Abhishek’s Fireworks Power India to Second Win Over Pakistan in Asia Cup Super 4s

Dubai, Sept 2025 – India asserted their dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan for the second time in the Asia Cup 2025, storming to a six-wicket victory in their Super 4 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The result, India’s highest successful run-chase against Pakistan in T20Is, keeps the defending champions unbeaten in the tournament and firmly on course for a place in the final.

Winning the toss, skipper Suryakumar Yadav opted to field first, backing his bowlers to restrict Pakistan. His gamble paid dividends as Pakistan, despite flashes of resistance, were contained to 171/5 in their 20 overs. The innings revolved around Sahibzada Farhan’s composed 58 off 45 balls, supported by Saim Ayub (21) and a late flourish from *Faheem Ashraf (20 off eight balls)**.

India’s chase of 172 began with a statement of intent. Abhishek Sharma, brimming with confidence, hooked the very first delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi over fine leg for six, setting the tone for what followed. Together with Shubman Gill, who crafted a brisk 47 off 28 balls, Abhishek stitched a blistering 105-run opening stand in just 9.5 overs, effectively sealing Pakistan’s fate before the halfway mark.

Pakistan’s innings: Farhan fights, India keep control

Sent in to bat, Pakistan’s openers started with promise as Fakhar Zaman and Farhan added 21 runs in the opening overs. Fakhar looked threatening with his quick 15 off nine balls before falling early. From there, Farhan found stability with Ayub, their 72-run partnership steering Pakistan to 93/1 in the 12th over.

But India’s spinners and change bowlers tightened the screws. Shivam Dube (2/33) removed key batters to apply the brakes. Ayub’s departure for 21 and the cheap dismissals of Hussain Talat (10) and Farhan left Pakistan short of acceleration.

A brief rally came through captain Salman Agha (17) and Nawaz, who put together a 34-run stand. Nawaz’s run-out in the 19th over curtailed the surge, though Pakistan still plundered 17 runs in that over to finish on a competitive but chaseable 171.

Abhishek and Gill light up Dubai

India’s reply began with fireworks. Abhishek, playing with fearless abandon, toyed with Pakistan’s new-ball attack. Afridi’s pace was met with hooks and lofts, while Haris Rauf was treated with disdain. Gill, no less aggressive, unfurled cuts, pulls, and drives to race away. By the end of the powerplay, India had rattled up 69 without loss, their highest in this phase of the tournament.

The partnership thrived on audacity and timing. Abhishek brought up his half-century in just 24 balls, peppering the boundaries with six fours and five towering sixes. Gill, meanwhile, narrowly missed his fifty, bowled by Faheem Ashraf for 47.

The dismissal sparked brief tension. Suryakumar Yadav’s stay lasted just three balls, a flick miscue caught off Haris Rauf. At 110/2, Pakistan sensed a window. But Abhishek quickly shut it with more boundaries, before eventually perishing for a spectacular 74 off 39 deliveries. His innings was the cornerstone of India’s chase, leaving just 49 required from the final eight overs.

Calm finish by Tilak and Pandya

With the stage set, Tilak Varma (30 off 19)* and Sanju Samson (13) guided India closer, even as Rauf struck again to dismiss Samson. Hardik Pandya then joined Tilak, and the pair coolly rotated strike and punished loose deliveries. India crossed the finish line in the 19th over, closing at 174/4 in 18.5 overs, sparking jubilant celebrations in the Indian camp.

Notably, Varma and Pandya walked straight to the dressing room post-win without the customary handshakes, a subtle reminder of the intense rivalry between the two sides.

Significance of the win

This victory was more than just another notch in India’s win column. It was India’s second straight triumph over Pakistan in the same tournament, having beaten them earlier in the group stage under the strategy dubbed Operation White Ball. More importantly, the result highlighted the depth and versatility of India’s squad.

For Pakistan, Farhan’s knock was a lone bright spot, but their middle-order stutter and inability to counter India’s fearless openers exposed key weaknesses. Their bowlers, particularly Afridi and Rauf, lacked the control to stem the flow of runs during India’s explosive start.

For India, Abhishek Sharma’s coming-of-age innings will be remembered as a defining moment. At just 23, his ability to dominate world-class bowlers under pressure confirmed his stature as a match-winner. Combined with Gill’s aggression, Tilak’s composure, and Dube’s breakthroughs with the ball, the team looks balanced and brimming with confidence.

Brief scores

Pakistan 171/5 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 58, Saim Ayub 21; Shivam Dube 2/33, Hardik Pandya 1/29)
India 174/4 in 18.5 overs (Abhishek Sharma 74, Shubman Gill 47; Haris Rauf 2/26, Faheem Ashraf 1/31)

India won by six wickets.

Team Maverick.