Dubai (Web Desk): In the second Super Four match of the Asia Cup, India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets. Played at Dubai Cricket Stadium, India successfully chased down Pakistan’s target of 172 runs in the 19th over, losing 4 wickets.
Opener Abhishek Sharma displayed aggressive batting against Pakistan’s bowlers, scoring a quickfire 74 runs off 39 balls before being dismissed by Abrar Ahmed. Shubman Gill contributed 47 runs from 28 balls before falling to Faheem Ashraf. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was caught out on his second ball, while Sanju Samson scored 13 before departing. Tilak Varma (30*) and Hardik Pandya (7*) remained unbeaten. Haris Rauf claimed 2 wickets for Pakistan, while Abrar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf took one each.
Earlier, Pakistan batted first and posted 171 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan played a fine knock of 58 runs off 45 balls, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes. Fakhar Zaman scored 15 off 9 balls but his dismissal was considered controversial by several cricketers. Saim Ayub made 21, Hussain Talat added 10, and Mohammad Nawaz was run out after scoring 21 runs.
For India, Shivam Dube picked up 2 wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya claimed one each.
Notably, both captains once again refrained from shaking hands at the toss. Pakistan will play their next Super Four match against Sri Lanka on September 23.