Asia Cup 2025: "The way they were coming at us…" Abhishek Sharma opens up on heated exchange with Pakistan bowlers in Super Four clash

Abhishek Sharma didn’t like the way Pakistan bowlers sledging were them without any reason.

After leading Indian Cricket Team to a victory against Pakistan Cricket Team in Super Four round of Asia Cup 2025, opener Abhishek Sharma said that he didn’t like the way Pakistan bowlers were sledging him and his opening partner Shubman Gill during the clash. The left-handed batsman also added that he wanted to give a reply with his bat.

The Super Four clash between both sides on Sunday, September 21, witnessed several heated exchanges between the Indian openers and Pakistan pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. The latter was also seen making gestures to fans while fielding, when he was teased with ‘Kohli, Kohli’ chants by a section of Indian spectators.

Abhishek and Gill etched an opening stand of 105 runs off 59 deliveries while chasing the target of 172 runs, smacking Pakistan bowlers all over the park. With five sixes and six boundaries, Abhishek grabbed the limelight with his match-winning knock of 74 runs off 39 deliveries. He was also adjudged Player of the Match.

The way they were coming at us without any reason, I didn’t like it at all: Abhishek Sharma

During the post-match presentation, Abhishek said that he didn’t like the way Pakistan bowlers sledging were them without any reason and wanted to give them a reply with his bat.

“Today, it was pretty simple. The way they were coming at us without any reason, I didn’t like it at all. And I thought that this is the only [answer] that I could give with my bat and obviously [contribute] with the win towards my team. That’s all that was going through my mind. I just wanted to deliver for my team,” he said.

The 25-year-old also added that he enjoyed watching Gill attack with the bat from the other end. Gill scored quickfire 47 runs off 28 deliveries with eight boundaries in the match.

“We’ve been playing since our school days, so we enjoy each other’s company really well. And the way we started, I thought that we’re going to do this in one of the games and that’s how we’re going to start our partnerships. And luckily it was today, and I feel the way he [Gill] was giving them back, I really enjoyed it on the other side,” he added.

Meanwhile, India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the Super Four clash by chasing down a 172-run target in 18.5 overs. Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl first. India restricted Pakistan to 171/5 in the first innings, after Pakistan batters failed to capitalise on the good start provided by opener Sahibzada Farhan (58).

After his marvellous knock against Pakistan, Abhishek has become the leading run-scorer of the tournament with 173 runs in four games. India will next clash with Bangladesh on September 24 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.