![India defeated Pakistan comfortably [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1757871544970_IND_PAK_Report.jpg?type=mq)
India defeated Pakistan comfortably [Source: AFP]
India steamrolled arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets in their second group-stage fixture in the ongoing Asia Cup edition. After restricting the Agha Salman-led side to 127 with a disciplined bowling effort, India chased the paltry target comfortably in 15.5 overs to add two crucial points to their tally.
As India's clinical performance grabs the limelight, here take a look at the entire highlights of the sixth group-stage clash as it panned out at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 14.
Pakistan Top Order Crumbles Before Shaheen Comes To The Rescue
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Agha Salman decided to bat first, inviting India to bowl on Dubai’s spin-friendly surface. Hardik Pandya provided a dream start to the Indian side as he dismissed Saim Ayub for a duck.
While the dynamic Mohammad Haris departed for three runs, the experienced Fakhar Zaman struggled to get going before Suryakumar Yadav’s tactical masterstroke helped Axar Patel get his prized scalp.
Saim’s opening partner Sahibzada Farhan hit Jasprit Bumrah for two sixes early in the innings. However, barring three glorious maximums, the right-hander failed to up the ante, eventually being dismissed for a sloth-paced 44-ball 40.
Pakistan were in deep trouble, placed at 83 for seven in 16.1 overs before Shaheen Afridi’s blistering 33-run knock powered them to 127 for nine in 20 overs.
Fiery Abhishek, Ice Cool SKY Headline India's Smooth Run Chase
In response, India had a blazing start to their innings, with Abhishek Sharma tearing apart Shaheen Afridi's left-arm pace with scintillating strokeplay. Vice-captain Shubman Gill registered a rare failure, being Saim Ayub's first victim, courtesy of a sharp stumping by Mohammad Haris behind the stumps.
Abhishek was Saim's second scalp, as his ultra-aggressive intent led to his dismissal. However, skipper Suryakumar Yadav steadied the ship with Tilak Varma, forming a superb consolidating stand of 56 runs for the third wicket.
A target of mere 128 runs was never going to bother these two established middle-order batters. Although Saim outfoxed Tilak to bag his third wicket, Surya and Shivam Dube remained unbeaten, with India finishing the chase inside 16 overs.
