>>44868327Why is this still even a question?
The anime does whatever the fuck it wants. Base stats, power of moves, type effectiveness, evolutionary stage, level, etc. means diddly squat in the anime. A Magikarp could defeat a Salamence if the writers so chose. The perceived strength of the individual Pokemon has absolutely no bearing on the results of a battle. The anime functions with less rule and is more concerned about the journey than it is the destination when it comes to the absolutely minimal character or story beats.
