IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Live: India Chases 172 After Pakistan’s Gritty 171/5 – Thrilling Clash Unfolds!

By IND vs PAK drama. Published: September 21, 2025, 8:00 PM IST

Cricket fever is at boiling point in Dubai tonight, folks! It’s September 21, 2025, and the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage is underway with the mother of all rivalries: India vs Pakistan at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium. If the group stage clash was a thriller, this one’s already shaping up to be an epic sequel. India, led by the unflappable Suryakumar Yadav, won the toss and opted to bowl first – a decision that’s paying dividends as they restricted Pakistan to 171/5 in 20 overs. With the Men in Blue chasing 172, the stage is set for another nail-biter. Will Abhishek Sharma unleash his explosive form again? Or can Pakistan’s bowlers strike back? Let’s break down the action, key moments, and what it means for the road to the September 28 final.

Toss and Team News: No Handshake, All Business

The pre-match vibes were as tense as ever. Suryakumar Yadav called heads at the toss, and true to form, there was no handshake with Pakistan skipper Salman Agha – a carryover from last week’s group game controversy that had the ICC issuing warnings. India stuck with their winning formula: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy. On the bench: Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, supported by Gautam Gambhir’s sharp coaching eye.

Pakistan, aiming to bounce back, went with Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. Bench strength includes Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Khushdil Shah. Umpires Gazi Sohel and Ahmad Shah Pakteen, with Ruchira Palliyaguruge as TV umpire and Andy Pycroft as match referee, ensured a fair start despite the off-field noise. Weather? Clear skies, dew factor incoming – perfect for a chase.

Pakistan’s Innings: A Tale of Starts, Stumbles, and Late Fireworks

Pakistan’s innings was a rollercoaster – starting with fireworks, dipping into drama, and ending with a flourish. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan set the tone, racing to 36/1 after four overs. But it was Farhan who stole the show, smashing a blistering 58 off 45 balls (4 fours, 5 sixes, SR 128.89) before holing out to Shivam Dube in the 14th over. Fakhar Zaman’s quick 15 off 9 (1 four, 3 sixes, SR 166.67) ended early, caught by Sanju Samson off Hardik Pandya at 21/1 in 2.3 overs.

Saim Ayub’s aggressive 21 off 17 (1 four, 1 six, SR 123.53) built a 72-run stand with Farhan, but Dube struck again, with Abhishek Sharma pulling off a diving stunner at 93/2 in 10.3 overs. Hussain Talat’s steady 10 off 11 (SR 90.91) fell to Kuldeep Yadav’s guile at 110/3 in 13.1. The collapse deepened: Farhan’s wicket at 115/4 in 14.1, and Mohammad Nawaz’s unlucky run-out (21 off 19, 1 four, 1 six, SR 110.53) at 149/5 in 18.3, courtesy Suryakumar’s sharp work.

Salman Agha (17* off 13, 1 four, 1 six, SR 130.77) and Faheem Ashraf (20* off 8, 1 four, 2 sixes, SR 250.00) steadied the ship, adding 22 off the last over to push the total to 171/5. Extras? A pesky 9 (7 wides, 2 no-balls). Powerplay (0.1-6 overs): 55 runs – aggressive, but India’s bowlers clawed back.

Key Moments: Drops, Drama, and Dube’s Double Strike

India’s fielding was a mixed bag – three dropped catches early on let Farhan flourish, but Abhishek’s screamer for Ayub was pure gold. Shivam Dube’s part-time magic (2/33) turned the game, while Kuldeep (1/31) deceived with spin. Bumrah leaked 45 but yorked threats late. Pakistan’s middle-order wobble from 93/1 to 115/4 screamed pressure, but Agha’s calm and Ashraf’s blitz (two sixes in the final over) set a defendable 172. Fall of wickets: 21-1 (Zaman, 2.3 ov), 93-2 (Ayub, 10.3), 110-3 (Talat, 13.1), 115-4 (Farhan, 14.1), 149-5 (Nawaz, 18.3). Yet to bat: Mohammad Haris, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

• Star Batter: Sahibzada Farhan – Half-century under pressure.
• Game-Changer: Shivam Dube – Two wickets, including the big one.
• Worrying Sign: Bumrah’s economy – 11.25, needs to tighten.

India’s Chase: Can They Seal Another Win?

With 172 to win, India enters familiar territory after their seven-wicket group-stage romp chasing 128. Abhishek Sharma’s powerplay prowess (31 off 13 last time) could set the tone, backed by Gill’s elegance and SKY’s innovation. Tilak Varma and Samson add depth, while Dube and Pandya finish strong. Dew might aid batting, but Pakistan’s pace trio – Shaheen, Rauf, Abrar – looms large. India’s spinners dominated earlier; now it’s the batters’ turn to shine. Live forecast: India favorites at 65% win probability, but in IND vs PAK, anything’s possible!

Broader Context: Rivalry Reloaded Amid Off-Field Storm

This isn’t just a game; it’s chapter two of a saga. Last week’s no-handshake snub led to PCB fury, ICC reprimands, and Pycroft’s retention despite protests. Pakistan boycotted pressers again, fueling the fire. Yet, cricket prevails – India leads 11-3 in T20Is. A win here edges India toward the final against Sri Lanka or Bangladesh. For Pakistan, it’s redemption after the group loss. Recent news: BCCI’s Mithun Manhas eyes presidency unopposed, Tamim Iqbal slams govt meddling in BCB polls, and Dunith Wellalage’s heroic return post-tragedy inspires all.

As the chase unfolds under Dubai lights, remember: This rivalry’s magic lies in the unpredictability. From Farhan’s fireworks to Dube’s guile, tonight’s been gold. Stay tuned – will India march on, or will Pakistan script a twist? Drop your predictions below!