In a thrilling Asia Cup encounter in Dubai, young Indian talent Abhishek Sharma showcased his ‘selfless’ batting prowess, blasting a sensational 37-ball 75 against Bangladesh. This explosive knock, lauded by captain Suryakumar Yadav for its ability to dominate both during and after the powerplay, was instrumental in propelling India into the tournament’s final.
Sharma’s incredible innings set the stage for India to post a competitive total of 168/6. After his departure, however, the scoring rate dipped, with India managing only 56 runs off the next 53 deliveries.
Chasing a challenging score on a tricky, sluggish surface, Bangladesh’s batting line-up faltered, ultimately folding for 127. This handed India a comprehensive 41-run victory and cemented their place in the Asia Cup final. The upcoming match between Bangladesh and Pakistan will now serve as a virtual semi-final to determine India’s opponent.
India’s innings began cautiously, with Abhishek Sharma appearing slightly hesitant and eager to get going. He was given an early reprieve when Bangladesh’s stand-in captain, Jaker Ali, dropped him on 7 behind the wickets. A reassuring word from his in-form opening partner, Shubman Gill, seemed to settle Sharma’s nerves.
Sharma soon found his rhythm, launching into left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed for a streaky boundary, while Gill continued to find gaps at the other end. What started as a scrappy beginning quickly transformed into a batting masterclass. Nasum’s wide deliveries were dispatched over long-on, and Sharma’s touch and timing became impeccable. Even Mustafizur Rahman wasn’t spared, as Sharma sent him over long-on with a straight bat, capping off an over with another six. After a slow start of 17 runs in the first three overs, Shubman and Abhishek collectively added a brisk 38 runs in the subsequent two.
Abhishek continued his relentless assault, smashing four boundaries in Saifuddin’s over, leading India to a dominant 72/0 at the end of the powerplay.
Bangladesh found a glimmer of hope with the introduction of leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. The tall spinner quickly accounted for Shubman Gill, who, after a fluent 19-ball 29, was dismissed immediately after the powerplay. Shivam Dube, promoted to number three with an aggressive intent against spinners, also failed to make an impact, falling to Rishad shortly after.
Despite the mini-collapse, Abhishek remained unfazed, reaching his fifty in a mere 24 balls. He continued his boundary-hitting, including another six off Rishad over deep mid-wicket. Rotating the strike effectively with captain Suryakumar Yadav, his fifth six brought up India’s hundred in just 10.1 overs.
However, Sharma’s dream of a maiden tournament century was cut short by a miscommunication with Suryakumar Yadav. Surya’s cut shot to backward point was brilliantly stopped by Rishad Hossain. Abhishek, initially committed to a single, was sent back by Surya, resulting in a direct hit from Rishad at the bowler’s end, leaving Sharma run out after a diving effort.
India suddenly found themselves in a precarious position. Suryakumar Yadav’s own scratchy innings of 5 runs off 11 balls ended with a diving catch by Jaker Ali. Tanzim Hasan, who had bowled an impressive opening spell, then dismissed Tilak Varma with a wild slog, caught by Saif Hassan.
With five wickets down, India seemed to be losing their way. However, the experienced Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel managed to stabilize the innings. Hardik took on the primary scoring responsibility with a crucial 38 runs, while Axar struggled to connect. India ultimately finished their innings at 168 for 6.
The middle-order collapse, from a strong position of 100 for 1 in 10.1 overs, cost India dearly, as they left an estimated 40 runs on the table. Notably, Sanju Samson, initially considered for the No. 5 spot, was demoted to No. 8 and did not get to bat.
Rishad Hossain was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs, though surprisingly, he did not complete his full quota of overs.
Despite dropping five catches, all off Saif Hassan, India’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance to dismantle Bangladesh’s batting order. Jasprit Bumrah initiated the collapse early, dismissing Tanzid Hasan for 1 in the second over with a leading edge caught at mid-on.
Kuldeep Yadav made an immediate impact, sending Parvez Hossain Emon back for 21 with his second delivery, caught comfortably by Abhishek Sharma at deep square leg while attempting a sweep shot.
Axar Patel further deepened Bangladesh’s troubles by removing Towhid Hridoy for 7. After hitting a six earlier in the over, Hridoy mishit another big shot towards long-on, where Abhishek Sharma completed another catch.
Varun Chakaravarthy tightened the screws even more. He first bowled Shamim Hossain for a duck with a straight delivery. Moments later, Suryakumar Yadav’s brilliant fielding resulted in a run-out, sending Jaker Ali (4) back to the pavilion after a quick single was attempted. Saif Hassan’s lone battle for Bangladesh, where he scored a spirited 69 off 51 balls, proved insufficient as he eventually became the ninth wicket to fall. Only three other Bangladeshi batsmen managed to reach double figures.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav (3/18), Varun Chakaravarthy (2/29), and Jasprit Bumrah (2/18) were the primary wicket-takers, ensuring a dominant victory.