Aggressive Abhishek-Shubman Show Helps India Defeat Pakistan in Super Four

In a thrilling Super Four clash of the Asia Cup, India made a perfect start by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 6 wickets. Aggressive batting from Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, an all-round display by Shivam Dubey, and a composed finishing touch from Tilak Varma played key roles in India’s victory.

After losing the toss, Pakistan batted first and began cautiously. They suffered an early blow at 21 runs when wicketkeeper Fakhar Zaman was caught by Samson off Hardik Pandya’s delivery. The dismissal was controversial, as replays could not clearly confirm whether the ball touched the ground before reaching the gloves. The third umpire gave the out decision, leaving room for doubt.

Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan tried to stabilize the innings, taking Pakistan to 55 in the Powerplay. However, a simple catch dropped by Kuldeep Yadav allowed Saim to continue briefly. Shivam Dubey then dismissed Saim Ayub (21) and Hussain Talat in the same over, halting Pakistan’s momentum.

Farhan resisted with a 58-run innings off 45 balls but could not prolong the innings. Towards the end, Salman Ali Agha and Fahim Ashraf accelerated the scoring, taking Pakistan to 171/5. For India, Shivam Dubey picked up two wickets, while Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakraborty took one each.

Chasing 172, India started aggressively. Abhishek Sharma set the tone with a six off Shaheen Shah Afridi in the very first over. The opening partnership between Sharma and Gill added 50 runs in just 4.4 overs, and by the end of the Powerplay, India were at 69, hitting at least one boundary in every over.

The duo put together a 105-run partnership, laying a strong foundation. Shubman Gill scored 47 off 28 balls with eight fours before being bowled by Fahim Ashraf. Shortly after, Suryakumar Yadav was caught off Haris Rauf while attempting a scoop shot.

Abhishek Sharma continued his aggressive assault, completing a quick half-century and finishing unbeaten 74 off 39 balls, including six fours and five sixes. However, he was eventually caught at long-on off Abrar Ahmed. Samson also fell soon after for 13.

In the final stage, Tilak Varma took charge, remaining unbeaten on 30 off 19 balls to seal India’s victory with 11 balls to spare.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf took two wickets, while Fahim Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed claimed one each.