Abhishek Brushes Pakistan in Super 4 Stage of Asia Cup 2025

Sports News: India began the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup with a comfortable six-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. A strong 105-run stand between Abhishek Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill set up the chase of 172 with ease. Abhishek smashed 74 off 39 balls with six fours and five sixes, while Gill scored 47 from 28 balls. Their partnership took the game away from Pakistan early in the innings.

Explosive Start in the Powerplay

Abhishek hit a six off the very first ball of the innings and Gill followed with a flurry of boundaries, keeping the run rate above 10 per over. By the end of the powerplay, India had raced to 69/0. Abhishek reached his half-century in just 24 balls, and the duo brought up the 100-run stand within nine overs. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the openers, with only Faheem Ashraf managing to dismiss Gill at 47.

Middle Order Finishes the Job

After Gill’s wicket, India lost Suryakumar Yadav for a duck, but Abhishek continued to dominate until he was caught for 74. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma added steady runs before Hardik Pandya joined in. Tilak sealed the chase with a big six and a boundary, taking India to 174/4 in 18.5 overs. Tilak remained unbeaten on 30 from 19 balls, while Hardik finished on seven. Haris Rauf was Pakistan’s best bowler with two wickets.

Pakistan’s Innings: Missed Chances and Late Surge

Earlier, Pakistan posted 171/5 in 20 overs thanks to Sahibzada Farhan’s 58 from 45 balls and a late cameo from Faheem Ashraf. India dropped several catches, allowing Pakistan to build a competitive total. Saim Ayub contributed 21, while Salman Agha and Mohammad Nawaz added quick runs at the death. Shivam Dube took two wickets for India. Despite Pakistan’s strong finish, India’s top order made the chase look easy.

Brief Scores

Pakistan 171/5 (Farhan 58, Ayub 21; Dube 2/33) lost to India 174/4 in 18.5 overs (Abhishek 74, Gill 47; Haris Rauf 2/26).