In a high-stakes Super Four clash in Dubai, Abhishek Sharma’s brutal 74 off 39 and Shubman Gill’s blistering 47 off 28 set up India’s chase of 172 with seven balls to spare, as IND beat PAK by six wickets amidst drama and intensity.”

India Ride Explosive Opening to Six-Wicket Win Over Pakistan in Asia Cup Super Four

Dominant Openers Set the Tone

In a match charged with rivalry and expectations, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill laid the foundation for India’s six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Super Four stage of the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai. Chasing 172, India’s openers put on a scintillating 105-run partnership that put Pakistan on the back foot early. Sharma smashed 74 off just 39 balls including multiple sixes and boundaries, while Gill complemented him with a brisk 47 off 28.

Sharma reached his fifty in roughly 24 balls, showing immense intent and putting pressure on Pakistan from the first over. India crossed 100 in just about 10 overs—a seriously strong start that Pakistan struggled to counter.

Pakistan’s Fightback & India’s Composure

Earlier, Pakistan had posted 171/5 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to a solid knock by Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 58. Apart from his half-century, Pakistan got useful contributions down the order, but were unable to build enough momentum in the middle overs.

India’s bowlers also played their part—Shivam Dube picked up key wickets in the middle overs, which helped choke Pakistan’s scoring after their strong start.

Despite a few dropped catches from India and fielding lapses, the opening pair’s dominance ensured Pakistan never quite got back in the driver’s seat.

Closing in with Control

Once Gill and Sharma were dismissed, India’s middle-order, led by Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, saw the team home. They applied pressure sensibly, rotating strike, punishing loose deliveries, and kept the required rate comfortably in check. India reached the target with seven balls to spare.

Off-Field Tension & Rivalry Still Alive

This match wasn’t just about cricket. The long-standing political tensions between the two countries again cast a shadow. There was no handshake between the teams or captains at the toss or post-match, underlining lingering hostilities. Some on-field exchanges—between Sharma and Pakistan’s quicks Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf—added to the drama.

Despite this, India’s performance was a statement—not just of skill, but of composure under pressure. The team handled both the chase and the emotional weight adeptly.

What This Means Going Forward

India’s campaign strengthened: This win makes it two over Pakistan in the tournament and leaves India in strong shape in the Super Four stage.
Pakistan’s challenge: They’ll need to regroup quickly, fix their middle-over wobble, and improve under pressure if they are to stay in contention.
Individual standouts: Abhishek Sharma’s innings will be lauded; Gill’s supporting show underscores India’s depth at the top. The rest of the batting and bowling will want to build on this.

Final Thoughts

India’s commanding opener blitz—led by Sharma and Gill—proved decisive in a match that had more than just cricket riding on it. From setting the tempo to seeing off tense moments, they maintained control and executed under pressure. The Super Four stage just got hotter, and India’s form puts them in pole position.

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