India's dominant win over arch-rival Pakistan has once again highlighted the stark contrast between the two sides. The reigning world champions defeated their neighbors by seven wickets in an authoritative win at the Asia Cup 2025.
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Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a bold remark about the Men In Green. In the current scenario, Pathan feels that even Indian Premier League teams like Chennai Super Kings or Royal Challengers Bengaluru can beat Pakistan.
India's domestic team and any IPL team can beat Pakistan, says Irfan Pathan
Pakistan is fielding a relatively young side at the Asia Cup 2025. The Salman Ali Agha-led side started their campaign with a win against Oman, but were soon exposed against a strong Indian side, whom they did not even come close to.
Pakistan cricket has been through a very lean patch over the past many years. The side has not managed to win even the Asia Cup post-2012. Their only major success came back in 2017, were they lifted the ICC Champions Trophy.
"If you ask which of our domestic teams can beat Pakistan, I know for sure Mumbai can beat them. Punjab can beat them. Next, which IPL team can beat Pakistan? A lot of them," said Irfan on the Sony Sports Network.
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The Men In Green were' no competition' for the Indian side. India is currently the No.1 T20I side in the world and the reigning world champions.
Pakistan now faces a do-or-die situation. They will lock horns with the UAE in a virtual knockout encounter, with the winner progressing to the next stage. If the side fails to cross this hurdle, it could well be one of the most shameful and disappointing results in Pakistan cricket's history.
The side is in a transition phase. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, the senior players, have been dropped, giving way to a few of the young faces. Their T20 side had a very disappointing World Cup last year, facing a group stage exit, losing to the USA.
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