Abhishek Sharma explained why he got involved in a verbal exchange with the Pakistan bowlers during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash on Sunday, September 21, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Tensions flared after India were asked to chase 172.
Indian openers Abhishek and Shubman Gill gave India a strong start, putting together 43 runs in the first four overs. The situation escalated in the fifth over when, after Gill hit Haris Rauf for a boundary, Abhishek and Rauf engaged in a heated verbal confrontation.
Also Read: Go fetch the ball: Gill, Abhishek in verbal battle vs Pakistan pacers in Asia Cup
The altercation grew intense, prompting umpire Gazi Sohel to step in and separate the players. Gill also joined the exchange, adding to the tension. Abhishek, who was later named Player of the Match, said he responded because he didn’t appreciate the sledging from the Pakistan bowlers.
“Today it was very simple. The way they were coming at us without any reason, I did not like it at all. That’s why I went after them,” Abhishek said in the post-match presentation ceremony while speaking to presenter and former Pakistan women’s cricketer Urooj Mumtaz.
‘We enjoy each other’s company’
Abhishek Sharma also spoke about his strong bond with Shubman Gill after India secured a six-wicket victory, chasing down the target with seven balls to spare. The duo laid the foundation for the Men in Blue with a 105-run opening partnership off 9.5 overs.
“We have been playing since school days, we enjoy each other’s company, we thought we would do it and today was the day,” Abhishek, who scored 74 runs off 39 balls with six fours and five sixes, added.
For those unaware, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill were teammates in the India U19 team that won the U19 World Cup in New Zealand in 2018, led by Prithvi Shaw and coached by Rahul Dravid.
With the win, India surged to the top of the Super Four table with two points and a net run rate of +0.689. Their next match is against the Litton Das-led Bangladesh on Wednesday, September 24, in Dubai.
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