India Beats Pakistan in Asia Cup Super Four Match
Abhishek Sharma's aggressive batting and Shubman Gill's solid start propelled India to a six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Read more.
“Today was pretty simple, the way they were coming out to us without any reason, I did not like it at all...”
Abhishek Sharma's explosive batting propelled India to a thrilling six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four clash. Sharma's blistering 74 off 39 balls, adorned with six boundaries and five towering sixes, set the tone for India's dominant chase of 172. This win marked India's seventh consecutive victory against Pakistan across formats.
Sharma and Shubman Gill forged an unbreakable bond, stitching a 105-run opening partnership that shattered Pakistan's resistance. Gill contributed 47 off 28 balls, showcasing his class and precision. Their synergy on the field was palpable, with both players enjoying each other's company and trust built over years of playing together.
The match wasn't without controversy, as Sharma and Pakistani bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf engaged in heated exchanges. Sharma revealed post-match that Pakistan players' unsportsmanlike behavior triggered his aggressive response. “The way they were coming out to us without any reason, I didn't like it at all. That's why I went after them,” Sharma explained.
India's chase got off to a flying start, with Sharma and Gill smashing boundaries with authority. Despite losing quick wickets, including Suryakumar Yadav for a duck, India maintained momentum, thanks to Tilak Varma's finishing skills. Varma sealed the win with a six off Shaheen Afridi, showcasing his talent.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan was evident, as players refused to shake hands before and after the match, continuing a trend started after their last encounter. This decision reflects the simmering tensions between the two nations, both on and off the field.
The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan was marked by tension, following a heated encounter in the group stage where both teams refused to shake hands. The rivalry was palpable on the field, with Gill and Shaheen Afridi exchanging intense glances after the batter hit the pace bowler for a boundary.
India got off to a flying start, with Abhishek and Gill unleashing a barrage of boundaries to unsettle the Pakistan bowlers. The pair raced to 101-0 in just 9 overs, setting the tone for a dominant performance. The tension between the two teams was further fueled by a fiery exchange between Abhishek and Haris Rauf.
“Today was pretty simple, the way they were coming out to us without any reason, I did not like it at all,” Abhishek said after being named player of the match. His comments reflected the simmering tensions between the two teams, which were evident throughout the match.
You talk, we win 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/iMOe9vOuuW
— Abhishek Sharma (@OfficialAbhi04) September 21, 2025
“That's why I went after them. I wanted to deliver for the team.”
Pakistan's bowlers staged a fightback, with Faheen Ashraf dismissing Shubman Gill and Haris Rauf removing Suryakumar Yadav for a duck. Abrar Ahmed's leg spin then trapped Abhishek, ending his 35-ball blitz that included six fours and five sixes. Despite these breakthroughs, Rauf's subsequent wicket couldn't halt India's momentum.
Tilak Varma played a crucial role in sealing India's win, scoring an unbeaten 30 off 19 balls. With the target within reach, Varma hit a six and a four off Shaheen Afridi, showcasing his skill and composure under pressure. His finish ensured India won with seven balls to spare.
The Indian batters quickly left the field, while the Pakistan players shook hands amongst themselves, a gesture that reflected the ongoing tensions between the two teams. This was a notable moment, given the history between the two sides and the high stakes of their matches.
“We are yet to play a perfect game, but we are getting there,” said Pakistan captain Salman Agha.
“A great game, but in the powerplay (first six overs) they took the game away from us.”
For his aggressive half-century in the chase, Abhishek Sharma wins the Player of the Match 🔥#TeamIndia kickstart the #Super4 stage with a resounding win ✅
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 21, 2025
Scoreboard ▶️ https://t.co/CNzDX2HKll#AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/GuKoAdAoGI
Pakistan's innings got off to a strong start, with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub putting on 72 runs for the second wicket. Farhan hit 58 off 48 balls, while Ayub contributed 21. Fakhar Zaman also got off to a quick start, scoring 15 off 9 balls before being dismissed. Pakistan eventually finished with 171-5, setting a target of 172 for India.
Sahibzada Farhan's 58 off 48 balls included five fours and three sixes, with a notable moment when he celebrated reaching his fifty by mimicking a gun with his bat. However, his aggressive knock came to an end when Shivam Dube dismissed him, and Pakistan slipped to 115-4, losing three crucial wickets.
Mohammad Nawaz contributed 21 before being run out, while Agha Salman (17) and Faheem Ashraf (20 off 8 balls) added crucial runs, striking 22 between them. Ashraf's quick-fire cameo helped boost Pakistan's total. Despite a strong finish, Pakistan's innings was marred by India's bowlers, particularly Shivam Dube, who picked up 2-33.
The Indian fielders had a forgettable day, dropping four catches that could have potentially changed the game's momentum. Despite these lapses, India managed to restrict Pakistan to 171-5, setting a target of 172 for victory.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed Andy Pycroft as the match referee for the India vs Pakistan Super Four clash in the Asia Cup 2025, despite protests from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB had alleged that Pycroft instructed Agha Salman not to approach Suryakumar Yadav for a handshake during their previous encounter and demanded his removal from the tournament.
The PCB had threatened to withdraw from the tournament due to Pycroft's appointment but later relented after successful negotiations with the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council. Pakistan had delayed their match against the UAE by an hour during the group stage due to this controversy.
.@RealSahibzada top-scores with 58 while @iFaheemAshraf's fiery cameo at the end lifts Pakistan to 171-5 💥#PAKvIND | #AsiaCup2025 | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/zZU6DA8iqN
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 21, 2025
Tournament Format and Teams
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have advanced to the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Each team will play each other once, and the top two teams will move on to the final on September 28. India currently tops the group with an undefeated record, having previously defeated Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.
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