Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill etched their names into the record books on Sunday during the Asia Cup Super Four match against Pakistan. The dynamic left-right combination delivered India’s highest-ever opening partnership against their fierce rivals in T20 International cricket.
Their explosive 105-run stand comfortably surpassed the previous best of 77 runs, set by Gautam Gambhir and Ajinkya Rahane in 2012. While Gambhir and Rahane’s efforts of 43 off 41 balls and 42 off 31 respectively ultimately came in a losing cause as Pakistan successfully chased down 134, Gill and Sharma’s performance provided a formidable platform.
Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma now hold the record for the best opening partnership for India in T20Is.
Playing in Dubai, Abhishek and Gill launched an aggressive assault right from the start, showing no signs of slowing down. They breezed past the 100-run mark with ease, thoroughly dominating Pakistan’s bowling attack throughout the Powerplay and beyond.
The stellar partnership eventually concluded in the 10th over when Gill, who had briefly paused for physio attention, appeared to lose his rhythm. He was clean bowled by Faheem Ashraf after scoring a quickfire 47 runs off just 28 deliveries, an innings decorated with eight boundaries and an impressive strike rate of 167.86.
At the time of India losing its first wicket, the score stood at 105 for 1 in just 9.5 overs, with Abhishek Sharma still at the crease, batting strongly on 57 runs off 31 balls, maintaining a blistering strike rate of 183.87.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan had posted a total of 171 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings was anchored by Sahibzada Farhan’s 58 runs, with valuable contributions from Faheem Ashraf and Salman Agha. For the Indian bowling attack, Shivam Dube claimed two wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya each secured one wicket.
This remarkable opening stand by Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill not only broke a record standing for over a decade but also provided India with the perfect launchpad for their chase of Pakistan’s total of 172.