In a high-voltage encounter brimming with intensity and aggression, India overpowered Pakistan by six wickets in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025, with opener Abhishek Sharma leading the charge both with his bat and his attitude.
The contest, played under high stakes and hotter tempers, saw multiple flashpoints between players. Early in India’s chase of 172, tensions flared when Abhishek exchanged heated words with Pakistan’s pace spearhead Haris Rauf. Not long after, another confrontation unfolded between Shubman Gill and Shaheen Afridi, adding to the simmering tension on the field.
But it was Abhishek who ultimately had the last word.
“Today was pretty simple, the way they were coming out to 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 and gave it back with the bat,” Abhishek said after the match, having been named Player of the Match for his blistering 74 off just 39 balls.
India, chasing 172, looked unfazed by the verbal battles and delivered a commanding performance. The Gill-Abhishek duo took the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers from the first over, with the left-hander dismantling the opposition attack in style. Gill, too, played a pivotal role with a rapid 28-ball 47, keeping the run rate firmly in India’s control.
Tilak Varma added the finishing touches with an aggressive 19-ball 30, ensuring India reached the target with seven balls to spare.
Earlier in the evening, Pakistan posted 171/5 in their 20 overs. After losing Fakhar Zaman early, the team recovered through a solid 72-run stand between Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub. However, a middle-order collapse under pressure halted their momentum, leaving the total below par on a batting-friendly surface.
India’s bowlers kept their composure in the death overs, setting the stage for their top order to shine in the chase.
With this emphatic win, India completed a group-stage and Super Four double over arch-rivals Pakistan. More importantly, the victory puts India at the top of the Super Four table with two points and a Net Run Rate of +0.689.
The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will next face Bangladesh on September 24 and Sri Lanka on September 26, with a spot in the final firmly in their sights.
