From 113/2 to 146 all-out: Kuldeep Yadav wrecker-in-chief as Pakistan lose eight wickets for 33 runs

From 113/2 to 146 all-out: Kuldeep Yadav wrecker-in-chief as Pakistan lose eight wickets for 33 runs (AP Photo)

Pakistan endured an epic collapse in the Asia Cup final against India in Dubai on Sunday. Put into bat, Pakistan got off to a great start as Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman stitched a 83-run opening stand and a 180-190 score loomed large for India to chase down.

Farhan again unsettled Jasprit Bumrah and smashed a fifty, but was dismissed for 57(38) by Varun Chakaravarthy, who also dismissed Fakhar (46 off 35 balls). And then, Pakistan committed hara-kiri. From 113/2, they were bundled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.

The man responsible for Pakistan to lose their way was Kuldeep Yadav, who got into business by dismissing Saim Ayub (14) and then returned to get rid of Pakistan captain Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf – all in one over – the last of his spell.

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Kuldeep went from conceding 23 runs in his opening two overs to taking 4/7 in his subsequent two overs. The Chinaman bowler returned with figures of 4/30 and was ably aided by other spinners Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel – who took two wickets each.

The effort also saw Kuldeep finish the tournament with 17 wickets equalling the records of Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan) in T20 WC 2024 and Arshdeep Singh (India) T20 WC 2024 for most wickets in a T20I tournament.

India in response didn't get off to a best of start with explosive opener Abhishek Sharma getting out for 5(6) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav departing for 1(5). Shubman Gill then got dismissed for 12(10) against Faheem Ashraf, who removed both the Indian openers. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson are present in the middle.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya is not part of the playing XI, missing the tie due to a niggle. Despite his absence, India still bat till No. 8 as Rinku Singh has been drafted to the side.