Dubai [UAE]: A blazing 105-run stand between Abhishek Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill laid the platform for India’s commanding six-wicket win over Pakistan in their Asia Cup Super Four clash in Dubai on Sunday.
Chasing 172, India stormed off to a flying start as Abhishek (74 off 39, 6 fours, 5 sixes) and Gill (47 off 28, 8 fours) took the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers, racing to 69/0 in the powerplay. Abhishek brought up his half-century in just 24 balls and, alongside Gill, ensured the chase was always under control. Their partnership ended at 105 when Gill was dismissed by Faheem Ashraf, followed by Suryakumar Yadav’s two-ball duck.
Abhishek continued to dominate before falling for a sparkling 74, leaving India at 123/3 in the 13th over. Tilak Varma (30* off 19) and Hardik Pandya (7*) then guided India home, with Tilak sealing victory in style with consecutive six and four off Shaheen Afridi. India finished at 174/4 in 18.5 overs. Haris Rauf was Pakistan’s most effective bowler with 2/26.
Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan’s 58 off 45 anchored Pakistan’s innings after multiple Indian fielding lapses, including four dropped catches. Contributions from Agha Salman (17), Mohammad Nawaz (21), and Faheem Ashraf’s late cameo (23* off 13) lifted Pakistan to 171/5—their highest T20I first-innings total against India. Shivam Dube was India’s best bowler, picking up 2/33.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan 171/5 (Sahibzada Farhan 58, Saim Ayub 21; Shivam Dube 2/33)
lost to
India 174/4 in 18.5 overs (Abhishek Sharma 74, Shubman Gill 47; Haris Rauf 2/26)
