried. A composed figure at the crease from the captain can calm nerves at the dugout as well as in the stands.
Wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma provide flair as well as solidity. The promising left-hander Tilak has already displayed maturity in excess of his age. He may hold the key in changing strike and hitting loose balls.
Samson, on the other hand, is a born stroke-maker who comes to life when it matters. His capacity to deal with spinners in the middle overs could be the difference-maker, particularly if Pakistan opt for their spin pair of Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem.
The lower middle order is loaded with firepower. Hardik Pandya, who is India's most seasoned finisher, understands the art of batting in a chase. Be it nudging singles or hitting the ropes, Pandya is the go-to man for crunch time.
Shivam Dube provides another dimension of hitting skill. His six-hitting against spin has frequently opened up games. If India require rapid runs in the latter stages, Dube might tip the scales their way.
The total of Pakistan might be low, but their bowlers can make it tricky. Early swing of Shaheen Afridi, variations of Faheem Ashraf, and the spin pair might challenge India's strength in depth. Middle overs are going to be pivotal: if wickets tumble in bunches, the chase might turn challenging.
India's plan would be to stay away from panic. A consistent run-chase, with wickets at hand, should see them home. But one or two sudden wickets might upset the match.
On paper, India should easily pursue 128. But in India vs Pakistan matches, things are never so straightforward. The first-wicket stand between Gill and Abhishek may ultimately determine if this is a one-sided contest or a thrilling thriller.
