Dubai: For months, fans had been waiting for the high-voltage India–Pakistan encounter in the T20 Asia Cup. That big match was finally played on Sunday, where India thrashed Pakistan by 7 wickets. But the question now is—will the arch-rivals meet again next Sunday (21st September, 8:00 pm)?
Indians dedicate win to Pahalgam victims
On Sunday, September 14, India crushed Pakistan by 7 wickets, humiliating their rivals. After the game, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates refused to shake hands with the Pakistani players, leaving them embarrassed. Later, the entire Indian team dedicated the victory to the Hindu pilgrims who lost their lives in the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam earlier this April.
Kuldeep Yadav – Man of the Match
Restricting Pakistan to 9/127, India comfortably chased down the target in 15.5 overs, finishing on 131/3. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav remained unbeaten on 47, while Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma contributed 31 runs each. Kuldeep Yadav, who bagged 3 wickets for just 18 runs, was named Man of the Match.
India–Pakistan Part 2 likely as per schedule
As per the schedule, India and Pakistan are slated to meet again in the Super-4 stage on Sunday. India has already sealed its place after the September 14 win, while Pakistan must beat host UAE on Wednesday to qualify. If Pakistan wins, their Super-4 spot is secure. Otherwise, a battle for qualification will open up in Group A. From each group, the top two teams will enter the Super-4 stage.
In Group B, as of Monday afternoon, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh were tied at two points each, while Hong Kong was at the bottom with zero after losing both its matches.
What if UAE beats Pakistan?
If UAE defeats Pakistan on Wednesday, the Super-4 race will heat up, with net run rate becoming the deciding factor. And if UAE manages to beat Oman earlier, the equations will change further.
India vs Oman on Friday
Another twist awaits on Friday, when India takes on Oman. While India are overwhelming favourites, a surprise Oman victory would put them in contention for a Super-4 spot with a strong net run rate.
For now, the UAE vs Oman clash (Monday, 5:30 pm) will play a key role in shaping the qualification race.
In short: If Pakistan beats UAE on Wednesday, and both UAE and Oman lose their remaining games, then Pakistan will qualify for the Super-4. Only then can fans witness another India–Pakistan showdown next Sunday. And if India wins that, they plan to dedicate it once again to the Pahalgam victims.
Today’s Matches:
UAE vs Oman – Abu Dhabi, 5:30 pm
Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong – Dubai, 8:00 pm
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