India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A match on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Stadium. The contest, which was dominated by emotion following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, concluded with one of India’s most clinical performances in recent memory. Head coach Gautam Gambhir commended his team’s efforts while avoiding comparisons to other teams in the event.
Meanwhile, India was instructed to bowl after losing the toss.
India’s onslaught demolished Pakistan’s batting lineup. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah struck early with the new ball, before spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy ripped through the opposition. Pakistan were finally bundled to 127/9 in their 20 overs, with Sahibzada Farhan (40) and Shaheen Afridi (33*) contributing significantly.
Good win, there’s a lot of cricket left: Gautam Gambhir
Chasing 128, India’s Abhishek Sharma hammered a 13-ball 31, giving a solid start alongside Shubman Gill. Tilak Varma made handy contributions, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav guided India home with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls. Post-match, Gambhir lauded both the execution and the discipline shown by his squad.
“Good win, there’s a lot of cricket left. More importantly, as a team we wanted to show our solidarity towards the victims, all the families and what they’ve gone through in the Pahalgam attack. We also want to thank the armed forces for their success in Operation Sindoor. I’m sure we will try and make the country proud and make them happy. You couldn’t ask for a better performance, especially the way the bowlers bowled.
If you are restricting the opponents to 127, the way all three spinners and Bumrah performed, then obviously you will back the batting lineup to chase it down. The way we started was also important, and the players are doing the right things day in and day out.,” Gambhir told broadcasters Sony Sports Network.
Notably, Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the victims and the armed forces of the Pahalgam terror attack, and used the stage to respect their solidarity and national pride. The contest also triggered controversy as the Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, a gesture that drew criticism but was defended as a symbolic stand of respect for the victims. The head coach refused to compare his team with others participating in the competition. He also revealed his coaching approach.
“You can’t compare apples to oranges. Some people may not see the transition clearly, but we’ve kept backing the players, the support staff has kept backing them, and we’ll keep getting results in the future as well. I’ve had my good days, I’ve had my bad days as well that’s what coaching is about.
The important thing is if you can work honestly in the dressing room, bring honest people, it is very important. Honesty is needed to take Indian cricket forward, whether inside the dressing room or outside, in the commentary box or the studio,” he added.
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