Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 | Abhishek-Gill show guides India to dominant win against Pakistan

By Admin

22 Sep, 2025

India kicked off their Super Four campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 with a commanding six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (September 22). Powered by a blistering opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, the Men in Blue chased down Pakistan’s 171-run target in just 18.5 overs, extending their dominance in white-ball cricket against their neighbors.

Abhishek-Gill Power Opening

Abhishek Sharma (74 off 39 balls, 6 fours, 5 sixes) and Shubman Gill (47 off 28 balls, 8 fours) gave India the perfect start with a breathtaking 105-run stand. From the very first over, Abhishek showcased intent by pulling Shaheen Afridi for six, setting the tone for the chase. Gill matched his partner with exquisite timing, as the duo combined brutal hitting with elegant strokeplay.

The camaraderie between Abhishek and Gill, friends since their under-12 days in Punjab, was evident, though the tension of the India-Pakistan rivalry added extra fire. Their animated exchanges with Pakistan’s bowlers kept the atmosphere charged, especially in the wake of the much-discussed handshake row from last weekend.

Gill fell in the 10th over to Faheem Ashraf, but by then India had already seized control. Abhishek followed soon after, but Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya ensured India crossed the line without hiccups.

Pakistan’s Early Firepower

Earlier, Pakistan posted 171 for five in their 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with a fluent 58 off 45 deliveries, stitching a crucial 72-run partnership with Saim Ayub for the second wicket. Pakistan started aggressively, racing to 55 for one in the PowerPlay   their highest-ever score against India in the first six overs of a T20I.

Farhan was especially severe on India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, smashing him for boundaries with disdainful drives and pulls. Bumrah, usually a reliable match-winner, had a rare off-day, conceding 45 runs in his spell.

Dube Steps Up with the Ball

While Bumrah struggled, Shivam Dube delivered an excellent spell of 2 for 33 in his four overs, breaking the crucial Farhan-Saim stand. His ability to use variations at the right time helped India regain momentum during the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma, however, were guilty of dropping crucial catches, giving Pakistan batters a lifeline.

Still, the Indian bowlers regrouped well in the latter stages. Dube dismissed Farhan in the 15th over, ensuring Pakistan couldn’t push beyond a par score despite a strong start.

India’s Seventh Straight White-Ball Win Over Pakistan

This victory marked India’s seventh consecutive win against Pakistan in white-ball cricket, highlighting their current supremacy in the rivalry. Having already beaten Pakistan by seven wickets in the group stage, this six-wicket triumph underlined India’s consistency in high-pressure games.

With Abhishek and Gill leading from the front, and players like Dube stepping up when needed, India looks well-equipped to continue their strong run in the Asia Cup. For Pakistan, questions linger around middle-order stability and their ability to finish innings strongly.

As the Super Four stage continues, the Men in Blue couldn’t have asked for a better start, setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in Asia Cup history.