**Abhishek Sharma Shines Against Pakistan in Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 21, 2025, 11:53 pm*

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a stellar performance against Pakistan in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In a thrilling Super 4 clash, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 171/5 in their 20 overs.

In response, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill provided India with a solid start, putting up a 105-run partnership for the opening wicket. Although India were reduced to 123/3 following Abhishek’s dismissal, the batter showcased exceptional skill and composure, scoring a brilliant 74 runs.

### A Gutsy Knock by Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek announced his intent from the very first ball, smashing a six off Shaheen Afridi. From there, he never looked back. Alongside Shubman Gill, the duo dominated the Pakistan bowling attack, helping India amass 69 runs during the powerplay overs.

Abhishek reached his fifty in just 24 balls, achieving the milestone by the 8th over. His innings of 74 came off 39 balls and included six fours and five sixes, demonstrating his aggressive yet calculated approach.

### First-Ball Sixes – A Rare Feat

Notably, Abhishek Sharma has hit first-ball sixes on two separate occasions in T20 internationals. Apart from the six against Afridi in this match, he had also achieved the feat earlier in the Asia Cup Group A match against UAE on September 10. According to Cricbuzz, Abhishek is the only Indian batter to have hit first-ball sixes twice in T20Is. Other Indian players to have hit a first-ball six once include Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson.

### Milestones and Records

– **50+ T20I Sixes:** With his knock of 74, Abhishek has now cleared 50 sixes in T20 internationals. Currently, he has amassed 53 sixes, with the second six in this innings marking his entry into this elite list.

– **Second-Fastest Fifty in India-Pakistan T20Is:** Abhishek’s 24-ball fifty is the second-fastest in T20 matches between India and Pakistan. The fastest fifty stands at 23 balls by Mohd Hafeez (Ahmedabad, 2012). The record holders for fastest fifties in IND-PAK T20Is by balls are:

1. 23 balls – Mohd Hafeez, Ahmedabad 2012
2. 24 balls – Abhishek Sharma, Dubai 2025*
3. 29 balls – Yuvraj Singh, Ahmedabad 2012
4. 32 balls – Iftikhar Ahmed, Melbourne 2022
5. 33 balls – Misbah-ul-Haq, Durban 2007

– **Highest Opening Partnership Against Pakistan in T20Is:** The 105-run opening stand between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill is now the highest for India against Pakistan in T20 internationals. The previous record was 77 runs by Gautam Gambhir and Ajinkya Rahane during a 2012 match in Bengaluru.

### Career Highlights

Playing his 21st T20 international, Abhishek has scored 708 runs at an impressive average of 35.40. This innings marked his third T20I fifty (with 2 hundreds). His strike rate currently reads 197.21, illustrating his aggressive batting style.

Moreover, as per ESPNcricinfo, Abhishek recently made his 150th appearance in T20 cricket across all formats. In this broader format, he has accumulated 4,207 runs at an average of 31.87 from 146 innings, including 23 fifties and seven hundreds. He also boasts a remarkable total of 255 sixes in T20 cricket.

—

Abhishek Sharma’s knock against Pakistan exemplifies his rising stature as one of India’s most exciting young talents in T20 cricket. With his aggressive stroke play and ability to perform on big stages, he continues to be a vital asset for India in the shortest format of the game.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/abhishek-sharma-hammers-74-versus-pakistan-in-asia-cup-2025/story