Opening stand sets tone for another dominant Indian victory in Dubai
India’s young opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill produced a dazzling display of power-hitting and precision as India outclassed Pakistan by six wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 22.
Chasing 172, India stormed home in just 18.5 overs, with the pair’s explosive 105-run partnership laying the foundation for a commanding win. It was India’s second successive triumph over their arch-rivals in this tournament, following last week’s seven-wicket victory in the group stage.
Abhishek-Gill light up Dubai
Abhishek (74 off 39 balls, 6 fours, 5 sixes) and Gill (47 off 28 balls, 8 fours) came out firing from the very first over. Abhishek announced his intentions with a towering six off Shaheen Afridi, and the duo never looked back.
Whether it was the raw pace of Haris Rauf or the spin of Abrar Ahmed, both openers dismantled the attack with audacious strokeplay. Abhishek reached his half-century with a classy cover drive off Saim Ayub, while Gill’s crisp timing repeatedly pierced the infield.
The partnership also had a touch of fire, as the batters exchanged words with Pakistan’s bowlers — a reflection of the ongoing handshake row, with players from both sides once again refusing the customary gesture before and after the game.
Pakistan fight but fall short
Earlier, Pakistan posted 171/5 in their 20 overs, led by Sahibzada Farhan’s gritty 58 off 45 balls. Alongside Saim Ayub, he added 72 for the second wicket, putting India under early pressure. Pakistan’s aggressive approach in the PowerPlay yielded 55 runs — their highest-ever against India in T20Is. But once Shivam Dube (2/33) dismissed Saim and later removed the well-set Farhan, Pakistan’s momentum dipped. Jasprit Bumrah endured a rare off-day, conceding 45 runs, but India’s bowlers tightened the screws in the latter half to restrict the damage.
India’s chase stays on track
By the time Faheem Ashraf bowled Gill in the 10th over, India was firmly in control. Abhishek continued the assault before falling soon after, but Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya calmly finished the chase.
Despite a few fielding lapses — Abhishek, Kuldeep Yadav, and Gill all grassed chances — India’s batting brilliance ensured those errors didn’t prove costly.
Captain’s take
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav lauded his team’s temperament under pressure.
“The way the boys are stepping up makes my job easier. Pakistan played well in the first 10 overs, but we stayed calm. Dube changed the game with the ball — he’s not a robot, but today he bailed us out,” SKY said.
He also praised the Gill-Abhishek partnership:
“They’re like fire and ice. They complement each other perfectly and it’s a joy to watch.”
With this win, India extended their dominance over Pakistan in white-ball cricket, securing a seventh consecutive victory across formats.