Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary has praised India’s commanding performances in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. “I had predicted that India would play Sri Lanka in the finals. The way India is playing, there’s a huge gap between India and the other teams,” Chaudhary noted, pointing to India’s form in the tournament.
At the same time, he emphasized the unpredictable nature of the shortest format. “T20 is such a game that it’s better not to predict too much. Sometimes, even two or three players can change the match. Sometimes individual performances can change the course of the game,” he added, highlighting the uncertainty this format often brings.
India’s Strong Start to the Tournament
India opened their campaign by crushing UAE, before dismantling arch-rivals Pakistan and later overcoming Oman to finish Group A unbeaten. Entering the Super Fours, they once again outclassed Pakistan in Dubai and extended their winning streak.
Pakistan, asked to bat first, posted 171/5 in their 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman’s early dismissal was followed by a steady 72-run partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (58 off 45, five fours, three sixes) and Saim Ayub (21 off 17). Cameos from Mohammed Nawaz (21 off 19) and Faheem Ashraf (20* off eight) boosted the total, ensuring a competitive score. Among Indian bowlers, Shivam Dube impressed with 2/33, while Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya chipped in with a wicket each to maintain pressure.
Abhishek Sharma Stars in Chase
The Indian response was explosive from the outset. Abhishek Sharma blazed 74 runs in just 39 balls, hammering six fours and five sixes. His opening partner, Shubman Gill, struck 47 off 28 deliveries with eight boundaries, leaving Pakistan struggling to find breakthroughs. Haris Rauf (2/26) provided some resistance, but Tilak Varma (30* off 19) and Hardik Pandya (7*) sealed the win with seven balls remaining.
For his match-winning knock, Abhishek Sharma received the ‘Player of the Match’ award, further proving why India are being seen as tournament favorites. With another convincing victory, India look unstoppable heading into their clash with Bangladesh.
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