Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan v India | Super 4 | Match 2 | Dubai | September 21 | Pre-Match Discussion

[ads101]

Think we play the same team, same order. I don’t think we gain much experimenting now. Salman won’t be able to play down the order and I don’t think he thinks he can play at 3. So he’s basically stuck at 4. Hasan is better playing at 5 at least than 6. Haris down the order is better than him at 3, and while I’d prefer fakhar a bit lower, I do realise we have no one for no.3 position which has a lot of pressure, at least his experience might help and he did have a decent score at no.3 last game. Even Khushadil gives another bowling option which if we’re not playing an allrounder at 7 helps and is probably the right decision to go with more of a batsman as saim bowls too, and he also is able to play down the order. I don’t know how effective talat will be at 6/7. You’ve got to go with two proper pace bowlers at least, Faheem isn’t good enough as 2nd pacer. And while Sufiyan in theory could be good, it’s likely the pressure of the occasion will get to him, better to go with the experienced Nawaz who will also offer more with the bat.

So yeah I don’t think there’s much right now we can do to improve the line up from against uae. I’d just stick and back it for the rest of the tournament now. In terms of batting strength and having a long batting tail it’s the strongest we could possibly put out which is more important as we need to bolster our batting unit.

 

[gazza619]

Recon Salman Mirza should play against India

Don’t stress yourself

 

[cricfan432]

This indian team is beatable, just put them to bat first and let spinners choke them. Oman missed many chances as well

 

[Rana]

Don’t stress yourself

Why? Because he isn’t from the 33?

 

[ads101]

Every team is beatable. I think the biggest mistake we made is batting first against India. Yes they probably would have won anyway. But if you win the toss, you have to take what is the most advantageous decision tactically. Not one based on psychology. Batting second was definitely easier, and if we were already underdogs in the match it felt really foolish to not take whatever tactical advantage we were provided. It was self defeatist to bat first in those conditions, it was like broadcasting to the world we don’t trust us to chase a target so we’re going to put runs on the board first instead. Way too negative.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Every team is beatable. I think the biggest mistake we made is batting first against India. Yes they probably would have won anyway. But if you win the toss, you have to take what is the most advantageous decision tactically. Not one based on psychology. Batting second was definitely easier, and if we were already underdogs in the match it felt really foolish to not take whatever tactical advantage we were provided. It was self defeatist to bat first in those conditions, it was like broadcasting to the world we don’t trust us to chase a target so we’re going to put runs on the board first instead. Way too negative.

Didn't they choose to bat first because they were able to defend well in UAE cup and other matches?

 

[ads101]

Didn't they choose to bat first because they were able to defend well in UAE cup and other matches?

The team batting first won every time (at least in Pakistan’s case) in that series. Even the one we lost against Afghanistan they batted. But it’s not the same venue.

It’s still not really a good enough reason imo. When conditions clearly favour chasing, you have to bat second no question.

 

[pakfan54588]

For the start pak will want bd to beat SL tomorrow so even if pak lose to india they can put sl under pressure and fancy their chances to beat both sl , bd

from other side pak will hope india win all 3 matches in super 4 .

 

[Mas-LFC]

Play World XI still you will not beat Indian team.

InshAllah Pakistan will win, though.

 

[gazza619]

Also, the Indian players are all 3 times as talented as the Pakistanis and have bigger bats and get specially designed balls to bowl with as well.

Pakistan should ask for extra 5 overs while batting to make this competitive

True India is 3 times talented. I can tell the way they are being embarrassed by Oman

 

[cricketAXEpert]

This is the weakest team from Pakistan that ever took field against India. I have no hope for win, so far have we fallen. A much better could have been selected, but alas.

 

[indianpanacea]

Let the Pakistan batting line for that match be
1)M.Haris
2)Fakhar zaman
3)salman Agha
4)Hassan Nawaz
5)Saim Ayub
6)Talat Hussain
7)M.Nawaz
8)shaheen
9)Haris Rauf
10)Abrar
11)Sufiyaan

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Dubai:National squad trains at ICC Cricket Academy

Players practiced for 3 hours
Players practiced batting and bowling under the supervision of coaches
Before the physical drills, the players also participated in fielding practice

 

[Devadwal]

@The Bald Eagle after Today performance of team india , how are you feeling about Sunday game. I'm sure Pakistan fans confidence is definitely very high .

 

[The Bald Eagle]

@The Bald Eagle after Today performance of team india , how are you feeling about Sunday game. I'm sure Pakistan fans confidence is definitely very high .

My only hope is your bold predictions man as PCT is still stuck at 7th. Just keep on with the good work

 

[jnaveen1980]

@The Bald Eagle after Today performance of team india , how are you feeling about Sunday game. I'm sure Pakistan fans confidence is definitely very high .

They have taken a lot of poitners from Oman things like how to bat, bowl, field.

 

[jnaveen1980]

All said and done India looked scratchy against Oman. Both bowling and batting. Hope they don't slip up.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

There will be no handshakes again.

 

[Rana]

They have taken a lot of poitners from Oman things like how to bat, bowl, field.

The pitch in Dubai isn’t anywhere near as easy as this Abu Dhabi highway

 

[Rana]

This is the weakest team from Pakistan that ever took field against India. I have no hope for win, so far have we fallen. A much better could have been selected, but alas.

What’s a much better team?

 

[jnaveen1980]

The pitch in Dubai isn’t anywhere near as easy as this Abu Dhabi highway

I won't say it is a high way. Some of the balls barely rose above knee.

Pacers at Abudabhi 49 wickets in 7 matches 22.79 avge 7.90 ER
Pacers at Dubai 24 wickets in 5 m atches 18.17 avge 7.77 ER

Spinners at Dubai 36 wickets in 5 matches 17.41 avge 6.19 ER
Spinners at Abudhabhi 29 wicket sin 7 matches 34.24 avge 7.73 ER

Anyway you look at it is only marginally easier. Abudabhi looks worse because india's part time usage of bowlers.Oman actually contained India there with their half baked attack. Both pitches have runs and wickets. It comes down to type of bowlers.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

 

[mon858]

Every team is beatable. I think the biggest mistake we made is batting first against India. Yes they probably would have won anyway. But if you win the toss, you have to take what is the most advantageous decision tactically. Not one based on psychology. Batting second was definitely easier, and if we were already underdogs in the match it felt really foolish to not take whatever tactical advantage we were provided. It was self defeatist to bat first in those conditions, it was like broadcasting to the world we don’t trust us to chase a target so we’re going to put runs on the board first instead. Way too negative.

I took it another way. That game was not crucial. If you had to bat first do it in 1st round meaningless game. Good to practice doing that also.

 

[Vikram1989]

With axar injured, its interesting to see if he can recover for tomorrow match or not. if not, washi should fly in as a replacement for one of the pacer.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

With axar injured, its interesting to see if he can recover for tomorrow match or not. if not, washi should fly in as a replacement for one of the pacer.

Washington Sunder?

 

[Vikram1989]

Washington Sunder?

He and Ryan parag are there in reserves

 

[Usman Chadda]

I won't say it is a high way. Some of the balls barely rose above knee.

Pacers at Abudabhi 49 wickets in 7 matches 22.79 avge 7.90 ER
Pacers at Dubai 24 wickets in 5 m atches 18.17 avge 7.77 ER

Spinners at Dubai 36 wickets in 5 matches 17.41 avge 6.19 ER
Spinners at Abudhabhi 29 wicket sin 7 matches 34.24 avge 7.73 ER

Anyway you look at it is only marginally easier. Abudabhi looks worse because india's part time usage of bowlers.Oman actually contained India there with their half baked attack. Both pitches have runs and wickets. It comes down to type of bowlers.

How is it only marginally easier when the main threat on Dubai pitches is going at double the average and almost two points more in terms of economy rate?

Middle overs on the Dubai wicket are extremely hard to bat unless there’s dew, then it comes onto the bat nicely.

Due to the relatively early start, dew hasn’t been a factor yet.

 

[jnaveen1980]

How is it only marginally easier when the main threat on Dubai pitches is going at double the average and almost two points more in terms of economy rate?

Middle overs on the Dubai wicket are extremely hard to bat unless there’s dew, then it comes onto the bat nicely.

Due to the relatively early start, dew hasn’t been a factor yet.

May be because more minnow bowling was at play in AbuDhabhi? Hongkong, oman??

 

[Obaidd]

Every team is beatable. I think the biggest mistake we made is batting first against India. Yes they probably would have won anyway. But if you win the toss, you have to take what is the most advantageous decision tactically. Not one based on psychology. Batting second was definitely easier, and if we were already underdogs in the match it felt really foolish to not take whatever tactical advantage we were provided. It was self defeatist to bat first in those conditions, it was like broadcasting to the world we don’t trust us to chase a target so we’re going to put runs on the board first instead. Way too negative.

Absolutely. I think the first decision made was to bat Haris at 3. With that in mind, the twisted thinking would have been to then bat first considering his last performance to maximise his utility. That’s a flawed strategy to put your eggs in an inconsistent player’s basket. But that’s unavoidable in a team where the captain is the weakest link.

 

[SportsWarrior]

All said and done India looked scratchy against Oman. Both bowling and batting. Hope they don't slip up.

Yeah, they looked very scratchy, demotivated and lethargic. Some of the bowling effort was very poor. Batsmen looked like they couldn't middle anything. If they don't work on it they will be looking at comical exit. Pak, SL and BD all can spring a surprise in t20

 

[Rana]

View attachment 158000

Aithe rakh!

 

[jnaveen1980]

Yeah, they looked very scratchy, demotivated and lethargic. Some of the bowling effort was very poor. Batsmen looked like they couldn't middle anything. If they don't work on it they will be looking at comical exit. Pak, SL and BD all can spring a surprise in t20

yes. Also Gill coming into the side has totally ruined the balance. He is piling up dot balls in the power play

 

[SportsWarrior]

yes. Also Gill coming into the side has totally ruined the balance. He is piling up dot balls in the power play

Absolutely, it has put Abhishek under pressure to score runs and has ruined Samson who was doing reasonably good at the top. I also feel Pandya wasted the opportunity today and he hasnt batted competitively for a long time. None of the Indian batsman have had long stay at the crease, only Abhishek looks fluent. Gill is such poor selection it's almost as if the selectors want to see how they can ruin a working system

 

[ads101]

Absolutely. I think the first decision made was to bat Haris at 3. With that in mind, the twisted thinking would have been to then bat first considering his last performance to maximise his utility. That’s a flawed strategy to put your eggs in an inconsistent player’s basket. But that’s unavoidable in a team where the captain is the weakest link.

Yeah I hate that way of thinking that Hesson and co has gone with. Your strongest players should have their preferred/best positions. Not disadvantaging them to make the worse ones better. You just find better players than the worse ones.

Ian bell I remember years ago, he said something along the lines when he dropped out of the top 4, that it’s natural, he has to earn his right to go back to the top four as that’s where the best batsmen bat. So he can’t complain.

 

[TexasRattlesnake]

Yeah, they looked very scratchy, demotivated and lethargic. Some of the bowling effort was very poor. Batsmen looked like they couldn't middle anything. If they don't work on it they will be looking at comical exit. Pak, SL and BD all can spring a surprise in t20

The next match is in two days. No point in expending yourself for a dead rubber.

Conditions were anyways super sapping.

 

[Devadwal]

He and Ryan parag are there in reserves

They are not in travelling reserves. They are in India so unlikely to include

 

[Cricket Warrior]

He and Ryan parag are there in reserves

Washington would be a perfect substitute as he can bat as well

 

[Vikram1989]

They are not in travelling reserves. They are in India so unlikely to include

India to Dubai should be a normal journey .As tommorows match is important, no one may take chance . No one else gives that flexible middle order cum tidy spinner option too. Gambhir will want batting till 8.if not axar, they will pull someone for sure.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Washington would be a perfect substitute as he can bat as well

He would be very hard to play against on these pitches

 

[SportsWarrior]

The next match is in two days. No point in expending yourself for a dead rubber.

Conditions were anyways super sapping.

Yeah, may be. But not a good sign. We will see it on Sunday

 

[chakdeindian]

All said and done India looked scratchy against Oman. Both bowling and batting. Hope they don't slip up.

See..the match is mere an experimentation to give batting and bowling opportunity to all the players before the Super 4s..Do not read too much..one good thing is it will give false hopes to the other teams in super 4 and level down the expectations from Indian fans..Final will be between India and Srilanka..thats my prediction..

 

[chakdeindian]

Absolutely, it has put Abhishek under pressure to score runs and has ruined Samson who was doing reasonably good at the top. I also feel Pandya wasted the opportunity today and he hasnt batted competitively for a long time. None of the Indian batsman have had long stay at the crease, only Abhishek looks fluent. Gill is such poor selection it's almost as if the selectors want to see how they can ruin a working system

Gill is currently the poster boy of the BCCI and they wanted him to be an all format player..Sanju Samson Innings was basically a reflection of the insecurity of his place in the team caused by the arrival of Gill in his position. Today's innings was played by him mainly to secure his place in the team..said that, Gill is a technically strong player who can still perform some magnificent innings, the one which I'm expecting to happen in the next match against Pakistan..but whats the purpose when his presence affect the already set team combination and making others insecure..

 

[SportsWarrior]

Gill is currently the poster boy of the BCCI and they wanted him to be an all format player..Sanju Samson Innings was basically a reflection of the insecurity of his place in the team caused by the arrival of Gill in his position. Today's innings was played by him mainly to secure his place in the team..said that, Gill is a technically strong player who can still perform some magnificent innings, the one which I'm expecting to happen in the next match against Pakistan..but whats the purpose when his presence affect the already set team combination and making others insecure..

T20 doesn't need so much of technical purity. Some decent firsr class exposure to get batting basics sorted out along with good hand and eye coordination with strong hitting ability will take you to success. Difficult pitches will be far and in between and on those pitches everyone will struggle anyway. Players like Surya, Abhishek, Iyer etc fit those requirements

 

[prash88]

Everyone in current Pakistan batting lineup is either a Misbah Ul Haq or Shahid Afridi - Jarrod Kimber.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Everyone in current Pakistan batting lineup is either a Misbah Ul Haq or Shahid Afridi - Jarrod Kimber.

Shahid Afridi was a big over guy although his t20 record was less than stellar. But in ODIs he was a big over guy. He could produce 20 run over easily in ODIs. But these guys don't have the ability to nail 3 or 4 sixes in one over.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Everyone in current Pakistan batting lineup is either a Misbah Ul Haq or Shahid Afridi - Jarrod Kimber.

it is so right... Saim being Afridi by opening a poultry farm of eggs while the other members are trying to become Misbah.

 

[Hawkeye]

Everyone in current Pakistan batting lineup is either a Misbah Ul Haq or Shahid Afridi - Jarrod Kimber.

Except Misbah was a proper hitter and could hit massive sixes at will.

 

[followed]

Misbah ul haq's pathetic approach has ruined pakistan cricket but the losers who are in team are pathetic against spinners.

They really don't know how to play spin bowling at all. Not a single good player against spinners.

I don't understand why don't they practice against spin bowling. Why don't these losers work hard .

 

[Devadwal]

@BouncerGuy where is match thread for Naagin Derby ? Today match is going to be very interesting. #NaginRivalry

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Now that Oman has exposed India, somewhat, this should give SL, PAK and BD confidence that they can knock India over.

 

[BouncerGuy]

@BouncerGuy where is match thread for Naagin Derby ? Today match is going to be very interesting. #NaginRivalry

well... talk about india and pakistan game here.. Naagin stuff is for some other match thread.. will be here soon

 

[mominsaigol]

Now that Oman has exposed India, somewhat, this should give SL, PAK and BD confidence that they can knock India over.

India bowled poorly vs Pakistan. Its not yhat they were doing anything special. Yes their spinners did extremely well but this bowling side was not the unstoppable force that it was made out to be in 2023 and 2024.

Bumrah for his standards has been bowling awfully bad in this cup. He's been bowling well but watching him you'd think hes juat any decent bowler for india and not the atg nightmare that we've been consistelty watching post his injury return.

The spinners have bowled well bit its masked by the fact that agha made them look 100x better then they logically were bowling. But the spinners are still high quality.

Pandya in the other hand, no clue what happened to him. He's ironically been bowling like a classic Indian 1990 trundler rather then his killer 2023 bowling form he had.

Its just Pakistan have been batting awfully awfully poorly.

The ball that saim got out to was a classic hit me ball for 6 vs Pandya. Infact all balls saim has gotten out to were nothing special in the tournament, same goes for hasan nawaz and Agha.

None of em were even semi decent deliveries. It was juat garbo batting irrespective of the opposition being India, UAE or Oman

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Tbh, I don’t think this Indian side is as good as its hyped to be.

Surya has regressed, Gill doesn’t fit in this lineup, always found Samson overrated, Rinku isn’t in form too.

Abhishek is the trump card here, get him very early and then Pakistan can have a proper chance.

 

[mominsaigol]

Tbh, I don’t think this Indian side is as good as its hyped to be.

Surya has regressed, Gill doesn’t fit in this lineup, always found Samson overrated, Rinku isn’t in form too.

Abhishek is the trump card here, get him very early and then Pakistan can have a proper chance.

Apologies for being biased about Jaiswal due to hatred at the time. You were right, Jaiswal is a better talent then Gill atm.

Dont know why gill is getting the push. He's a no 4 in test and opener/no 3 in odi. Mostly a FTB. A Very very very good ftb, one of the best ive seen but dubai is a nightmare for gill and jaiswal would have been a better bet Imo as he's proven to handle conditons all over the globe at this point.

 

[Ali Active]

Pak should think out of box
and Farhan looks little out of form

I guess pak can try hassan nawaz as opener he has 100 opening in nz

Saim
Hassan nawaz
Fakhar
Agha
Talat
Khushdil
Haris
Nawaz
Shaheen
Mohd waseem
Haris
abrar

This might work as middle order will be lengthy

 

[Devadwal]

ANDY PYCROFT - THE MATCH REFEREE

Andy Pycroft will be the Match Referee for the India vs Pakistan match tomorrow

 

[BouncerGuy]

Pak should think out of box
and Farhan looks little out of form

I guess pak can try hassan nawaz as opener he has 100 opening in nz

Saim
Hassan nawaz
Fakhar
Agha
Talat
Khushdil
Haris
Nawaz
Shaheen
Mohd waseem
Haris
abrar

This might work as middle order will be lengthy

I would drop Saim TBH... He has been useless as a batter where he is needed the most...Wasim will not play for sure.. also khushdil should not play... Faheem is better.. We need more pace

 

[Ball Blazer]

According to crictracker, International Cricket Council (ICC) has *reportedly* chosen Andy Pycroft to officiate as a match referee in the upcoming high-stakes game between India and Pakistan for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

Not yet official but let's see

 

[Vikram1989]

This might work as middle order will be lengthy

Obviously u have suggested 12 members.

 

[chakdeindian]

Current

Everyone in current Pakistan batting lineup is either a Misbah Ul Haq or Shahid Afridi - Jarrod Kimber.

Rather everyone except fakhar are Misbah ul haq trying to play like Shaheen Afridi..

 

[PakPremi]

Paksitan should open with Haris, others are not making any use of power play and his gunhho style may throw astray Indian bowler's line and length, and if he fails, which he so often does, other batsmen will have to carry on with attacking responsibilities albeit with a bit more care. He is wasted outside power play, and should be told not to resort to reverse paddles or sweeps, shot that he fails more than he scores.
Faheem should replace uselss Khushdil, as with India you do not need that many spinners.

 

[PakPremi]

According to crictracker, International Cricket Council (ICC) has *reportedly* chosen Andy Pycroft to officiate as a match referee in the upcoming high-stakes game between India and Pakistan for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

Not yet official but let's see

Does not matter who the referee is all are fearful of BCCI to give any decisin in Pakistan favour, they cannot even stop Indian captain handing out praises to Indian Army in a sports post match press conference.

 

[Bhaijaan]

I would like to humbly clarify that I will once again be boycotting tonight’s India–Pakistan match, staying true to my earlier stance of not supporting cricketing ties between the two nations until there is genuine healing and a positive direction in diplomatic relations.

Rushing into cricket so soon after the recent war has only led to regrettable episodes like the handshake-gate, politically motivated remarks in post-match interviews, and derogatory language by public figures. Such incidents diminish the spirit of the game.

Sports should be played in a spirit of true sportsmanship, not only by the cricketers but also by coaches, media personalities, and fans. When this spirit is compromised, the game itself falls into disrepute. Under the current negative atmosphere, engaging in sport feels premature.

I hope no one here takes offense at my position. I wish all of you an enjoyable match. Even if I disagree with those watching, I will keep my comments to myself rather than attempting to claim any moral high ground. To each their own.

Please also understand if I do not respond to tags in the commentary thread. My silence is simply a continuation of the stance I have explained above. As much as I love the game of cricket, my love towards my nation, the Sanatan dharma and humanity in general in far greater.

 

[Faizan001]

I understand this may have been discussed to death but given the fragility and self imposed pressure by frenzied attacking cricket of our players , doesnt Babar Azam deserves a place in the team just based on the brand of cricket they wanna exhibit? It adds that assurance and provides a bit of cushion?

 

[Ali Active]

Obviously u have suggested 12 members.

Drop talat lol

 

[Ali Active]

I would drop Saim TBH... He has been useless as a batter where he is needed the most...Wasim will not play for sure.. also khushdil should not play... Faheem is better.. We need more pace

I think saim has potential tbf if he click he can be useful

 

[BouncerGuy]

I think saim has potential tbf if he click he can be useful

his confidence is low.. 3 ducks is not something to not think about. Saim is under pressure. he needs to be rested for India game...

 

[Ali Active]

his confidence is low.. 3 ducks is not something to not think about. Saim is under pressure. he needs to be rested for India game...

Saim is your best bowler right now cant be dropped lol

 

[BouncerGuy]

Saim is your best bowler right now cant be dropped lol

This is the only excuse he has tbh... And I am sure management will nto drop him for the same excuse.

 

[Ali Active]

Saim
hassan nawaz
Give hassan nawaz the licence to hack in powerplay lol he might be usefull there as clearly struggling in middle overs

 

[Ali Active]

This is the only excuse he has tbh... And I am sure management will nto drop him for the same excuse.

i guess he will come good in india game just my prediction

 

[followed]

That saim should bat at no. 8 he is a bowler nowadays anyways.
Hussain talat should be given a chance instead of that loser mediocre the worst player ever khushdil shah.

 

[BouncerGuy]

i guess he will come good in india game just my prediction

I hope so..

 

[Ali Active]

I hope so..

Thats the sprit

 

[Ali Active]

i ask everybody to support this team tommorow no matter what. winning or losing is a part of game atleast back your boys if they get constant backing players will feel free and express themselves instead of being in pressure all the time.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Thats the sprit

All we have left is hope...LOL.

 

[hur rizvi]

We know the result but hope at least Pakistan compete

 

[Vikram1989]

Drop talat lol

Who is the better player if spin ? Talat or faheem?I guess both are useless bowlers.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Pakistan will compete this time especially if they win the toss.

Just prepare a plan against Abhishek Sharma, Gills inclusion has harmed the balance of the team and Surya doesn’t inspire any confidence as captain.

 

[KhanNn]

I've been saying this for years, they should use Mohammad Wasim Jr against India as a wild card. He's a match winner