In a Super 4s match of the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan, India showcased a dominant performance, securing a six-wicket victory, powered by Abhishek Sharma's explosive batting and despite Jasprit Bumrah's relatively expensive bowling spell.
Abhishek Sharma's Blazing Innings Abhishek Sharma's spectacular innings became the highlight of the match, as he scored a rapid 74 off just 39 balls. His aggressive approach was evident from the very first ball, which he smashed for a six off Shaheen Shah Afridi. This set the tone for his innings and etched his name in record books. Sharma's fearless strokeplay dismantled Pakistan's bowling plans, leaving them searching for answers. His innings included six fours and five sixes, demonstrating his dominance.
Sharma's Record-Breaking Feats Abhishek Sharma achieved several milestones during his innings: * He became the only Indian batter to hit a six off the first ball of a T20I innings twice, with the other instance being against the UAE earlier in the tournament. Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson have each achieved this feat once. * Sharma reached his half-century in just 24 balls, the second-fastest fifty in India-Pakistan T20Is. * He became the first batter to hit Shaheen Shah Afridi for a six off the very first ball of a T20I over. Afridi has bowled the first over of a T20I 70 times, the second-most by any bowler from a Full Member nation. * Sharma reached 50 T20I sixes in just 331 balls, the fewest deliveries taken by any player from Full Member nations to reach the landmark. * He broke Yuvraj Singh's record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Indian against Pakistan. * Sharma posted the fourth-highest individual T20I score against Pakistan. * Sharma and Shubman Gill recorded the first 100-plus partnership for any wicket in the Asia Cup 2025. They made 105 runs in 8.4 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah's Expensive Spell In contrast to Sharma's heroics, Jasprit Bumrah, India's ace paceman, had a day to forget. He conceded 34 runs in his first three overs in the powerplay, his most expensive spell in the format. He appeared to lack his usual control, struggling to execute his yorkers and even delivering a waist-high no-ball. This led to questions about his fitness and whether he was carrying an injury. Pakistan scored 55 runs in the first six overs, their highest powerplay total against India in T20Is. Bumrah ended with figures of 0-45, which is the joint-third most expensive spell of his career in T20Is. His most expensive spell remains 0-50 against Australia in 2022.
Reasons for Bumrah's off day
India's Victory Despite Bumrah's expensive spell, India managed to restrict Pakistan to 171/5. Sahibzada Farhan's 58 and a 72-run partnership with Saim Ayub helped Pakistan reach that total. However, India's chase was comfortable, thanks to Sharma and Shubman Gill's century opening stand. Gill scored 47 off 28 balls. Tilak Varma's unbeaten 30 ensured India reached the target with ease. India won the game with seven balls to spare. This win puts India at the top of the Super 4s points table.
