Chasing a modest target of 128 runs in the high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan, India sent out Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as the opening pair. While Gill has often been the steady anchor, it was Abhishek who stole the spotlight with a fearless display of batting that set the tone for India’s chase.
Facing Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s most experienced pacer, Abhishek announced his intent from the very first delivery. He leaned forward and dispatched Shaheen for a crisp boundary down the ground, silencing the opposition fans and electrifying the Indian crowd. If that wasn’t enough, the very next ball went sailing over the ropes for a six, showcasing Abhishek’s ability to dominate even world-class bowlers under pressure.
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It’s rare to see a youngster take on a bowler of Shaheen’s stature so early in the innings, but Abhishek’s fearless strokeplay highlighted his growing stature in international cricket. By unsettling Pakistan’s strike bowler right away, he not only seized momentum but also eased the nerves inside the Indian dugout. His approach sent a clear message—India weren’t here to crawl to the target, they were here to finish the job with authority.
6️⃣ & 4️⃣ last time, 4️⃣ & 6️⃣ this time 🥵🥶
Stay put & watch #INDvPAK as Abhishek takes off – #DPWORLDASIACUP2025. LIVE on #SonyLIV & #SonySportsNetwork TV Channels 📺#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/guAssBLFJC
— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) September 14, 2025
The psychological blow was evident on Pakistan’s side as Shaheen, usually known for delivering early breakthroughs, was forced into a defensive rhythm. On the other hand, the Indian players cheered loudly from the dugout, feeding off Abhishek’s energy.
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This kind of aggressive start in a pressure game reflects the new mindset of Indian cricket—fearless, proactive, and unafraid of reputations. Abhishek Sharma’s blitz not only dented Pakistan’s confidence but also ensured that India’s chase began with complete dominance, setting the stage for a comfortable finish in the much-anticipated rivalry.
