India asserted their dominance over Pakistan once again in the Asia Cup Super Four, clinching a comprehensive six-wicket victory. The win was spearheaded by a sensational performance from opener Abhishek Sharma, who smashed an electrifying 74 runs.
Chasing a target of 172, India’s innings got off to a blistering start. Abhishek Sharma, alongside Shubman Gill, formed a formidable 105-run opening partnership. Gill contributed a solid 47 runs, as the duo relentlessly attacked Pakistan’s bowling lineup, setting the stage for a comfortable chase completed with seven balls to spare in Dubai.
The high-stakes encounter wasn’t without its moments of tension. During India’s chase, a fiery exchange of glances was noted between Shubman Gill and Pakistan’s pacer Shaheen Afridi after Gill dispatched Afridi for a boundary, adding more spice to the already heated rivalry.
Following India’s emphatic triumph, former Indian cricketer Munaf Patel took to social media to express his jubilation in a vibrant, unforgettable way. He wrote, “Ek rehta he Maarna. Aur ek hota he Ragad Ragad k Dhona. Wo hua he #indvspak k match main. On filed keh k Mara he Gill & Abhishek ne. Post Match main #AbhishekSharma ne Interview main Bajayi he. Press conference main #SKY ne Bajayi he. Its not a rivalry. Bhai Bas Maza Aa gaya #indvspak2025 #AsiaCup2025.”
Earlier in the match, India, having won the toss, opted to bowl first. Pakistan managed to post a total of 171 for 5, thanks largely to Sahibzada Farhan, who top-scored with a robust 58 runs, and Saim Ayub, who added 21. Their 72-run partnership for the second wicket gave Pakistan a fighting chance.
Fakhar Zaman kicked off Pakistan’s innings with a quick 15 runs off just nine balls before being caught out. Farhan continued with aggression, hitting five fours and three sixes in his 45-ball knock, reaching his half-century with a memorable ‘gun-celebration’ using his bat.
India fought back, taking three crucial wickets, including that of Farhan, who fell to medium-pacer Shivam Dube. Pakistan’s innings faltered, slipping to 115 for 4. Mohammad Nawaz contributed 21 before being run out, while captain Salman Agha (17) and Faheem Ashraf (20 off eight balls) added some valuable late runs to bolster the total. Despite Dube’s impressive figures of 2 for 33, India’s fielding was less than stellar, with four catches dropped during the innings.
This stellar performance marked India’s second victory over Pakistan in the tournament, having previously defeated them in the group stage, solidifying their strong campaign in the Asia Cup.