In a spectacular display of batting brilliance at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 22, 2025, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill once again proved India’s dominance over Pakistan in T20I cricket.
For a quick recap, you can revisit the IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 highlights.
Following their seven-wicket triumph in a Group-A encounter last weekend, the Men in Blue secured another impressive win, defeating their arch-rivals by six wickets. They successfully chased down a target of 172 runs in just 18.5 overs, marking a perfect start to the Super Four phase.
Interestingly, Pakistan had called off their pre-match media interaction, with Pycroft officiating in the marquee clash.
Childhood friends from Punjab, Abhishek (74 runs off 39 balls, including 6 fours and 5 sixes) and Gill (47 runs off 28 balls, with 8 fours) delivered a breathtaking performance. Their explosive 105-run opening partnership showcased a perfect blend of elegant timing and raw power. The intensity wasn’t just in their batting; fiery verbal exchanges with Pakistan bowlers highlighted the lingering tension from last Sunday’s handshake controversy, which saw players forgo handshakes before and after this match as well.
True to his aggressive style, Abhishek kicked off India’s chase with a magnificent six off Shaheen Afridi. Both Indian openers then consistently dominated the bowling attack, whether it was the pace of Afridi and Haris Rauf or the spin of Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub. The left-handed Abhishek reached his fifty in style, with a powerful drive through cover for four off Saim.
Even after Faheem Ashraf bowled Gill with an inswinging delivery in the 10th over, India was comfortably cruising towards victory, marking their seventh consecutive white-ball win against Pakistan. Though Abhishek also fell shortly after, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya calmly finished the chase.
For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan was the standout performer, scoring 58 runs off 45 balls in their total of 171 for five. Shivam Dube delivered an excellent bowling spell, taking two wickets for 33 runs from his four overs, while Jasprit Bumrah had an uncharacteristically expensive outing, conceding 45 runs.
India’s fielding, however, wasn’t at its sharpest. Early in the innings, Abhishek dropped Farhan when he was yet to score, and later, Kuldeep Yadav gave Saim Ayub a lifeline at short fine leg. These missed opportunities allowed Farhan and Saim to build a crucial 72-run partnership for the second wicket. Shubman Gill also put down Faheem Ashraf in the 19th over.
Pakistan began with strong attacking intent, consistent with T20 requirements, which saw them reach 55 for one after just six overs – their highest PowerPlay score ever against India in T20Is.
After Fakhar Zaman’s quick start, Farhan aggressively dominated, particularly against Bumrah. The 29-year-old hit four boundaries, including a powerful drive and some fierce pulls, leading to Bumrah conceding 34 runs in his initial three overs. Unlike the previous match where Indian spinners controlled Pakistan’s middle order, Farhan and Saim ensured the spin trio couldn’t gain a foothold.
Dube eventually broke this partnership in the 11th over, a crucial breakthrough that allowed India to regain control in the latter half of the innings. The Mumbai medium-pacer claimed his second wicket in the 15th over, as a well-settled Farhan mistimed an off-cutter to Suryakumar Yadav at cover. This pivotal moment paved the way for India’s emphatic victory.