Abhishek Sharma smashed 74 runs off just 39 balls, including six fours and five sixes.
The Indian opener earned high praise from former Pakistan captain Misbah Ul Haq for his dominant display against the Pakistani bowlers during the Super Four stage match 4 of Asia Cup 2025.
Played in Dubai on Sunday, September 21, Pakistan batted first after losing the toss, posting 171/5 in their 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with 58, while Saim Ayub contributed 21 and Faheem Ashraf remained unbeaten on 20*. Shivam Dube was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finishing with figures of 2/33 in four overs.
Chasing 172, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill attacked the Pakistani bowling from the outset, putting on 105 runs in just 9.4 overs. Gill scored 47 off 28 balls, including eight boundaries, before falling to Faheem Ashraf. Abhishek Sharma had a blazing start, smashing a six off Shaheen Afridi on the very first ball of the innings, and went on to score 74 runs with six fours and five sixes.
“The kind of skill level and temperament he has is incredible.” – Misbah-ul-Haq on Abhishek Sharma
After India’s opener Abhishek Sharma unleashed a blazing innings against Pakistan, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq heaped praise on the young batsman. The 25-year-old led India to a six-wicket victory by dismantling Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack, featuring Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.
Throughout the tournament, Abhishek Sharma had mostly played brief cameos, but this time he converted his start into a commanding performance. Even the Pakistani side admired his stroke play, as Misbah highlighted his composure and skill under pressure.
“The kind of skill level and temperament he has is amazing. Facing Pakistan for the first time, he didn’t look under any pressure. It seemed like he was just playing in the nets. When the ball lands in his zone, he calmly dispatches it,” Misbah said while speaking on Tapmad after the match.
The former captain also noted how Abhishek eased the burden on his teammates by taking on Pakistan’s top bowlers at crucial moments.
“The most important thing is that he consistently challenges the main bowlers to put them under pressure. That really unsettles the team,” Misbah added.
He further explained that Abhishek’s aggressive style is guided by a sharp understanding of the game, rather than reckless hitting. Misbah emphasized that while the young batsman punished anything loose, he also respected the good deliveries.
“The key for a fast bowler is hitting a good length. But if there’s width, you get punished. Shaheen tried to bowl those hard lengths, and Abhishek played them carefully. But when the ball was short or full, he created space and hit it with authority,” Misbah said.