• Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill’s explosive batting guided India to a dominant Super 4 win over Pakistan.

  • Abhishek Sharma was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his blistering half-century.

Asia Cup 2025: Fans go gaga as India openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill thrash Pakistan in Super 4 battle
Fans go gaga as India openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill bolster through Pakistan in Super 4 battle (Image source: X)

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India and Pakistan renewed their storied rivalry in the 2nd Match of the Super Fours at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 21, 2025. In front of a packed crowd under lights, Pakistan posted a challenging 171/5 in their allotted 20 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat first. India’s chase was spearheaded by explosive openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, who stitched together a record opening stand to power India to a six-wicket victory with seven balls to spare.

Pakistan post competitive total with Sahibzada Farhan’s fighting fifty

Pakistan got off to a flying start as Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman revived momentum after early jitters. Farhan’s 58 off 45 deliveries featured five fours and three sixes and anchored Pakistan’s innings after Fakhar fell in the powerplay. Saim Ayub’s brisk 21 and Mohammad Nawaz’s handy 21 provided mid-innings support, helping Pakistan reach 91/1 at the halfway mark. However, spirited bowling changes from the Indian bowlers turned the tide. Shivam Dube struck twice, dismissing Ayub and Farhan to halt a flourishing 72-run partnership. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel then stifled the middle overs, restricting Pakistan to 150/4 by the 18th over. Late cameo knocks from Salman Agha (17*) and Faheem Ashraf (20*) enabled Pakistan to finish at a competitive 171/5. Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep and Dube each claimed two wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy applied pressure with economical spells.

India openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill tears apart Pakistan bowling attack

Chasing 172 under lights, India’s opening duo exploded out of the blocks. Abhishek raced to fifty off just 24 balls, smashing six fours and five maximums, while Gill complemented him with a brisk 47 off 28 deliveries. Together they raced to 105/0 by the ninth over, capitalising on a faltering Pakistan attack. The pair added a record opening stand of 105 in just 52 balls, surpassing India’s previous best against Pakistan in T20Is. Their aggressive approach ensured India needed only 67 runs from the remaining 62 balls at the halfway point.

When Gill fell to Faheem Ashraf in the tenth over, India still required 67 runs and had the game in hand. The departure of Suryakumar Yadav for a duck proved inconsequential as Abhishek and Tilak Varma (30* off 19) guided the run-chase home. Abhishek scored 74 off 39 balls, marking one of the fastest half-centuries in Asia Cup Super Fours history and earning him Player of the Match honours. India reached 174/4 in 18.5 overs, sealing a six-wicket victory with seven balls to spare and keeping their Super Fours hopes alive.

With this emphatic performance, India underlined their dominance over Pakistan in T20Is and strengthened their bid for a place in the Asia Cup final. The power-packed innings from Abhishek and Gill showcased India’s batting depth and provided a timely boost for the Super Fours stage.

Also WATCH: Abhishek Sharma pulls off a sensational catch to remove Saim Ayub in IND vs PAK Super 4 game

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Sanju Samson’s stunning low catch ends Fakhar Zaman’s stay in IND vs PAK Super 4 clash

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.