India delivered a stunning performance to defeat Pakistan by six wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match held in Dubai on September 21. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 74 off 39 balls and Shivam Dube’s crucial two wickets helped India chase down 172 with ease, marking their second win over Pakistan in the tournament.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
India won the toss and chose to bowl first on a pitch that offered some early help to seamers. Pakistan started strong but lost momentum in the middle overs, finishing at 171 for five in 20 overs.
Sahibzada Farhan anchored the innings with a solid 58, building partnerships that kept Pakistan in the game. Late cameos from Faheem Ashraf and Salman Ali Agha added vital runs, pushing the total to a competitive level.
India’s response was aggressive from the start. Openers set a blistering pace, reaching 100 without loss in under nine overs. The chase wrapped up in 18.5 overs, showcasing India’s batting depth.
Pakistan’s Batting Effort
Pakistan openers provided a steady foundation after an early wicket. Farhan played with patience, mixing defense with timely boundaries to reach his fifty.
The middle order struggled against spin, but Ashraf’s quick 28 and Agha’s 22 in the death overs boosted the score. Pakistan managed 171, a total that looked defendable given their bowling attack.
Without key breakthroughs, Pakistan could not build on their start. Dropped catches by India gave them extra lives, yet they failed to capitalize fully.
Here are some key batting contributions from Pakistan:
- Sahibzada Farhan: 58 runs off 42 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes
- Faheem Ashraf: 28 runs off 15 balls, with 3 sixes
- Salman Ali Agha: 22 runs off 12 balls, providing late acceleration
India’s Bowling and Fielding Display
Shivam Dube emerged as the star bowler, claiming two wickets for 33 runs in his four overs. His ability to vary pace disrupted Pakistan’s rhythm at crucial times.
Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya supported with one wicket each, keeping the run rate in check during the middle phase. India’s bowlers mixed yorkers and slower balls effectively in the death overs.
Fielding remained a concern, with four dropped catches allowing Pakistan extra runs. Despite this, sharp efforts like Abhishek Sharma’s stunning catch turned the tide.
Explosive Chase by India
India’s batting lineup fired on all cylinders in the pursuit of 172. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a blistering 74, smashing boundaries at will.
Shubman Gill contributed a steady 47, forming a century stand with Abhishek. Tilak Varma finished unbeaten, ensuring a smooth victory with balls to spare.
Pakistan’s bowlers tried variations, but India’s aggressive approach overwhelmed them. The win boosted India’s net run rate in the Super 4 stage.
| Player | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 74 | 39 | 7 | 4 | Opener |
| Shubman Gill | 47 | 35 | 5 | 1 | Opener |
| Tilak Varma | 32* | 18 | 3 | 2 | Middle Order |
| Shivam Dube | 15* | 8 | 1 | 1 | All-Rounder |
Standout Performances Shine Bright
Abhishek Sharma’s innings stood out for its power and precision. At just 25, he has quickly become a vital part of India’s T20 setup, following strong domestic showings.
Shivam Dube proved his all-round value, contributing with bat and ball. His recent form in international cricket has silenced critics, especially after key roles in previous tournaments.
These efforts highlight India’s balanced squad, blending youth and experience. The win sets up exciting matches ahead in the Asia Cup.
Road Ahead in Asia Cup 2025
With this victory, India tops the Super 4 standings, eyeing a spot in the final. Pakistan must regroup quickly for their remaining games to stay in contention.
The tournament has seen thrilling contests, including India’s earlier group stage win over Pakistan by seven wickets on September 14. Fans anticipate more high-stakes action as teams battle for the title.
This result underscores the rivalry’s intensity, with India maintaining dominance in recent encounters. As the Asia Cup progresses, both teams will aim to refine strategies for ultimate glory.
What did you think of Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube’s performances? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word on social media to join the cricket conversation.
