Hong Kong’s Babar Hayat Calls India the Strongest Team After Asia Cup Win

In a display of cricketing prowess, India secured a decisive victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, and Hong Kong vice-captain Babar Hayat has since lauded them as the strongest team in global cricket. Hayat’s comments came after India’s impressive performance, particularly highlighting the contributions of Kuldeep Yadav and Suryakumar Yadav during the match.

Hayat emphasized India’s consistent superiority across all formats, stating, “I think India has been the strongest side, you know, in the competition, even in the World Cup or Asia Cup, whatever the tournament is, they have always been the strongest side.” He underscored the team’s professionalism, noting that their strength persists even in the absence of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

When asked about the most threatening player on the Indian squad, Hayat expressed admiration for the team’s overall talent. “I think we’ll say all of them, you know. Just as Bumrah (Jasprit) is there, you know. Up top, Shubman Gill, and then you have Hardik Pandya.” He remarked on the depth of the squad, stating that every player on the field is a winner, including those on the bench.

In the match held in Dubai, India dominated Pakistan after the latter won the toss and opted to bat first. Pakistan struggled early, finding themselves at 6/2, and though a partnership of 39 runs between Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman provided some stability, they ultimately crumbled to 97/8. A late surge from Shaheen Shah Afridi, who scored 33 not out off 16 deliveries, helped Pakistan reach 127/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Yadav shone with the ball for India, finishing with figures of 3/18, while Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah contributed with two wickets each.

As India chased the modest target, they too lost two wickets early in their innings. However, a blistering performance from Abhishek Sharma, who struck 31 runs off just 13 balls, set a strong tone for the run chase. Following this, a 56-run partnership between Suryakumar Yadav (47 not out off 37 balls) and Tilak Varma (31 runs) ensured that India regained control. Suryakumar’s pivotal role in the latter stages of the innings, alongside Shivam Dube (10 not out), led India to a comfortable victory with seven wickets in hand and 25 balls remaining.

For his exceptional bowling performance, Kuldeep Yadav was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’. With this win, India now tops Group A, boasting two victories from two matches, reinforcing their status as a formidable contender in the tournament.