India achieved their highest successful chase in Asia Cup T20 history with a thrilling six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Super Four clash in Dubai on Sunday. Chasing 172, India made a tricky target look comfortable, thanks to a masterclass from Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. Sharma was brutal and beautiful in equal measure, smashing 74 off 39 balls with six fours and five sixes. His opening partnership with Shubman Gill, who contributed 47 from 28 balls, added 105 runs and set the tone for India’s chase. The duo, friends since their Punjab U-12 days, sent the Pakistani bowlers on a leather hunt, with Sharma even hooking a six off the very first ball from Shaheen Shah Afridi. Despite a few on-field skirmishes, including Haris Rauf’s confrontational gestures and celebrations, India stayed focused. Shivam Dube’s bowling proved crucial in Pakistan’s innings, claiming key wickets and keeping the total to a chaseable 171/5. Pakistan had earlier benefited from a 72-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, and some costly dropped catches from Indian fielders. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 30, along with Hardik Pandya, guided India to victory with seven balls to spare, ensuring a calm finish despite a mini-collapse in the middle overs. Jasprit Bumrah’s off day with the ball did not affect the chase, as Sharma and Gill’s scintillating batting carried India through.
This chase surpassed India’s previous highest in the Asia Cup, a 148-run chase against Pakistan in the 2022 edition, and reaffirmed their dominance in high-pressure matches. India’s 172-run chase in Dubai on Sunday is also the highest of their eight successful run-chases against Pakistan. India’s record-breaking performance combined class, composure, and aggression, making this one of the most memorable Super Four clashes in recent Asia Cup history.
