The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan got off to an electrifying start at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14, 2025, with India's pace duo, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, delivering early blows to Pakistan's batting lineup. Pakistan, having won the toss and electing to bat, found themselves reeling at 42/2 after the powerplay, thanks to the fiery spells from Pandya and Bumrah.

Pandya struck first, dismissing Saim Ayub for a duck on the very first legitimate ball of the innings. Ayub, attempting a cut shot off a short and wide delivery, found Jasprit Bumrah at point, who made no mistake with the catch. This early setback put immediate pressure on the Pakistani batting order.

Jasprit Bumrah followed up in the next over, removing Mohammad Haris for 3. Haris, looking to attack, top-edged a shot off Bumrah, which was safely pouched by Hardik Pandya, who covered a lot of ground to complete the catch. The two quick wickets sent shockwaves through the Pakistan camp and put India firmly in control.

Despite the initial setbacks, Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan began the rebuilding process, steadying the innings with a crucial partnership. At the end of the powerplay, Pakistan reached 42/2, with Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan at the crease. Farhan offered some resistance, hitting Bumrah for two sixes, including one that landed in the second tier.

While Pandya and Bumrah provided India with a dream start, the partnership between Zaman and Farhan started to frustrate the Indian bowlers. However, India's strong start has certainly set the tone for an exciting contest, with both teams having everything to play for.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that initially backfired as India's bowlers ran rampant. This match marks another chapter in the storied rivalry between India and Pakistan, with both teams looking to assert their dominance in the Asia Cup 2025.