Asia Cup 2025: Gautam Gambhir Hails ‘Fearless’ India as Abhishek-Gill Dazzle in Second Win Over Pakistan

A fiery 105-run stand from Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill powered India to another commanding six-wicket victory, leaving Pakistan searching for answers.

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Dubai [UAE], September 22 – If there was one word to sum up India’s emphatic six-wicket triumph over Pakistan in the Super Fours clash of the Asia Cup 2025, it came straight from head coach Gautam Gambhir: “Fearless.”

On Sunday night at the Dubai International Stadium, India once again proved why they remain Pakistan’s biggest cricketing nightmare. While the group-stage clash ended in a one-sided seven-wicket win, this time Pakistan showed fight with the bat, posting their highest-ever T20I total against India while batting first – 171/5.

Sahibzada Farhan led Pakistan’s resistance with a gritty 58-run knock, peppered with both luck and timing, while Faheem Ashraf’s unbeaten 20 off just 8 deliveries provided late fireworks. Yet, as history has shown time and again, no total feels safe when India’s top order finds its rhythm.

And rhythm is exactly what Abhishek Sharma (74 off 39) and vice-captain Shubman Gill (47 off 32) brought to the crease. The young openers walked in with an attitude that matched Gambhir’s mantra—fearless. They demolished Pakistan’s attack with contrasting but complementary styles: Gill anchoring with classical elegance, Abhishek tearing into bowlers with audacious strokeplay.

In just 9.5 overs, they raised a monumental 105-run opening stand, silencing Pakistan’s hopes and easing the pressure on India’s middle order. Boundaries rained down, risks were embraced, and the chase was reduced to a statement of dominance rather than a test of nerves.

After the match, Gambhir took to Instagram, posting visuals of the Indian team and his dynamic openers, captioning them with a single, emphatic word: “Fearless.”

Celebrations extended beyond the dressing room:

• BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla congratulated the team on X, writing, “Congratulations Team India for defeating Pakistan once again in Asia Cup. Well done, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.”
• Irfan Pathan, with his trademark wit, poked fun at the rivals: “Hanji, kesa raha Sunday?” before adding, “Well done, Team India. You are class above all the other teams.”
• Harbhajan Singh kept it crisp: “Well done Team India, domination #INDvPAK.”
• Sanjay Manjrekar balanced praise with analysis: “Well done Abhishek, well done Gill, but let’s not forget Dube’s contribution today. Pakistan was better tonight, but India just has too much ability!”
• Yuvraj Singh, mentor to both Abhishek and Gill, highlighted the value of their stand: “An opening stand full of intent, timing and composure that set the tone for victory! Well played, boys. Keep going.”

With this win, India remain unbeaten in the Asia Cup 2025, marching confidently towards the finals. Their next challenge will be against Bangladesh in Dubai on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Pakistan, still reeling from two back-to-back defeats to their fiercest rivals, will face Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi in a must-win clash.

For now, though, one thing is clear: this fearless Indian side is playing with hunger, confidence, and flair—and the rest of the tournament has been put on notice.