**Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan Clash Witnesses Unique Powerplay Record**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 22, 2025 | 08:18 PM*

In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, India secured a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their first Super 4 match of the T20 Asia Cup 2025. The win was largely thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 74 off just 39 balls, which helped India chase down Pakistan’s total of 171 runs.

### Powerplay Blitz and New Record

The game witnessed an explosive batting display from both sides during the powerplay overs, setting a new record in the process. According to ESPNcricinfo, both teams posted their highest powerplay scores against each other in T20 International history in this match.

Pakistan started strong with a score of 55/1 after six overs, narrowly breaking their previous best powerplay total of 54/0 achieved in the 2012 Bengaluru match against India. However, the Indian openers outdid this with an even more destructive start, reaching 69/0 in the first six overs—the highest powerplay total by India against Pakistan in T20Is to date.

### Pakistan’s Innings Highlights

Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 171/5 in their 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman gave them a quick start with 15 runs off nine balls before getting out. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub then put together a solid partnership to take Pakistan to their record powerplay score. Sahibzada was the star performer for Pakistan, scoring a resilient 58 off 45 balls.

### India’s Successful Chase

India began their chase aggressively, with Abhishek Sharma hitting a six off the very first ball. Opening alongside Shubman Gill, the duo raced to 69/0 in the powerplay, setting a formidable platform. The pair went on to add 105 runs for the first wicket. Shubman Gill contributed a valuable 47 off 28 balls, including eight boundaries.

With a balanced batting effort and clinical finishing by Hardik Pandya and others, India reached the target comfortably with seven balls to spare. India’s previous best powerplay score against Pakistan in T20Is was 62/1, recorded in the 2022 Asia Cup match, but this game certainly raised the bar.

### Match Accolades

Abhishek Sharma’s outstanding knock earned him the Player of the Match award. He smashed six fours and five sixes during his quickfire 74, providing the ideal foundation for India’s successful chase.

On the Pakistan side, Sahibzada Farhan was their lone half-centurion with his 58-run knock. Despite his efforts and a record powerplay, Pakistan eventually fell short.

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This high-octane encounter not only delivered thrilling cricket but also etched new records into the history books of the India-Pakistan rivalry in T20 cricket.
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