In a thrilling Super Fours clash of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai, India posted a competitive 168/6, thanks to opener Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 75 off 37 balls and Hardik Pandya’s late-order contribution of 38 runs off 29 balls.
Sharma, in particular, shared a blistering 77-run opening stand with Shubman Gill (29), setting a solid platform for India. However, once the opening pair departed, India’s middle-order struggled to maintain momentum until Pandya’s timely assault in the latter overs pushed the total past 150.
Sharma’s innings included five sixes and six fours, dominating Bangladesh’s bowlers, including Mustafizur Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin.
The left-hander’s aggressive strike rate during the Powerplay saw India reach 72/0 in the first six overs, placing Bangladesh under early pressure. Despite some dropped catches off Sharma, his brilliance kept India ahead.
Bangladesh Stumbles in Response
Chasing 169, Bangladesh got off to a poor start. Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim fell for just 1 run to Jasprit Bumrah in the second over.
Although Saif Hassan showed resistance with a fighting 69 off 36 balls, his innings included several reprieves, with four dropped catches by Indian fielders.
Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain Emon, and other middle-order batters failed to build partnerships, succumbing to timely wickets from Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy.
India’s bowling attack executed plans perfectly, with Bumrah striking early, Kuldeep Yadav taking two crucial wickets in quick succession, and Axar Patel providing breakthroughs at key stages.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s wicket of Shamim Hossain and Suryakumar Yadav’s direct-hit run-out of Jaker Ali further dented Bangladesh’s hopes. The Tigers were eventually bowled out for 127 in 19.3 overs, handing India a comfortable 41-run victory.
With this win, India secures a place in the Asia Cup 2025 final. Sri Lanka is now knocked out of the competition, and the upcoming clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh has turned into a virtual semi-final, keeping the tournament drama alive.
Key Performances
- India: Abhishek Sharma 75, Hardik Pandya 38, Jasprit Bumrah 1, Axar Patel 2, Kuldeep Yadav 2
- Bangladesh: Saif Hassan 69, Parvez Hossain Emon 21
India’s all-round performance, combining a strong top-order start and clinical bowling, ensured they maintain their unbeaten streak in the tournament and head confidently into the final.
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