Destructive batting by openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill set the tone as India eased to a six-wicket win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at the Dubai International Stadium. The pair stitched together a dazzling 105-run stand, ensuring the Men in Blue registered their second win over Pakistan in the tournament.
Chasing a challenging 172, Abhishek wasted no time in stamping his authority. The left-hander took on Shaheen Shah Afridi early, launching him for a maximum, and carried on with his fearless approach. Gill, equally fluent at the other end, kept the scoreboard racing as Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to find answers.
Gill’s knock of 47 off 28 balls came to an end in the 10th over when Faheem Ashraf broke the opening partnership. Soon after, Haris Rauf, who has enjoyed success against Suryakumar Yadav in the past, dismissed the Indian skipper for a first-ball duck to lift Pakistan’s hopes briefly.
Abhishek, however, kept the chase on track with a breathtaking 74 off just 39 balls. His innings, laced with clean hitting, silenced the Pakistani attack before he fell to Abrar Ahmed, caught at long-on by Rauf, who vented his frustration after completing the catch.
Tilak Varma (30 not out) and Sanju Samson then steadied the innings with a 25-run stand. Even though Samson was bowled by Rauf in the 17th over, Tilak, alongside Hardik Pandya, ensured India crossed the line with seven balls to spare, finishing the game in style with a boundary off Afridi.
Earlier, Pakistan’s batting effort failed to live up to its promise. After a solid start, they were restricted to 171 for 5 in their 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 58, while Saim Ayub chipped in with 21 during a 72-run second-wicket partnership. Their stand threatened to take the game away, but Shivam Dube’s double strike turned the tide. Dube dismissed Ayub in the 11th over and followed it up with the crucial wicket of Farhan in the 15th, leaving Pakistan stuttering at 115 for 4.
Cameos from Mohammad Nawaz (21) and Faheem Ashraf (20 not out) added respectability to the total, but it was far from enough against India’s power-packed top order.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 171 for 5 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 58, Saim Ayub 21, Mohammad Nawaz 21; Hardik Pandya 1/29, Kuldeep Yadav 1/31, Shivam Dube 2/33).
India: 174 for 4 in 18.5 overs (Shubman Gill 47, Abhishek Sharma 74, Tilak Varma 30 not out; Haris Rauf 2/26).