A touch of needless needling from Pakistan’s fielders backfired spectacularly as Abhishek Sharma responded with a blistering counterattack to lead India to a six-wicket victory in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The 24-year-old opener hammered 74 off just 39 balls, adding a commanding 105-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill (47 off 28). Their assault ensured India chased down Pakistan’s 171/5 with seven balls to spare, marking their highest successful run chase against their archrivals in T20 internationals.
Today was pretty simple – the way they were coming out at us without any reason, I did not like it at all. That’s why I went after them. I wanted to deliver for the team.
Pakistan’s Promising Start Fizzles Out
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings revolved around Sahibzada Farhan, who struck a fluent 58 off 34 balls. Promoted Fakhar Zaman looked sharp early, but it was Farhan’s shot-making that truly unsettled India in the Power-play. His early assault on Jasprit Bumrah, who leaked 34 runs in his first three overs, helped Pakistan reach 91/1 at the halfway stage.
However, Shivam Dube’s golden arm tilted the balance. Supported by Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, India’s spinners stifled Pakistan’s scoring between overs 11 and 17, conceding only 38 runs. Despite Faheem Ashraf’s late cameo of 20 off eight, Pakistan’s 171/5 felt short of par against a confident Indian batting unit.
Gunfire Celebration Stirs Debate
Farhan’s half-century, though impressive, ignited controversy. The opener marked his milestone with a gunfire gesture that drew immediate criticism on social media. Many Indian fans linked the act to memories of the 1998 Pahalgam terror attack, sparking anger beyond the cricketing field. The incident revived conversations around India’s suspended bilateral cricketing ties with Pakistan. Already strained relations were visible in Dubai, where Indian players once again refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the match.
Gill-Abhishek Show Sets Up Win
India’s reply began in emphatic style, with Abhishek hooking the very first delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi for six. Gill matched his partner stroke for stroke, pulling and cutting with authority as the duo raced to 69/0 in the Power-play – the best in this tournament so far.Abhishek brought up his half-century off just 24 balls, mixing audacious lofted hits with crisp ground strokes. The stand was finally broken when Faheem bowled Gill with a sharp in-ducker, while Haris Rauf dismissed Suryakumar Yadav cheaply. But Tilak Varma (30* off 19) ensured there were no hiccups, steering India home alongside Hardik Pandya.
Captains Reflect Contrasting Moods
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav praised his team’s composure after Pakistan’s fiery start.
The way the boys are stepping up in every game is making my job very easy. They showed a lot of character. After drinks, I told them the game starts now.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha admitted the Power-play overs cost his side dearly. “Looking back at the position we were in after 10 overs, we could have got 10-15 more. But in the Power-play they batted well; that was the difference.”
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 6 wickets.
