Abhishek Sharma may appear to be sunny and laid-back off the pitch, but with a bat in hand, he turns into an entirely different animal. At the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, the normally placid 25-year-old showed a ferocious side all too infrequently exhibited, turning a disastrous beginning into a statement innings in India’s Super Four match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025.
Unleashing the Beast
Abhishek came out blazing all guns as India chased 172. He sent a message early in the day by thumping Shaheen Afridi for a six off the very first over. Having childhood friend Shubman Gill as his partner, he set up the platform with an electrifying stand. While Gill was elegant, Abhishek was pure firepower.
On-field spat with Haris Rauf
Temper rised when Haris Rauf started chirping at Abhishek while casting his spell. Things followed a heated exchange between the two, with no one giving in. Umpire Gazi Sohel had to step in as the tempers flared. But instead of losing concentration, Abhishek transferred the anger on the field to his batting and scored his half-century off only 24 balls.
Haris Rauf vs Abhishek Sharma lafda! 😤
— Harinder Singh Brar (@Harinderbrar708) September 21, 2025
– Rauf stares at Shubman Gill
– Abhishek: "Ja bowl kar!"
– Rauf: "Tu ja apna!"
– Abhishek: "Ja ja ke bowling kar!"
– Rauf: "Tu ah agge dusda tenu!"
– Abhishek: "Koi na, tu kari bowl dusda tenu!"
🔥 #INDvPAK #indvspak2025 #AsiaCupT20 pic.twitter.com/XoxsYn7dQY
India crushes Pakistan again
The standout opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill set the tone early on. Abhishek wasted no time stamping his authority, launching the very first ball from Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi over the boundary for a massive six. Although Pakistan fought back with timely wickets after the drinks break, the momentum firmly stayed with India.
The standout opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill set the tone early on. Abhishek wasted no time stamping his authority, launching the very first ball from Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi over the boundary for a massive six. Although Pakistan fought back with timely wickets after the drinks break, the momentum firmly stayed with India.
