Top 5 unforgettable moments from Asia Cup 2025 group stage

The ongoing 2025 edition of the Asia Cup entered the Super Fours stage on Saturday, September 20. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh were the four teams that progressed beyond the group stage. Notably, India and Sri Lanka were undefeated in their respective groups to enter the Super Fours with high confidence. The top two teams from the Super Fours will compete in the final on Sunday, September 28.

During the group stages, there were several moments that captivated the cricket fans around the Asian land. From brilliant performances to argy-bargy among the players, the first phase of the continental competition had it all. As the tournament heads towards the business end, here's a look at the top five unforgettable moments from the group stage.

Top 5 unforgettable moments from Asia Cup 2025 group stage

5. India's blistering chase in UAE face-off

India started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on a stunning note against the UAE. The Men in Blue bowled out the UAE for 57 runs in 13.1 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube picked up four and three wickets, respectively. This was the lowest T20I total posted against India in T20Is.

In reply, Abhishek Sharma gave India an electrifying start, smashing 30 runs off just 16 balls. After the Punjab batter was dismissed, Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav took India home in just 4.3 overs with nine wickets to spare. India became only the second Test-playing nation to chase down a target in less than five overs.

4. 43-year-old Aamir Kaleem becomes oldest to T20I fifty

Oman's Aamir Kaleem proved once again why age is just a number. The 43-year-old scored a brilliant 64 off 46 balls in the game against India at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19. The southpaw hit seven fours and two sixes in his feisty knock, also becoming the oldest to hit a T20I fifty, going past Chris Gayle, who did so at 41 years of age.

Kaleem's innings gave Oman hopes of chasing down a 189-run target and ending India's winning streak in the tournament. In the end, they lost the match by 21 runs but won the hearts of the cricket enthusiasts with their dogged display. The Pakistan-born registered the highest run-scorer in a T20I innings against India by an Associate batter.

3. Saim Ayub's three consecutive ducks

Saim Ayub came into the tournament as one of the Pakistani batters to watch out for. However, the left-handed batter failed to live up to his reputation. He started the campaign with a golden duck against Oman. In the following game against India, Ayub was dismissed by Hardik Pandya for another golden duck.

In the final match of the group stage against the UAE, Ayub managed to survive the first ball. However, he was dismissed off the subsequent delivery, getting out to Junaid Siddique. Ayub, who averages almost 50 in ODIs, will look to make a mark in the Super Fours. He has bowled well and picked up six wickets, but Pakistan will also want him to contribute with the bat.

2. Mohammad Nabi hits five sixes in a row

Mohammad Nabi used his experience and showed his class in the high-stakes fixture between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on September 18. The 40-year-old took Dunith Wellalage to the cleaners in the last over of the Afghan innings. In sluggish conditions, Nabi smacked five sixes off the first five deliveries off the over.

Nabi tried to go for the full monty, but Wellalage nailed the yorker off the final ball and evaded an unwanted feat. However, the Loger-born earned applause for his efforts with the bat. Nabi finished with a score of 60 off 22 balls, belting three fours and six sixes.

1. Suryakumar Yadav & Co.'s no-handshake policy versus Pakistan

India captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided shaking hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha at the toss in the first meeting between these two sides in the 2025 Asia Cup. While some fans felt that this was an accidental occurrence, Suryakumar proved that it wasn't the case after the match.

The right-handed batter hit a six to finish the match for India. After registering the win, Suryakumar went back to the dressing room without shaking hands with the players. The Indian team didn't come out for the customary handshakes. This decision caused havoc in the cricket community. Pakistan have cancelled two pre-match press conferences since then. The two teams will clash once again in the Super Fours on Sunday, September 21.