India secured a crucial six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Asia Cup Super Four encounter at Dubai International Stadium, chasing down 172 with seven balls to spare.

The match was defined by a spectacular opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. Sharma delivered a career-best 74 off just 39 balls, including six fours and five sixes, while Gill contributed a fluent 47 from 28 deliveries. Their 105-run stand in under 10 overs put India firmly in control early on.

Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, conceding 10 runs in his final over. Though Haris Rauf fought back with two wickets and tight bowling, the early onslaught proved decisive.

After Gill’s dismissal, wickets fell regularly, but Tilak Varma (30*) and Hardik Pandya steadied the innings. Varma sealed the win with a six and a four off Shaheen Afridi in the 19th over.

Earlier, Pakistan posted 171 for 5, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring at 58. Captain Salman Agha added an unbeaten 17, and Faheem Ashraf’s quick 20 late in the innings helped lift the total. However, Pakistan struggled to accelerate in the final overs, scoring only 80 runs in the last 10 overs.

The match also featured intense moments, including a verbal exchange between Haris Rauf and Abhishek Sharma, and an animated reaction from Shaheen Afridi after dismissing Gill. Ultimately, India’s composed approach and explosive start proved decisive.

Reflecting on his innings, Sharma said, “This was the only way to give them the medicine.”

The victory strengthens India’s position in the Super Four, while Pakistan will regroup ahead of upcoming matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.