In a Super Four clash of the 2025 Men's T20 Asia Cup held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, India defeated Pakistan by six wickets, marking their highest successful T20I chase against Pakistan. The victory was set up by a blistering opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, who amassed 105 runs, achieving India's highest-ever T20I opening stand against Pakistan.
Pakistan had earlier posted a competitive total of 171/5, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring with 58 runs. Faheem Ashraf contributed a quickfire 20* off eight balls. India's chase began aggressively, with Abhishek Sharma hooking the first ball for a six off Shaheen Afridi. Shubman Gill complemented him with a brisk 47 off 28 balls. Their partnership put Pakistan on the back foot, reaching 100 runs in just 8.4 overs.
However, after a brief interruption for Gill's cramps and an early drinks break, Pakistan managed to break the partnership by removing both Gill and Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession. Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for a duck. Despite this mini-slump, Tilak Varma ensured a smooth finish with an unbeaten 30 off 19 balls, guiding India home with seven balls to spare. Hardik Pandya remained not out with 7 runs.
Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his explosive 74 off 39 balls, which included six boundaries and five sixes. His aggressive approach and verbal exchanges with Pakistani pacers, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, added fuel to the already intense rivalry. Sharma stated he "did not like" their approach and "went after them" to deliver for the team. Gill also engaged with the Pakistani bowlers,heightening the tension.
Shivam Dube's crucial wickets of Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub also played a significant role in restricting Pakistan's score. Dube broke a valuable 72-run partnership, putting the visitors in trouble.
India's win signifies their dominance over Pakistan in recent encounters, with 12 wins in their last 15 matches. It also marked India's seventh win against Pakistan in T20Is. However, the match was not without its controversial moments, as the Indian players refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the game. This act continued the trend from their previous encounter in the tournament.
