Dominant India Overpower Pakistan in Dubai, Take Control of Super 4s

In a display of explosive top-order batting, India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by six wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The win, powered by a breathtaking opening partnership, not only marked India’s second consecutive victory over Pakistan in the tournament but also positioned them firmly at the top of the Super 4 standings.

Chasing a challenging target of 172, Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill came out with an aggressive intent that left the Pakistani bowlers reeling. From the very first ball, which Abhishek Sharma dispatched for a six, India’s approach was clear. The duo put on a sensational 105-run stand in just 9.5 overs, effectively killing the chase in the powerplay itself.

Abhishek Sharma was the chief aggressor, smashing a fiery 74 runs off just 39 balls, an innings punctuated by six fours and five towering sixes. His partner, Shubman Gill, played a perfect foil, contributing a quickfire 47 off 28 balls. The blistering start left Pakistan’s bowling attack, including the formidable Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, searching for answers. The high-stakes atmosphere also led to some heated on-field exchanges, which only seemed to fuel India’s momentum.

While Pakistan managed to pull things back with a brief flurry of wickets in the middle overs, dismissing Gill and then Suryakumar Yadav for a duck, the damage was already done. Abhishek Sharma’s departure with India needing just 49 runs from 46 deliveries was too little, too late for Pakistan. The chase was expertly finished by Tilak Varma (30 not out off 19 balls) and Hardik Pandya, who ensured India reached the target with seven balls to spare.

Earlier in the day, after being put in to bat, Pakistan had posted a competitive total of 171/5. Their innings was anchored by Sahibzada Farhan, who scored a fine half-century with 58 runs. However, a middle-overs slump, where they went six overs without a boundary, allowed India’s bowlers to claw their way back. Shivam Dube was the pick of the bowlers for India, claiming two crucial wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah had a rare off day, conceding 45 runs without a wicket.

This victory underscores India’s current dominance over Pakistan in white-ball cricket. For Pakistan, while their top-order batting showed promise, their inability to contain India’s explosive start with the ball ultimately cost them the match. The result sets a strong tone for India’s campaign as they look to secure a spot in the final.