India found themselves in a battle on Tuesday at the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Bangladesh, scraping together a competitive 168/6 thanks largely to a dazzling cameo from Abhishek Sharma and a steady hand from Hardik Pandya.
Abhishek, who has been India’s breakout star this tournament, once again set the tone at the top. He blasted 75 runs from just 37 balls, peppering the boundaries with a mix of raw power and clean timing. His innings included a flurry of sixes that not only lit up the crowd but also broke a long-standing Asia Cup record. With 16 sixes in this edition, he surpassed Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya, who had struck 14 back in 2008.
Teaming up with Shubman Gill, Abhishek gave India a flying start. The pair added 77 runs in just over six overs, leaving Bangladesh reeling in the powerplay. But once Abhishek was run out, momentum began to slow. The middle order faltered under disciplined Bangladeshi bowling, and for a while it looked like India might squander their early advantage.
That’s when Hardik Pandya stepped in. The all-rounder struck a vital 38 off 29 deliveries, steadying the innings at a time when wickets were tumbling. His measured aggression ensured India reached a total that keeps them in the contest, even if it isn’t a commanding one.
Bangladesh’s bowlers deserve credit too. After a brutal start, they pulled things back with tight lines and smart variations. The likes of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman applied the brakes in the death overs, conceding far fewer than India would have hoped.
For India, the total of 168/6 feels like a mixed bag — not enough to feel comfortable, but enough to give their bowlers something to defend. Much, as always, will depend on Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav to make early inroads when Bangladesh begin their chase.
What’s certain, though, is that Abhishek Sharma’s rise continues to be the story of the tournament. From explosive starts to record-breaking six-hitting, he has quickly gone from promising youngster to India’s most dangerous weapon in T20 cricket.
