Can Pakistan qualify for the final despite losing to India?

Pakistan suffered another defeat against India in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup T20 2025.

To qualify, Pakistan must win both upcoming matches against Sri Lanka on September 23 and Bangladesh on September 25. Any further loss will eliminate Pakistan from the tournament. India outplayed Pakistan by 6 wickets in Dubai, chasing a target of 172 runs in the 19th over. Pakistan, batting first, posted 171 for 5 in 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman was the first to fall, scoring 15 runs, a dismissal that sparked debate on social media with fans calling the decision controversial.

Sahibzada Farhan stood out for Pakistan with a solid 58 runs off 45 balls, including 3 sixes and 5 fours. Saim Ayub contributed 21 runs, while Hussain Talat managed only 10. Mohammad Nawaz added 21, captain Salman Agha scored 17, and Faheem Ashraf remained unbeaten with 20 runs off 8 balls.

India’s chase was steady, with Abhishek Sharma leading the innings with a brilliant 74 off 39 balls, smashing 5 sixes. Shubman Gill provided strong support with 47 runs before being bowled by Faheem Ashraf. Haris Rauf dismissed Surya Kumar for a duck and later claimed Sanju Samson for 13 runs. Abrar Ahmed took the wicket of Abhishek, but India comfortably reached the target at 172 for 4.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler with 2 wickets, while Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed picked up one each. With Bangladesh already securing a win in the Super Four stage, Pakistan’s next matches will decide its fate in the tournament. The team now faces a must-win situation to keep its hopes alive for the Asia Cup final.