Dubai: India opener Abhishek Sharma revealed details of a heated on-field exchange with Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf during Sunday’s Super Four match in the Asia Cup 2025, in which India comfortably chased down a target of 172 with six wickets to spare.
Sharma, who scored a blistering 74 off 39 balls, shared a 105-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill, setting the tone for India’s dominant batting performance. Speaking after the match, Abhishek said, “Today it was very simple, the way they (Pakistan players) were coming at us for no reason, I didn’t like it at all. This aggressive approach was the only way I could give medicine to them.”
Both Sharma and Gill had brief run-ins with Pakistan pacers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi during the match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS). Abhishek also expressed delight at his partnership with Gill, noting their long-standing bond from age-group cricket. “We have been playing since school days, we enjoy each other’s company, and today was the day. The way he was giving it back, I really enjoyed it,” he said.
Sharma credited the team’s support and his own practice regime for his aggressive display. “It’s because the team supports me. That’s the intent I show, and I’m practicing really hard. If it’s my day, I’m gonna win it for my team,” he added.
India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah had an off-day, conceding over 10 runs per over in his four-over spell, but skipper Suryakumar Yadav downplayed the concern. “That’s fine, he’s not a robot; he will have a bad day sometimes. But Shivam Dube bailed us out of the situation,” said Suryakumar.
The skipper also praised the opening pair of Gill and Sharma, calling them a “fire and ice combination,” and jokingly remarked that fielding coach T Dilip would be sending a note about the four dropped catches during the match.
Reflecting on India’s recovery after a high-scoring first 10 overs by Pakistan, Suryakumar said, “The way the boys are stepping up in every game is making my job very easy. After drinks, I told them the game starts now.”
Pakistan captain Salman Agha acknowledged India’s dominance in the Power Play, saying, “We are yet to play a perfect game, but they took the game away from us in the Power Play. Looking back, we could have gotten 10-15 more, but 170-180 was a good total and they batted well in those overs.”
