India brushed aside Pakistan once again in the Asia Cup 2025, this time in the Super 4 clash at the Dubai International Stadium. Chasing 172, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side crossed the line with seven balls to spare - thanks to an explosive 74 from Abhishek Sharma and a 47 from Shubman Gill.
The opening pair's 105-run stand left little for the middle order to do, ensuring India sealed a comfortable six-wicket win. The result sparked plenty of reactions, including praise from Pakistan's former batting great Mohammad Yousuf.
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Mohammad Yousuf praised Abhishek Sharma's fearless batting
Yousuf highlighted the way Abhishek handled pressure in the meeting against Pakistan, saying how he attacked Pakistan's strike bowler Haris Rauf without hesitation.
"The way he (Abhishek) played, one thing that we have understood is that how a first-class cricketer handles international pressure. The way he has hit a world-class bowler (Rauf), was such a fun to watch after so many years," Yousuf said during his post-match remarks.
The former Pakistan captain admitted that Abhishek's stroke play was refreshing, adding, "Bohut arse baad maza aaya" (It was enjoyable after a long time).
Pakistan had reasons to feel they were in the game. Sahibzada Farhan's 58 carried them to 171/5 - their highest first-innings total against India in T20Is.
More: Sunil Gavaskar on IND vs PAK: ‘Pressure was on the Indians’ as India cruise in Asia Cup 2025 Super 4
But the innings slowed drastically in the middle overs with Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy putting pressure. Faheem Ashraf's unbeaten cameo only just lifted the side past 170.
Any hope of a close contest faded quickly once Abhishek and Gill launched India's chase. The left-hander hooked the first ball for six and never looked back - punishing Abrar Ahmed for four maximums in 12 deliveries.
Even though Pakistan tried to regroup after Gill and Abhishek's dismissals, Tilak Varma's composure ensured India completed another convincing win. India will next face Bangladesh on September 24 with a place in the Asia Cup final now firmly within reach.
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