Asia Cup India vs Pakistan rivalry was once cricket’s biggest contest. But after another one-sided match in Dubai, even Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted that it no longer feels like a rivalry. His side beat Pakistan by six wickets in the Super Four stage to record their seventh straight win across T20Is and ODIs.
Pakistan started well, reaching 91 for one after 10 overs. Salman Agha’s team looked set for a big total. But the middle order failed to carry the momentum. They finished on 171 for five. Even though Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav had quiet games, India’s fielders dropped five catches, and yet Pakistan could not take advantage.
India’s reply was smooth. Openers Abhishek Sharma (74) and Shubman Gill (47) took charge. They removed any pressure on the chase, and India reached the target with seven balls to spare. This dominance again showed how the Asia Cup India vs Pakistan rivalry has tilted heavily in India’s favor.
Since their win in Dubai at the 2022 Asia Cup, Pakistan have failed to beat India. Losses followed in the 2022 T20 World Cup, the 2023 ODIs, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Now, India have added back-to-back Asia Cup wins.
Suryakumar was clear in his post-match statement. “I don’t think it’s a rivalry anymore,” he said. “We have simply played better cricket.” His blunt words summed up the story of recent meetings. Unless Pakistan bounce back, the famous battle will continue to lose its spark.
