India’s spinners strike as Pakistan lose three quick wickets, leaving them reeling at 134/6 in Asia Cup 2025 final.
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final: Pakistan started their innings well after winning the toss, with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman getting runs freely. Farhan took the charge with a smooth 57 off 38 balls, while Zaman was solid at the other end. India brought in spin early to stem their flow, with Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav with the responsibility to snap the opening partnership.
The first breakthrough was at 84 runs when Farhan was caught by Tilak Varma off Chakravarthy's bowling. Subsequently, Saim Ayub got out for 14 at 113, caught by Bumrah off Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammad Haris got out for a duck at 114, caught by Rinku Singh off Axar Patel. The rapid fall of wickets brought the momentum strongly in India's favor.
Fakhar Zaman's 46-run stay got on to 126, caught by Kuldeep Yadav from Chakravarthy. Hussain Talat and skipper Salman Agha were also dismissed cheaply at 131 and 133 respectively, leaving India with three rapid wickets in a period of merely 2.3 overs. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav spearheaded the spin attack effectively, constantly exerting pressure on the middle order of Pakistan.
At 16.3 overs, Pakistan were 134/6. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz were still to make a tangible contribution, while Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed were to wait to bat. Extras added seven runs to Pakistan's tally. India's bowlers ruled powerplay and middle overs, denying any batter a chance to settle.
Varun Chakravarthy bagged two wickets in the early overs, while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav hit decisive blows during the middle overs. Shivam Dube and Jasprit Bumrah bowled stingily, keeping the lines tight and lengths good during the innings.
