After smashing a match-winning 74 off just 39 balls, Abhishek Sharma described his innings as a fitting response to Pakistan’s “unnecessary aggression” during India’s six-wicket victory.
Abhishek’s Fiery Reply with the Bat
The Super Fours clash in Dubai saw plenty of tension, with heated exchanges between Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf against Indian openers Abhishek and Shubman Gill. Political tensions between the two nations also carried onto the field, with India refusing to shake hands and Pakistan lodging a protest against match referee Andy Pycroft.
“The way they were coming at us without any reason, I didn’t like it at all. The only reply I could give was through my batting and by helping the team win,” Abhishek said after collecting the Player-of-the-Match award.
Abhishek and Gill, who share a long-standing friendship since their U-14 days, gave India a perfect start with a blazing 105-run stand off 59 balls.
“We’ve been playing together since school, and I always felt we would one day put up such a partnership. Today it finally happened, and it felt amazing,” Abhishek added.
Dube and Yadav Highlight Turning Points
While Abhishek’s six fours and five sixes sealed the chase, India also turned the game around with disciplined bowling in the second half. Shivam Dube stepped up with two crucial wickets to stall Pakistan’s momentum after their fast start of 91 for 1 in ten overs.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav praised the team’s calmness under pressure:
“I told the boys during drinks, the game starts now. The way they responded and kept their composure was commendable.”
He further hailed the “fire and ice combination” of Abhishek and Gill, who gave India the solid base needed in the chase.
Although Jasprit Bumrah had an off day (4-0-45-0), Dube’s spell (2 for 33) ensured India stayed in control. Yadav backed his star pacer, saying, “He’s not a robot, bad days happen. What matters is how he bounces back, and he always does.”
Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav: India vs Pakistan No Longer a Rivalry
