India continued their dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan in T20 cricket, securing a 6-wicket victory in their Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash on Sunday. Powered by Abhishek Sharma’s blazing 39-ball 74, India chased down Pakistan’s 171/5 with ease, finishing the match in just 18.5 overs.
Farhan Anchors Pakistan to 171/5
Earlier, Pakistan rode on a gritty half-century from Sahibzada Farhan to post a competitive total. Farhan played the anchor role, scoring fluently even as wickets fell around him. He received support late in the innings from Faheem Ashraf and Salman Ali Agha, who provided the finishing push to lift Pakistan to 171/5.
For India, all-rounder Shivam Dube was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets with his variations. Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya chipped in with one wicket each. However, India’s bowling effort was marred by fielding lapses, with four dropped catches that could have restricted Pakistan further.
Abhishek Sharma Turns the Heat On
India’s reply began aggressively, with Abhishek Sharma setting the tone from the outset. Displaying his trademark clean hitting, the young opener punished Pakistan’s pace attack, particularly targeting Haris Rauf after a heated on-field exchange.
Abhishek raced to his half-century and eventually finished with 74 runs off just 39 balls, smashing boundaries at will. His attacking knock ensured that India never fell behind the required run rate.
Shubman Gill provided steady support at the other end, rotating strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Together, the duo forged a strong opening partnership that laid the platform for the chase.
Tilak Varma Seals the Win
After Abhishek’s dismissal, Tilak Varma ensured India crossed the line without hiccups, playing a composed hand in the middle order. With calculated strokeplay, he took India home in the 19th over, cementing the team’s place as the frontrunner in the Super 4 stage.
India’s chase showcased both flair and maturity, a combination that has been central to their success under captain Suryakumar Yadav.
Skipper Suryakumar’s Verdict
Speaking after the match, Suryakumar Yadav praised his players but also made a candid remark about India’s sloppy fielding display.
“The way the boys are stepping up in every game, it’s making my job very easy. They showed a lot of character after the first 10 overs of our bowling. After drinks, I told them the game starts now,” Suryakumar said.
On the team’s dropped catches, he quipped:
“That’s fine, he’s not a robot, he will have a bad day someday (on Bumrah). Dube bailed us out of the situation. Abhishek and Gill complement each other really well, like fire and ice. After the first innings, our fielding coach T. Dilip emailed all players who had butter fingers today.”
Abhishek on His Motivation
Post-match, Abhishek Sharma admitted his aggressive batting was fueled by an on-field spat with Haris Rauf.
“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. We have been playing since school days (with Gill), we enjoy each other’s company, and today was the day to deliver,” he said.
He also credited the team environment for his fearless approach:
“If you see someone playing like this, it’s because the team supports me and backs me. That’s the intent I show, and I practice really hard. If it’s my day, I’m going to win it for my team.”
Looking Ahead
With this victory, India strengthened their Super 4 campaign and extended their T20I head-to-head record against Pakistan to 12–3. The focus now shifts to their next clash, as they continue to prepare for the Asia Cup final.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly, addressing their middle-order inconsistencies and bowling concerns if they are to keep their title hopes alive.
