India rode on the brilliance of Abhishek Sharma to post 168/6 against Bangladesh in their ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The young southpaw stole the spotlight with a breathtaking 75 off just 37 deliveries, laying the foundation for a challenging total despite Bangladesh’s disciplined fightback in the later overs.
Sharma Leads From the Front
When India was asked to bat first, the pressure was on the opening pair to give the team a strong start. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill responded with intent, igniting the innings after a quiet first few overs.
- India managed only 17 runs in the opening three overs, raising concerns of a slow start.
- The momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth over when Gill cracked a boundary and a six off Nasum Ahmed, followed by Sharma’s towering six off the final delivery. That single over produced 17 runs and changed the mood entirely.
- From there, both batters shifted gears, adding another 17 in the next over to cap off a powerful powerplay.
Gill contributed a brisk 29 off 19 balls before falling shortly after the fielding restrictions ended. His innings included two crisp fours and a towering six, setting the stage for Sharma’s fireworks.
Sharma’s Dream Run Continues
Abhishek Sharma has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament, and this match was no exception. His stroke play was a mix of elegance and brute force, leaving the Bangladeshi bowlers searching for answers.
- His 75 came at a strike rate over 200, featuring six fours and five sixes.
- Sharma’s ability to punish both pace and spin highlighted his adaptability and growing maturity at the international level.
- His dismissal a run out in the 12th over proved to be the turning point, halting India’s charge toward a potentially massive total close to 200.
At the time of his departure, India was cruising at 112/3 in 11.1 overs, with the scoreboard pressure fully on Bangladesh. However, once Sharma walked back, the bowlers tightened their lines and picked up wickets at regular intervals.
Middle-Order Struggles and Pandya’s Resistance
India’s middle order failed to fully capitalize on the platform set by the openers. Shivam Dube, who was promoted up the order, managed only two runs before falling cheaply. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav also couldn’t convert their starts into something substantial, giving Bangladesh an opening back into the contest.
Hardik Pandya, however, showed his experience in stabilizing the innings. The all-rounder struck a valuable 39 off 29 balls, lacing his knock with four boundaries and a towering six. His dismissal off the final delivery of the innings meant India had to settle for 168, a total that felt slightly underwhelming given their early dominance.
Bangladesh Bowlers Fight Back Asia Cup 2025
Bangladesh deserves credit for keeping India in check after being on the receiving end of Sharma’s carnage. Once they broke the opening stand and removed Sharma, their bowlers executed their plans with discipline.
- Rishad Hossain stood out as the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets while conceding only 27 runs in his three-over spell.
- The experienced Mustafizur Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin were also instrumental in drying up the runs during the death overs.
- Nasum Ahmed, despite being targeted early, recovered well to apply pressure in the middle stages.
This collective effort ensured India didn’t run away with the game, keeping the target within reach for their batters.
Playing XIs
India XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy
Bangladesh XI: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali (c & wk), Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman
Key Talking Points
- Abhishek Sharma’s Consistency
The left-hander has emerged as one of India’s most reliable run-getters in this Asia Cup. His ability to score quickly while maintaining composure is making him a long-term prospect for the top order. - Gill’s Aggression in Powerplay
Though his innings was brief, Gill’s intent ensured India didn’t waste the powerplay. His partnership with Sharma set the perfect launchpad. - Middle-Order Fragility
India’s middle order once again looked vulnerable, a concern the team management must address heading into the knockout stages. - Bangladesh’s Spirited Comeback
To restrict India to under 170 after being hammered early speaks volumes about Bangladesh’s fighting spirit and tactical nous.
What This Means for the Tournament
For India, the total of 168 represents a competitive score but not an unbeatable one. Their bowlers will need to back up the batters’ efforts with early wickets, especially considering Bangladesh’s aggressive top order.
For Bangladesh, the chase offers both a challenge and an opportunity. If their openers can blunt India’s new-ball attack and anchor the innings, the target is within touching distance. However, India’s bowling unit spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav remains a formidable hurdle.
inal Word
Abhishek Sharma’s innings was a statement of intent, showcasing his growing stature as one of India’s brightest young stars. While his dismissal curtailed India’s push for a 200-plus total, his contribution ensured they posted a defendable score. The stage is now set for a thrilling chase under the Dubai lights, with both teams eager to make their mark in this high-voltage Asia Cup encounter.
