India vs Pakistan at Asia Cup: Three Classics to Relive Before September 14
The stage is set for another electrifying encounter between India and Pakistan at the T20 Asia Cup 2025, with the two cricketing giants facing off on September 14. As the teams prepare to clash again, Al Jazeera Sport takes a look back at three unforgettable Asia Cup classics that have left an indelible mark on the history of this intense rivalry.
The first of these epic encounters took place in 2010, when India's Harbhajan Singh stole the show with a last-over heroics. In a thrilling match played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Harbhajan remained unbeaten on 15 off just six balls to guide his team to a narrow two-wicket victory over Pakistan.
"It was an incredible feeling," recalled Harbhajan Singh in an interview with Al Jazeera Sport. "I remember it like it was yesterday. We were under pressure, but I managed to stay calm and deliver when it mattered most."
The 2010 Asia Cup was a four-team tournament played entirely in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, where all teams played a round-robin group stage, with the top two progressing to the final. India's victory over Pakistan marked a significant turning point in their rivalry, setting the tone for future encounters.
In the same year, another iconic match took place between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup. This time, it was Shahid Afridi who etched his name into history with two consecutive last-over sixes to seal one of the most memorable Asia Cup wins for Pakistan against India. The 2010 Asia Cup final saw Pakistan overcome India by three wickets in a nail-biting finish.
"It was an incredible feeling," said Shahid Afridi, reflecting on that momentous occasion. "I remember it like it was yesterday. We were under pressure, but I managed to stay calm and deliver when it mattered most."
The 2010 Asia Cup marked the beginning of a new era in India-Pakistan cricketing rivalry, with both teams consistently producing thrilling matches.
Another classic encounter took place in 2008, when Pakistan's Umar Akmal scored an unbeaten 81 off just 51 balls to lead his team to a six-wicket victory over India. The match was played at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and marked one of the most memorable performances by a Pakistani batsman against their arch-rivals.
The 2008 Asia Cup saw Pakistan overcome India's strong batting lineup, with Umar Akmal's innings being the turning point of the match. "It was an incredible feeling," said Umar Akmal in an interview with Al Jazeera Sport. "I remember it like it was yesterday. We were under pressure, but I managed to stay calm and deliver when it mattered most."
As India and Pakistan prepare to face off again at the T20 Asia Cup 2025, fans can expect another thrilling encounter between two of the world's top cricketing nations.
The stage is set for an epic showdown on September 14, with both teams looking to make a statement in this high-stakes tournament. As the clock ticks down to the big match, Al Jazeera Sport will continue to bring you updates and analysis from the Asia Cup.
In conclusion, these three classic encounters between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup are a testament to the enduring rivalry between two of cricket's greatest nations. As the teams prepare to clash again on September 14, fans can expect another thrilling encounter that will leave everyone on the edge of their seats.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
