Dubai, 22 September (H.S.): Team India continued their dominant run in the Asia Cup 2025, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan for the second time in the tournament with a comprehensive six-wicket victory in the Super Four stage at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday night.
Chasing a target of 172, India overhauled the score in 18.5 overs with six wickets in hand. Young opener Abhishek Sharma starred with a scintillating knock of 74 off 39 deliveries, laced with six fours and five sixes. He was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning effort. Vice-captain Shubman Gill chipped in with a fluent 47 off 28 balls, while Tilak Varma sealed the contest with an unbeaten 30 off just 19 deliveries, striking two fours and two sixes.
For Pakistan, pacer Haris Rauf claimed two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf picked up one apiece.
Earlier, after being sent in to bat, Pakistan posted 171 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan played a gritty knock of 58 off 45 deliveries, while opener Saim Ayub added 21. Faheem Ashraf provided late impetus with an unbeaten 20 off just eight balls, and skipper Agha Salman contributed an unbeaten 17.India’s bowling was spearheaded by Shivam Dube, who returned figures of 2 for 33 in four overs. Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya bagged a wicket each.
With this win, India made a strong start in the Super Four stage and took a significant step towards securing a place in the final of the continental tournament.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
