From the outset of the Indian team’s batting in the clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 match, Indian opening batter Abhishek Sharma’s intent appeared unmistakable. Facing Shaheen Afridi, who is known as one of the most revered bowlers in the T20I format, the 25-year-old left-hander dispatched a short first ball over fine-leg for a six. The audacious stroke set the tone for India’s chase, Sharma’s knock of 74 off 39 balls, punctuated by six fours and five sixes, set the tone for India’s commanding six-wicket victory while chasing a target of 172, for which he was also adjudged as Player of the Match.
Abhishek Sharma’s first-ball six became the highlight of the match played at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 21, 2025,
that also sparked many reactions, one such reaction came from his mother. Manju Sharma, Abhishek’s mother reportedly said, “Abhishek ne jo pahli ball par chakka mara aur kisko mara, wo sab jante hai (Everyone knows that Abhishek hit a six on the very first ball and who he hit it against).” Her comments were captured in a video shared on social media by Indian sports journalist Vimal Kumar. After appearing as sloppy on the field and dropping two catches during Pakistan, Abhsihek redeemed himself with a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Ayub, but it was his batting that stole the show.
The way they were coming at us, I didn’t like it at all. That’s why I went after them,” said Abhishek Sharma post-match
In his knock, Abhishek Sharma smashed four sixes off spinner Abrar Ahmed alone, including a 83-meter hit, and his 50 came off just 24 balls. His dominance rattled Pakistan’s bowlers, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf appearing to resort to verbal exchanges that only fueled Abhishek’s fire. “Today was pretty simple. The way they were coming at us without any reason, I didn’t like it at all. That’s why I went after them,” Abhishek said during the post-match presentation. Abhishek’s performance has solidified his reputation as India’s breakout star of the Asia Cup 2025. With 173 runs in four matches at an average of 43.25 and a strike rate of 208.43, he tops the tournament’s batting charts.
Abhishek Sharma’s audacious stroke over fine-leg set the tone for India’s chase, with him and his opening partner Shubman Gill piling on 105 runs in just 59 balls and Gill, contributing a brisk 47 off 28. Their onslaught ensured India reached 100 in just 8.4 overs, a record opening stand against Pakistan in T20Is. Pakistan, batting first after winning the toss, posted a competitive 171/5, thanks largely to Sahibzada Farhan’s gritty 58 off 45 balls. Despite a strong start, with 91/1 at the halfway mark, Pakistan’s innings was reined in by India’s bowlers, particularly Shivam Dube, who claimed 2/33, including the crucial wickets of Farhan and Saim Ayub.
